Wines from Spain reveals full annual tasting programme

Wines from Spain has announced its expert-led wine walks and masterclasses which will bring Spanish wines to life in London and Edinburgh this May.

Leading importers and exporters of Spanish wines will show off the very best of modern Spain at the Wines from Spain Annual Tasting in London on 14 May.

Some 49 exhibitors will present their portfolios, carefully selected from the cornucopia of regions, varietals and styles that Spain is famous for.

They will be joined by wine experts who will lead guided wine walks and masterclasses throughout the day, helping visitors with curated wine selections.

Here is the full programme:

Wine walks

Visitors can book their place on expert-led tasting walk arounds.

The tours on offer are:

11am – Indies Wine Walk, with David Williams
Independent merchants are invited to join David Williams for a whistle-stop tour of the 2024 Wines from Spain Annual Tasting. David will guide them to his selection of six modern Spanish wines that independent merchants should have on their radar.

12pm – The New Kids on the Block Wine Walk, with Joe Wadsack
Our wine expert will highlight hot new releases, new interesting varietals, styles and brands.

2pm – Spain ‘By the Glass’ Wine Walk, with Peter McCombie MW
Peter McCombie MW is inviting sommeliers on a walk around tour of the 2024 Wines from Spain Annual Tasting to taste a selection of exciting ‘by the glass’ options for restaurant lists.

Clases magistrales

Two masterclasses will be presented on the day:

12pm – Cava de Guarda Superior Masterclass, with Peter McCombie MW
Cava’s commitment to sustainability, terroir, and the splendour of its native varieties comes to life in long aged Guarda Superior Cavas. Explore their versatility with Master of Wine Peter McCombie. He will present a masterclass and tasting of selected Cavas de Guarda Superior, paired with dishes from Ibérica restaurant.

3.30pm – Campo de Borja Masterclass, with Anna Harris-Noble
Many of Spain’s top winemakers are rediscovering Garnacha as a particularly elastic grape, producing wines that reflect its terroir. Old Vine Conference Regional Ambassador for Spain, Anna Harris-Noble, will explain why old vines are crucial for producing balanced, flavourful Garnachas. She will present 8 wines from across Campo de Borja and introduce the Regulatory Council’s ‘Garnacha Históricas’ research project.

• To view the London event online catalogue and to register, go here.

A regional event for the Scottish trade: Wines from Spain Annual Tasting in Edinburgh, 20 May

200 carefully selected Spanish wines will be available to taste at the Edinburgh tasting.

Wines will be grouped in 4 tasting themes:

• Aperitivo!: A selection of easy drinking Spanish whites, rosés and reds that pack a punch.
• Classic Spain: classic expressions of well-known styles and iconic regions.
• Off the Beaten Track: alternative and lesser-known Spanish styles worth exploring.
• Sparkling Spain: a selection of Spanish sparkling wines across all styles and colours.

Masterclasses will be presented by Master of Wine Rose Murray Brown and Accredited Spanish Wine Educator Miguel Crunia:

12-12.45pm Alternative Spanish Varietals, presented by Rose Murray Brown MW.
Master of Wine Rose Murray Brown will present a talk and tutored tasting focusing on Spain’s lesser-known varietals, ‘future-proof’ varieties and the revival of local grapes.

2-2.45pm Off The Beaten Track, presented by Miguel Crunia
Specifically aimed at the on-trade, Miguel’s masterclass will focus on lesser-known Spanish styles and DOs that provide exciting additions to restaurants list – including strong ‘by the glass’ options.

To view the event online catalogue and to register, go here.

Fernando Muñoz, UK director for foods and wines from Spain, said: “There is a lot of dynamism and energy coming out of Spain right now. This will be found in abundance at our Annual Tasting events.

“Our exhibitors will present a huge variety of Spanish wines from across many DOs and styles and share their insights with visitors. Our features will also allow trade and press to further their knowledge of key styles, DOs or categories. There is something for everyone, which ever part of the trade they work in.”.