Wine tastings in July 2016

Summer is already here and wine events tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music and wine intertwined with other events. Winelovers working in July as well as those who are lucky enough to take time off and go on holiday will have many opportunities to enjoy at least one of the activities taking place across the country throughout July. Remember to return to this page for updates on additional events.

July and August: Organized by the DO Ribeiro at Vigo's Sailing Club, the tasting sessions Catas Ribeiro Náuticas have a double aim: to present the wines to the citizens of this Galician city and to give all the proceeds to a local cerebral palsy charity called Asociación de Familias de Persoas con Parálese Cerebral, Apamp. Tastings will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 20.30. Tickets cost €3 and can be purchased on +34 986 447 441. Check participating wineries on this link.

1-2 July. Hundreds of Spanish indie music aficionados have travelled this weekend to Arnedo (La Rioja) to see bands like Dorian, Fangoria, La Moda or Pecker, among others at Fárdelej Festival. But as well as concerts during the weekend, the festival invites everyone to enjoy the cuisine and wine of the region with winery tours and tastings at Bodegas Ontañón and other activities. Day tickets cost €30

1 July - 5 August. Throughout the weekends of July and early August Festival VinyaSons will include seven musical shows at 13 wineries in Penedès, Empordà, Bages and Priorat with artists such as Las Migas, Gemma Humet, Quartet Mélt or Celeste Alías, among others, plus winery tours and food tasting. The producers who are taking part are: Can Bas, Codorniu, Gramona, Llopart, Mas Rodó, Segura Viudas, Torelló, Torreblanca, Vilarnau, Martín Faixó, Abadal, Oller del Mas and Clos Figueras. Tickets are on sale from €35

2 July. A Emoción dos Viños is a wine fair which congregates small producers from Galicia and several other wine regions from Spain and Portugal who aim to reflect in their wines the places they come from and their love for the land they work. It is a great opportunity to meet winegrowers like Xose Lois Sebio, Xurxo Alba, Bernardo Estévez, Dominique Roujou or Alberto Nanclares from Galicia as well as others like Primitivo Collantes and Ramiro Ibáñez (Sherry Triangle), Olivier Rivière (Rioja) or Rafa Bernabé (Alicante) and chat to them about their philosophy of work and their wines. This year the event moves to the town of Valença, on the Portuguese border but there will be free buses to carry participants. Time: 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00 on Saturday and 11:00-14:00 on Sunday. Tickets cost €20 for the two days. Send your request to this email address: emociondosvinhos@gmail.com

2 July. The III Eclipsi de Garnatxa Blanca in Arnes (Tarragona) will host 27 producers from the DO Terra Alta, where participants will have a chance to taste wines made mostly from this variety paired with savoury snacks made by the Terra Alta Association of Restaurants plus sweets from the patisseries in Arnes. There will also be music throughout the day with Joan Rovira. Price: €25 Further information and tickets on +34 977 421278

2 July - 3 September. Many sherry lovers are familiar or have heard of Taberna der Guerrita in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Exclusive sacas, unique bottles, limited productions and quirky bottles abound in this temple of good taste. 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. Tastings in July start on the first Saturday of the month with  Joan Valencia, distributor of natural wines and owner of Bar Brutal in Barcelona (12:30, €30) and Bodegas Domecq (20:30, €80) which will present “The remains: bottles rescued from the back of a drinks cabinet. Further information and bookings on +34 956 131 335

2 July. As part of the cycle “Ways of Explaining Wine Culture” in Vivanco’s Wine Museum in Briones (La Rioja), there will be a show with local guitar player Pablo Sáinz Villegas. He will also take part in an informal seminar afterwards which includes a glass of wine and a pintxo. Time: 20:00-21:30 Price: €10

4 July. Vinacoteca wine retailer in Barcelona (Valencia, 595) presents a tasting of Austrian wines, mostly made from Gruner Vveltliner, which is the most extended variety in the country, but also some Rieslings, a grape which producers some exciting wines in regions such as Wachau, Keremstal, Kamptal and Trisental. This is the line-up: Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Rotes Tor Federspiel 2013; Alzinger Grüner Veltliner Mühlpoint Federspiel 2015; F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Loibnerberg 2012; Alzinger Grüner Veltliner Loibnerberg Smaragd 2013; Gobelsburg Riesling Heiligenstein 2014; Bründlmayer Riesling Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben 2011; Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd 2012; Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvée 2012 (3/8) and Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Eiswein 2014 Time: 20:30 Price: €40

4-30 July. Given the success of the Sherry courses they have organised earlier this year, wine store Enoteca Barolo (Príncipe de Vergara, 211) in Madrid has decided to have daily tastings of wines from some of the best producers in the Sherry Triangle to understand the greatness of these wines. Each week there will be four different wines available starting with Dos Cortados. Palo Cortado 20 años by Williams and Humbert; Manzanilla AB by Antonio Barbadillo; Amontillado Tío Diego by Valdespino and El Maestro Sierra Oloroso. The price for these four tastings is €12. Hours: 12:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:30.

5 July. Restaurant Pura Cepa in Murcia (Plaza Cristo del Rescate) has managed to gather in their premises three producers from three different regions in Spain who share friendship —the three of them belong to Inkordia wine group of independent producers— and minimum intervention in their wines. They are Esmeralda García, from Pagos de Nona (Castilla y León); Pilar Higuero from A Pita Cega (Galicia) and Borja Pérez from Ignios Orígenes (Tenerife). Time: 21:30 Price: €35 Bookings on +34 968 217 397

6 July. Wine bar Cork in Bilbao (Licenciado Poza, 45) will host Christophe Pacalet, producer in Beaujolais (Burgundy). A former chef who took a leap of faith with the advice and support of his uncle Marcel Lapierre, he makes fresh and fragrant wines with elegance and minimal intervention. The tasting will be followed by a few snacks prepared at Cork’s kitchen. Time: 20:00 Price: €40 Bookings on +34 944 42 50 05

7 July. Bodega Santa Cecilia has organized an introductory tasting to learn about Italian wines at their Blasco de Garay, 74 store in Madrid  Led by sommelier Berta Navarro, the following wines will be available: Barolo Tre Utin Gagliasso 2011 from Piedmont; Ripasso della Valpolicella de Cortes Giara 2015 from Veneto; Chianti Castiglioni Frescobaldi 2014 from Tuscany; Montepulciano Umani Ronchi 2014 from Abruzzo and Chiaramonte rosso de Firriato 2013 from Sicily. Time: 19:00-21:00. Price: €35 (€30 for members) Booking is required.

7 July. Fernando Mora, Master of Wine student, winemaker and owner of Bodegas Frontonio will present at restaurant Los Cabezudos in Zaragoza (C/Antonio Agustín 12-14) a paired dinner with some of his wines: Microcósmico Macabeo, Telescópico Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca; Botijo Rojo Roble Garnacha, Telescópico Garnacha, Frontonio and Alas de Frontonio. Time: 21:00 Price: €45 Bookings on +34 652 954 923

7 July. For wine lovers interested in sherry, the store TomeVinos in the Madrid district of Pozuelo (Avenida de Europa, 24) will host Marina García, from González Byass, to present the following wines: Tío Pepe, Amontillado Viña AB, Leonor Palo Cortado, Alfonso Oloroso and Nectar Px. The tasting is free but a reservation is required on +34 91 1555600

13-14 July. Restaurant Surtopía in Madrid (Núñez de Balboa, 106) honours its southern spirit with two dinners that will include five dishes paired with five wines by Ramiro Ibáñez, one of the énfants terribles from Sherry country. on July 13 diners will be able to feast on bluefin tuna caught in the Cádiz shores under the traditional sustainable methods whereas the following day it will be king prawns from Sanlúcar cooked by chef Antonio Calleja. Price: €50 Bookings on +34 91 563 03 64

14 July. El Mostrador by Vila Viniteca in Madrid (General Díaz Porlier, 45) has organized a tasting of fresh and singular sparkling wines, which are rarely seen on most consumers’ tables. The following wines will be tasted: Herbel Typhaine Pétillant Naturel Rosé 2013 (Loire); Sicus Cru Marí 2009 (Tarragona); Movia Puro Rosé 2006 (Primorska, Eslovenia); Castell d'Encús Taïka 2012 (DO Costers del Segre); Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Brut Reserve 2005 (AOC Vouvray); Pehu Simonet Brut Face Nord (AOC Champagne) and Georges Laval Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature (AOC Champagne). Time: 20:00 - 22:00 Price: €39 (€35 for members)

15 July. As part of the Alella Summer Festival (Barcelona), the winery Alta Alella holds a concert by Els Gossos, who are touring to celebrate their 22 years performing on stage. It is a concert for 222 people at 22:00, a small, simple and intimate show. After the concert, wines and cavas will be served. Time: 22:00 (Doors open at 21:00) Price: 15 €

15 July. As a tribute to the Tour de France, Santander wine store La Ruta del Vino (Arrabal, 18) plans to hold a blind tasting through the French wine growing landscape. The eventwilll be conducted by César Ruiz from respected Madrid wine retailer La Tintorería. Time: 20:45 Price €30

16 July. The Yacht Club at San Vicente do Mar holds a music festival with rock & roll and wines from the D.O. Ribeiro. The second edition of Ribeiro Son de Viño will feature bands like Amor Bizarro, Familia Caamagno, Aries or Thee Blind Crows who will play from 13.00 until the late hours. As well as concerts, there will be wine presentations led by producers such as Casal de Armán, Pazo de Casanova, Eduardo Bravo, Finca Viñoa and a musical tasting led by DO Ribeiro manager Cristina Alcalá with musician Antoni Arcos . Tickets are on sale at ticketea for €12 (plus postage).

20 July. Following on with its alternative wines to the traditional Logroño scene, restaurant Guardaviñas (Marqués de San Nicolás, 47) has organized a tasting of six natural wines, made under minimal intervention and with respect for the environment. There will be a snack after the tasting. Time: 20:30 Price: €35

20 July. Wine store in central Barcelona Jovani Vins (Compte Borrell, 30) has organized a blind wine tasting. There will be four different wines which will be paired with various types of cheese. Time: 19:45 Price: €5

22 July. Flamenco guitarist Daniel Casares, will play live for the guests of   Bodegas Bentomiz, a winery in the Málaga mountains. After the concert, there will be a bar with wines and tapas. Booking is required on this email address:  reservas@bodegasbentomiz.com Time: 20:00 Price: €15

22 July. The online store specialised in old vintages Vino Vintage Santander holds at La Cigaleña restaurant in Santander (Daoiz y Velarde, 19) a six-course dinner plus a tasting of old vintages of La Rioja Alta 890: wines spanning from 1955 to 1959, 1962, 1968, 1970, 1973, 1978, 1981 and 1982. Booking is necessary on telephone +34 600 443 717. Price: €65

27 July. Antonio Barbadillo presents at Cátalo (Avda Juan Carlos I, Costa de Rota, Cádiz) a vertical tasting with three different sacas of his Sacristía AB manzanilla paired with local products such as mojama from Barbate and roasted peppers seasoned with bluefin tuna. Bookings on +34 650 654 888  Time: 21:00 Price: €25 

27 July. Restaurant Los Patios de Beatas in Málaga (Beatas, 43) organizes a tasting of wines from the region with paired dishes and music. These wines will be available: La Ola del Melillero 2015, a PX by Victoria Ordóñez; a red from Ronda called Los Aguijares Pago del Espino 2014; La Capuchina Vieja 2010 from Antequera and Zumbal Moscatel, made by Bodegas Dimobe in the rugged Axarquía region. Time: 21:00 Price: €35 Bookings on +34 952 210350

28 July. Would you be able to tell the difference between various types of Ibérico ham? You can find out today at Espai Penedès (Muntaner, 21) in Barcelona, which holds a blind tasting with five hams from different origins and quality and six wines from Penedès: Cygnus Reserva Brut Nature d’ 1+1 = 3*; Rosé Pinot Noir Cava Reserva 2013 de Canals i Munné; Mil·leni Brut Nature Reserva de Eudald Massana Noya; Gran Reserva Brut Nature de Giró del Gorner; MIM Natura Brut Reserva de Vins el Cep and Miquel Pons Brut Reserva. Time: 20:00 Price: €19 (members €15)

28 July. Wine merchant Tiza y Flor (César Elguezábal 31) in Alicante organizes a tasting of Madeira wines, greatly unknown for the general public. The following wines will be available for tasting: Justino’s Medium Rich 5 years, Justino's Sercial 10 years, Justino's Verdelho 10 years, Justino's Boal 10 years and Justino's Malvasía 10 years. The tasting will be followed by a cheese aperitif. Time: 20:00 Price: €35 Bookings on +34 965 142003

29 and 30 July.  Valenciso, a producer located in Ollauri (La Rioja), presents a summer programme with tastings, children's workshops, yoga, readings and concerts among many activities. The first sessions commence on the last weekend of July and include a yoga session in the vineyard (Friday at 19:00) and a tasting of white wines from around the world (Saturday at 19:00). Further information on this link

30 July. The 5th Mostra de vins from Lloar and Solanes del Molar (Tarragona) takes place on the last Saturday of the month with the presence of producers such as Vinícola del Priorat, Cellers Sabaté, Portal del Priorat, Terroir al Límit, Clos 93, Clos Dominic, Los Comuns (Agustí i Jordi), Torres Priorat, Merum Priorat, Celler Escoda Pallejà and the Associació de Cellers Conca del Siurana, among others. As well as tasting the wines, participants will find stands with local food products, live music and bouncy castles for the kids. Time: 19:30 Price: €6