Wine tastings in August 2017

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 whereas Valenciso in Rioja offers a combination of wine-related leisure activities at their winery. 

Note too that the number of music festivals featuring wine in their programme is on the increase. Let’s see more of that, please!

3-7 August. The Fiesta del Albariño, which takes place in Cambados (Pontevedra) since 1953, is a popular event with concerts, dancing parties and circus attractions. Although the fiesta has turned to more leisurely activities away from wine, there is still a chance to taste Albariños in the Professional Wine Tunnel, a tasting room sponsored by the Rías Baixas appellation. The last day of the festival sees the announcement of the winning wine among all those competing. Price: €10

3-6 August. Somontano's Wine Festival is held in Barbastro (Huesca) in northern Spain and includes concerts, dancing, comedy shows and tapas tastings as well as Somontano wine tastings and winery visits. Tickets cost €5 and include four tastings to choose from 80 wines and almost 150 tapas.

3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August. Wine merchant La Ruta del Vino (Arrabal, 18) in Santander has planned a few interesting tastings this month. The first, on August 3rd, features wines from the south of France, while Champagne takes its turn on August 10th. On the 17th there will be a tasting of Old World white wines and the 24th is a special day for “albariza, chalk and flow”. Lastly, the last day of the month is reserved for “Canibal Galicia”. Time: 20:45 Further information and bookings on +34 942 216 503

4 August. Festival VinyaSons ends its seven musical shows at 13 wineries in Catalonia with Hanfris Quartet at Oller del Mas (Carretera de Igualada C37Z, Manresa, Barcelona). The concert starts at 21:00 and will be preceded by a visit to the winery and a tasting of two wines. Price: €35

4-5 August. The EnoGastrofestival, held in Arenas de San Pedro (Ávila), is part fusionA, a social and cultural event incorporating a wide variety of disciplines ranging from fashion to motor, art or gastronomy. One of the activities in the festival, which is held between August 3 and 6 in this area of Gredos near Madrid, is a showroom focused on Garnacha wines with food trucks, local producers and a night bar featuring music. Location: Gardens of the Infante D. Luis de Borbón Royal Palace. Time: 21:30

4-26 August. As part of its 12 Summer Experiences, Valenciso has organised several activities this month. A beginners’ bonsai workshop  (4 August); swimming pool after party at La Vieja Bodega in Casalarreina (10 August), a music concert at the winery in Ollauri with proceeds going to two charities (12 August); Surprising Stories by Carlos García Zarandula at Hotel Echaurren in Ezcaray (17 August); Rioja cuisine workshop (26 August) and a cookery workshop for children with Mario Palacios, first winner of Masterchef junior (30 August). Location: Ctra 313 Ollauri-Nájera, km.0,4, Ollauri (La Rioja). Booking is essential on +34 941 304 724

4 August -2 September. The annual summer tastings at Taberna der Guerrita are a classic for wine aficionados visiting Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz). This month starts with a tasting led by Santi Rivas, from Colectivo Decantado and his cheeky take on the Sherry Revolution (4 August, sold out) and continues with Envínate (5 August, sold out), Forlong (11 August, €30), Ricardo P. Palacios with a vertical tasting of Corullón from Bierzo (August 12, €40),  Pepe Ferrer and his sherry & charcuterie pairings (13 August, €40), Wine War (18 August, €30), David Léclapart and his Champagnes (19 August, sold out), Armando Guerra with a tasting of rare Barbadillo wines (25 August, €30), Toni Pérez from Gramona cava (26 August, €30) and finally Lustau (2 September, €30). Further information and bookings on +34 697 826 096

10-13 August. Holiday makers and visitors in Castilla y León can check out Sonorama music festival in Aranda de Duero. On its 20th edition, it will have on stage bands such as Alpargata, Amaral, Ángel Stanich, Camela, Coque Malla, Delafé, El Langui, Fangoria, La Casa Azul, Loquillo, Lori Meyers, Pájaro, Santiago Auserón, Sidonie, Virginia Díaz DJ, Viva Suecia or Vurro, among others. On August 11 and 12 there will be tastings of Ribera del Duero wines led by Flequi Berruti, one of the managers of La Tintorería, a well-respected wine store in Madrid. Tastings will be held at the underground cellar of Centro Cultural Caja de Burgos, in two sessions (12:00 and 13:00) Price: €35 per day

10-14 August. The imposing sherry bodegas of Los Gigantes and Los Apóstoles owned by producer González Byass in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) will host a new edition of Tío Pepe Festival, featuring three eternal glories in the national music scene: Duo Dinámico (from the sixties), pop singer Miguel Bosé as well as Miguel Poveda, Barbara Hendricks and Gregory Kunde. After the acts, dinner will be served including wines from the González Byass wineries. Tickets can be purchased from €35

11-12 August. The town of Castrelo do Miño in Ourense hosts in its Sailing Club the Ribeiro Blues Wine Festival with the presence of some well-known Spanish bands as well as a couple of dozen producers from the area. Further details soon. Time: 21:30

12 August. Bodega Bentomiz, located in Sayalonga (Málaga), continues with its cycle of wine and music featuring the string quartet Quartzteto. A glass of wine and a welcome tapa will be served at the start of the event. Bar opens at 18:00 and the concert will be held at 20:00 Price: €35 Bookings on +34 658 845 286

24-27 August. Bodegas Franco-Españolas in Logroño hosts the second edition of Muwi Rioja Fest, a festival with indie Spanish bands such as Las Bistecs, Joe Crepúsculo, El Columpio Asesino or The Excitements, among others. As well as concerts, festival-goers will  be able to visit the winery, take part in tastings and in making their own wine at the Bordón Experience, a photo exhibition, pop-up stands with young designers, Lindy-hop workshops, foodtrucks, Rioja food tastings and children’s play area. Tickets cost from €28 per day (€40 for the full event).