Relax and holidays take over the agenda in August. Wine activities are few and far between as most of Spain comes to a halt but there are a few places where wine lovers can go to taste and enjoy good wines such as Sanlúcar in the Sherry Triangle. Taberna der Guerrita continues with its spectacular tastings calendar led by experts such as Pedro Ballesteros MW or Antonio Flores, who will bring some old wines from sherry winery González Byass.

Whether you attend any of these events or just enjoy your holidays with some nice wines for dinner, do think of us and send us a picture with the  hashtag #SWLsummer and we'll publish them on social media. Happy holidays, winelovers!

30 July - 2 August. Somontano's Wine Festival is held in Barbastro (Huesca) in northern Spain and includes concerts, theatre plays, magician shows and stand up comedy as well as Somontano wine tastings and winery visits. You can find further information and buy tickets on the DO Somontano website or by phone on +34 974 313031

1 - 15 August. Visitors and residents of Madrid who have to endure the heat during the first fortnight in town can quench their thirst at the daily champagne tastings held at Enoteca Barolo (Príncipe de Vergara, 211) with prices ranging from 7 to 10 euros for two glasses. The Barolo calendar on the retailer’s website details the brands on offer every day with names such as Tarlant, Bollinger, Jacqueson 736 and Delamotte. Special champagnes will be opened on Fridays: August 7 is for Louis Roederer Cristal 2005 (€30 per glass). Bookings on +34 917 451 92

1 August - 19 September. Most sherry lovers are familiar or have heard of Taberna der Guerrita and its Sacristía in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Exclusive sacas, unique bottles, limited productions and quirky bottles are its hallmarks. The man behind this sherry heaven is Armando Guerra, who prepares an annual summer tasting calendar to die for with some of the leading wine figures in Spain. This year’s season started on July and continues in August with names such as Pedro Ballesteros (August 6, €40), Álvaro Castro (Quinta da Pellada, Dao, August 7, 30 €), Antonio Flores (old sherries from González Byass, August 8, €50), Envínate (Canaries and beyond, August 21, €30) or Jordi Melendo (Champagne, August 22, €35), among others. Further information and bookings on +34 697 826 096

6 August. Santander retailer La Ruta del Vino (Arrabal, 18) presents a blind wine tasting with six whites from Spain and France led by Jean Marcos and Philippe Cesco, winners at the last edition of Vila Viniteca’s wine tasting in pairs. Jean Marcos and Philippe warn that there will be surprises with the wines they have chosen. Price: €25 Time: 20:45

7, 13, 15, 21 and 27 August. As part of its 12 Summer Experiences, Valenciso has organised several activities this month. Yoga classes in the Rioja vineyards (August 7, 19:00); tasting of white wines from around the world (August 13, 19:00); live music with a glass of wine and friends (August 15, 18:30, with proceeds going to three charities); watercolours and wine tastings (August 21, 18:30); art workshop for kids and a visit of the vineyards and winery for adults (August 27, 18:00). Each activity costs €15 per person and they will all take place at the Valenciso estate in Ollauri in Rioja Alta (Ctra 313 Ollauri-Najera, km.0,4) Booking is essential on +34 941 304 724

8 August. The winery that Bodegas Torres has in El Lloar (Priorat) holds an Stars' Night which includes a your of the vineyards and winery, an informative explanation led by astronomer Joan Antoni Català, an aperitif and a tasting of Salmos wines as well as a chance to see the stars through the telescope. Time: 19:30 Price: €41 Bookings: +34 678 192095

12-15 August. Holiday makers and wine and music lovers visiting Castilla-León will get a chance to attend Aranda de Duero's Sonorama Festival, with bands such as Calexico, 2manydjs, Anna Calvi, Vetusta Morla, Carlos Jean, Supersubmarina and Marlango. The festival will also include tastings of wines from Ribera del Duero. Festival tickets from €30 per day. 

13-14 August. The second edition of Tío Pepe Festival will feature two leading figures in the international music scene: mezzosoprano Nancy Fabiola Herrera and flamenco singer Estrella Morente. Tickets start at €40 and can be purchased on +34 956 357016 and include a special pairing cocktail and the concert.

13, 20 and 27 August. Hostal Sport in Falset launches Priorat Wine Van, an eight-seater vehicle that will operate every Thursday in August and September between Altafulla in Catalonia's Costa Dorada, and Priorat. The trip includes tour and tasting at Bodegas Scala Dei and Bodega del Masroig and a traditional lunch at Hostal Sport. On Saturdays the Priorat Wine Van will do a similar tour but leaving from Falset (€55). Time: 10:00-19:00 Price: €70

15-21 August. The Catalunya appellation organises a Wine Route during the Fiesta in the Gràcia district (Barcelona). Participants will find 11 spots in the streets of the neighbourhood where they will have a chance to taste nine different wines from the appellation. There will be sommeliers at hand to lead the tastings at each of these spots. 

22 August. The 8th edition of the Wines Night will take place at the swimming pool facilities in Torroja del Priorat (Tarragona) with the presence of eight local wineries (Aixalà i Alcait, El Solà d’Ares, Escoda Pallejà, Sabaté Franquet, Sabaté i Mur Viticultors, Terroir al Límit, L’Infernal and Minyó) and two from DO Pla de Bages (Abadal and Celler Més que Paraules), the guest region this year. Tickets cost €9 € and include wine tastings and a chance to take part in a draw to win a set of wines. Time: 22:00 

27 and 28 August. Requena's local museum holds led tastings of the wines on show at the region's fair (FEREVIN), which takes place until the weekend in this town in the province of Valencia. Hora: 19:00 Precio: 3 €

28 August. Basque artist and musician Naiel Ibarrola will pair music with the wines selected by winemaker Ana Martín, co-owner of Bodega Urbana (Gran Vía 66, Bilbao). The idea is that attendees interplay the four wines (Casona Micaela 2014 (Cantabria), Scaia 2014 (Veneto), Petit Verdot by Bodega Urbana and Señorío de Cuzcurrita 2008 (Rioja) with the four types of music and images with different textures that will be shown at Bodega Urbana. The tasting will be paired with Idiazabal cheese from Ipiñaburu farm (Zeanuri, Bizkaia) and cured meats from Rioja. Time: 21:00 Price: 20 € Bookings on +34 944 416 181

29 August. Most Spanish wine lovers know that Abadía Retuerta makes rather nice wine but they are probably unaware that it also produces honey. To find out more about their work with the bees,  the winery has organized a beekeeping day at its base in Ribera del Duero. The cost per person is €60 and includes protective equipment, a drive around the estate in an off-road vehicle and a honey, cheese and wine tasting. Bookings on: +34 983 680 314 (ext.524)

Do you know of any interesting wine events which are not on this list? Are you a restaurateur or retailer who organises tastings or wine events for the general public? Send us your calendar to info@spanishwinelover.com