Wine tastings in November 2019

As well as our second #LaviniaSWL Wine Party in Madrid with the presence of 30 small but well-regarded producers from Spain, the tastings agenda in November features the Most Festival in Penedès, with interesting films about wine and the independent wine fair Castes in Vilagarcía de Arousa in Galicia.

1-3 November. The town of Gandesa, in Catalonia's Terra Alta, celebrates its 32nd Festa del Vi with a calendar of activities which includes a showroom with wines from 30 producers and Garnacha Blanca Night, with around 40 wines that will be served in the Modernist building owned by the Cooperative of Gandesa with food served by l’Antic Molí (1* Michelin). As well as live music, there will be tastings, a popular dinner with clotxa, a traditional meal prepared by local farmers and guided tours of the area's wineries throughout the weekend. Price: From €12

2 November. Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón in Rioja hosts the first edition of Cuzcuwine 2019, a harvest festival featuring baloon rides, grape stomping, bouncy castles, eighties fiesta and wines from local producers such as Bohedal, El Arca de Noé, Heredad Martínez Castillo, Pretium, Tarón, Tobía and Urbina as well as pinchos. Time: from 09:00 Price: €8

2 November. To celebrate the end of the harvest, the town of Morera del Montsant hosts the Festa del Vin Blanc with the participation of 10 wineries of the DOQ Priorat and stands manned by local artisans and producers in addition to a free ancient music concert. Location: Plaça del Priorat d'Scala Dei. Precio: 12 €

4-6 November. The Chamber of Commerce and the International School of Cuisine in Valladolid present the I International Dining Service Conference with more than 20 speakers such as sommeliers Ferran Centelles, Rafael Sandoval, Guillermo Cruz, Terry Kandylis or Didier Fertilati who will analyze trends and new practices in the sector. There will also be a seminar with four Spain-based Masters of Wine -Norrel Robertson, Fernando Mora, Almudena Alberca and Andreas Kubach- and a tasting of wines from Castilla y León led by MWs. Place: Valladolid Fair. Price: From 150 € + VAT

4-10 November. Sherry wines celebrate their International Week with a variety of events in countries such as the United States, Germany, South Africa, Brazil and Japan. The list of activities in Spain, which includes upwards of 300, includes dinners matched with sherry, paired tastings with wines from various producers in Sherry Country, show cookings, visits to wineries, etc. Check the calendar of events by country.

5 November. Casa Montaña in Valencia (Carrer de Josep Benlliure, 69) in partnership with Wine Up Tour present a selection of eight wines paired with tapas. The wines are: Conde de Valdemar Tempranillo Blanco 2018 (Rioja), Organistrum Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2015 (Rías Baixas), Ulterior Parcela 17 Graciano 2016 (VdT Castilla), Dominio del Prior Petit Verdot 2013 (VdT Castilla), Bisiesto Cabernet 2012 (Uclés), Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2011 (Rioja), Alfonso Oloroso Seco (Jerez) and Solera 1847 Oloroso Dulce. Time: 21:00 Price: €33 Further information on +34 96 3672314

5 November. Wine bar Cork in Bilbao (Licenciado Poza, 45) has invited winemaker Javier García to present his project in Sierra de Gredos (Madrid), as well as the wines of Viña Somoza, a producer in Valdeorras where he consults. The tasting will be followed by a few bites prepared onsite. Time: 20:00. Price: €35 Further information on info@corkbar.es

6 November. Valladolid wine store Majuelos Singulares (San Ignacio, 9) presents a tasting of seven wines comparing Sanlúcar vs Jerez. The tasting will be led by sherry educator Ignacio Soto. Time: 20:30 Price: €20 Further information on +34 983 370 974

6-7 November. Logroño’s Marketing Club hosts the 14th International Wine Forum in Logroño with a programme that includes presentations and debates about marketing, wine tourism, wine consumption, communication and a debate about how to adapt appellations to market changes, among other things. There will also be a tasting of new Viñedo Singular wines from Rioja and a dinner.   Price: €175 (€65 for Club de Marketing members) and €65 for dinner (€40 form members).

7 November. Wine store Los Patios de Beatas (Beatas, 43) in Málaga presents a tasting of four wines from Bodega Ronda Samsara that will be followed by a paired dinner with these wines. Time: 20:45 (tasting) and 21:45 (dinner) Price: €10 tasting, €30 dinner. Further information on +34 952 210350

7-17 November.  The ninth edition of Catalonia's Most Festival in Penedès features some very interesting films about vineyards, wine and cava culture and wine tastings. With Galicia as the guest region this year, there will be films and shorts with wine as their central topic followed by tastings related to the films on show with wines from Switzerland, Jerez, Catalonia and Galicia. The films will be shown at various locations, including wineries like Caves Llopart, Jean Leon, Recaredo, Sumarroca, Carol Vallès o Celler Pardas, among others. One of the novelties this year is a tasting for young people plus Nit del Vi/nil (Wine and Vinyl Night) with DJ Miqui Puig. Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website from €5.

8 November. Spanish Wine Lover and Lavinia host the second #LaviniaSWL Party in Madrid  A total of 30 producers —five more than last year— will travel to the capital to present their wines, many of them new releases. here will also be a gift to the best party photo published on social media with our hashtag #LaviniaSWL and your chance to get a free Lavinia member card (worth €10) that entitles holders to discounts and special offers. See you there! Where: Lavinia Ortega y Gasset, 16 Time: 20:00-23:30  Price: €30 You can buy your tickets on this link.

8 November. Restaurant La Vieja Bodega in Casalarreina (La Rioja) presents a tasting of four Bordeaux wines (left and right bank) presented by Juancho Asenjo followed by a paired dinner with four more wines from Bordeaux. Information and bookings on +34 941 324 254 Price: €80

9 November. A new edition of Vinofest, the Navarra wine festival, is being held in Tudela with 14 regional producers the appellation presenting their wines at Teatro Gaztambide. Participating wineries are: Malón de Echaide, Príncipe de Viana, ominio Lasierpe, Bodega de Liédena, Marco Real, San Martín, Viña Aliaga, La Casa de Lúculo, Inurrieta, Campos de Enanzo, Gran Feudo, Pago de Cirsus, Irache and Finca Albret. Opening hours: 11:30-14:30 and 18:00-21:00 Price: €5

9 November. The Spanish Tasting School - Escuela Española de Cata (Mártires Concepcionistas, 19) hosts the first Orange Wine Salon as part of Madrid Orange Week with various tastings and events during the week. At the tasting today there will be 16 producers from Friuli, Goriska Brda and Carso as well as wine growers from different regions across Spain presenting over 60 wines. Time: 17:00 - 21:30 Price: €10 

9 November. Tasta Porrera is a wine and local gastronomy fair hosted by the Asociación de Bodegas de Porrera and the town council as part of the local fiesta. Wines from the 18 wineries of the village will be on display accompanied by local cuisine and there will be direct sale of wines. Time: 11:00 - 14:00 Price: €12 (8 tickets and glass).

10 November. To mark European Wine Tourism Day, the Association of Wine Museums in Spain is organising a photography competition to reward the best photo or video (maximum 15 seconds) shared via Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #enoturismoAMVE19. The prize will consist of a free entrance to a museum for two persons.

11 November. Chef Juan Carlos Ferrando hosts in his restaurant in Logroño the first "gastroephemeral" encounter, which on this occasion will be attended by chef David Goerne, who manages the restaurant Manoir de Rétival (1* Michelin) in Normandy. The menu will consist of ten dishes prepared by both chefs and accompanied by a selection of wines from Bodegas La Rioja Alta and Champagne Mennetrier. Bookings on reservas@juancarlosferrando.com or on +34 941 214795. 

11 November. The 7th exhibition of 21st Century Wineries and the latest innovations will take place at the Villa Magna Hotel in Madrid with the presence of more than 55 wineries such as Viña Costeira, Victoria Ordóñez, Verum, Sei Solo, Remírez de Ganuza, Ramón Bilbao, Macán, González Byass, La Rioja Alta, Finca Valpiedra, Castillo de Cuzcurrita, Pujanza or Arínzano, among others. Time: 12:00 -15:00 and 17:00 - 21:00. If you are interested, call +34 915 916 938

12 November.The Unión Española de Catadores in Madrid (Lope de Vega, 27) presents a tasting of (almost) unknown Montilla-Moriles Tinaja and Fino wines hosted by María Antonia Fernández-Daza, a good connoisseur of the area. Some of the Pedro Ximenez-based wines at the tasting are made by the following wineries: Lagar Los Raigones, Lagar de Casablanca, Jesús Nazareno, Lagar de los Frailes, Bodegas Luque and Bodegas La Inglesa. Time: 19:00 Price: €35 (€20  members).

12 November. Biologist and winemaker Carlos Mazo, behind Vinos en Voz Baja in Rioja, and our editor Amaya Cervera take part today in Diálogos de Comunicación in Haro, an event organized by the Association of Communication Companies in La Rioja. Both speakers will talk about the impact of the digital era in the world of wine and how to reconnect with the land as we live in the most hyperconnected moment in history. Where: Palacio de Bendaña, Haro. Time: 12:30 Entrance is free but inscription is required.

13-14 November. Sommelier Pilar Cruces of Lust for Wine presents an introductory tasting of New World wines with cuvées from different countries accompanied by a discussion on the differences in legislation, production and marketing of these wines with respect to the Old World. The tasting will take place in two locations: Aranda de Duero (La Raspa Restaurant, 13 November), and Burgos (Lust for Wine room, 14 November). Time: 20:00 Price: 35 €. Reservations at info@lustforwine.es and 638 661408

14 November. Fintan Kerr, the author of blog Wine Cuentista, presents today a tasting of six wines from the Rhône at Agüita Vins in Barcelona (Carrer de la Volta d'en Colomines 2(Nàpols, 184-186) with the following cuvées: Delas Cotes du Rhone St.Esprit Blanc 2017, Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage Blanc ‘Les Jalets’ 2016, Stephane Ogier Viognier de Rosine 2017, Ford Croze Cuvee Styrus 2016, Louis Cheze Ro-Ree St.Joseph 2016 and Clos du Mont-Olivet ‘A Seraphin’ 2016. Time: 19:00 Price: €30 

14 - 24 November. The Passeig de Gràcia Association hosts Cocktail Boulevard, the first cocktail festival made with cava, in partnership with some of the bars and restaurants in this area of Barcelona. During 10 days in November, these cocktails will be offered as well as mixology and tasting workshops. Price: €9 with alcohol and €6 alcohol-free, both including a snack.

15 November. Wine store Sorbo in Ponferrada (Calle Ancha, 19) organizes a tasting with José Manuel Ferreira, winemaker at Prada a Tope in DO Bierzo. José Manuel has prepared a selection of wines featuring his youngest wine: Maceración 2019. Price: €12. More information in sorbovino@gmail.com or by calling +34 650765644

16 November. Tasting school Vináliti in Málaga celebrates its 15th anniversary party at the city's Balneario de los Baños del Carmen. Everyone who has ever taken part in one of its courses or tastings is invited to go. Time: 13:30 until late. Price. €45 (€37 before 10 November)

17 November. The third edition of Independent Wine Fair Castes takes place in Vilagarcía de Arousa (Praza de Abastos) with the presence of four dozen small producers, mostly from Galicia and other Spanish regions, such as Formigo, Luis Seabra, Diego Magaña, Cume do Avia, Algueira, Adega Entreosríos, Cabana das Volvoretas, Borja Pérez, César Márquez, Gómez Cruzado, Luis Pato, Verónica Ortega, 4 Monos, Michelini Mufato and Casa Castillo among others. As well as the wine tunnel, the event will feature the 2nd Tasting in Teams Championship. Hours: 12:30-22:00 for the wine tastings and 09:00-11:00 for the tasting competition. Price: €19.99

18-20 November. Fòrum Gastronòmic in Barcelona has a section dedicated to wine with several workshops including Re-think Wine (19th) led by sommeliers Clara Isamat, Núria Renom (Bar Brutal), Evelyn de las Alas and chef Rafa Peña (Gresca); Wine in the Plate (19th) with chef Andreu Genestra and sommelier Joan Arboix and Wine Sales Innovation in Restaurants (20th) with Ferran Centelles and Manel Sarasa from Wineissocial. All activities include a tasting. Tickets from €15.

19 November. Enoteca Barolo (Príncipe de Vergara, 211, Madrid)  presents a tasting of Italian Nebbiolos with the following wines: Roberto Voerzio Brunateo 2012, Rinaldi Brunate, Barolo 2015, Ester Canale Vigna Rionda, Langhe 2016, Guido Porro Vigna Rionda, Barolo 2015, Brovia Villero, Barolo 2013 and another producer from Villero. The tasting will be led by Miguel Prohens. Time: 20:30 Price: €60

20 November. Mario Estévez, author of blog El Baranda and one of the members of tasting group Enolobby Charro, sends us news of a tasting they will be hosting at restaurant María y el lobo in Salamanca with the wines of producer Oxer Bastegieta (Oxer Wines): Marko 18 y Marko Gure Arbasoak 2018 (Bizkaiko Txakolina), Iraun 2016, Artillero 2017, Suzzane 2016 and Kalamity 2011 (Rioja). Time: 19:00-22:00 Price: €55 (includes dinner after the tasting).

20 November. If you want to know more about Italian wines, Propaganda12 and Colorful Wines organize a tasting in English with wines from Piedmont. The tasting will be led by Jimena Cristo and includes the following cuvées: Luigi Baudana Bianco Dragon 2018 (Langhe), Prunotto Barbera D'Alba 2017, Prunotto Barbaresco 2016 and Conterno Fantino Barolo Castelleto Vigna Pressenda 2014. They will be paired with several dishes from this Italian region.  Where: Propaganda12 (Libertad 12, Chueca, Madrid). Time: 20:00, Price: €40. Bookings: jimena@colorfulwines.com 

21 November. Restaurant Los Cabezudos in Zaragoza (Antonio Agustín 12-14) hosts a dinner paired with Lustau wines including the following bottlings: Vermouth, manzanilla Papirusa, palo cortado Cayetano del Pino, oloroso viejo Emperatriz Eugenia, East India Solera and amontillado VORS. Carlos Ruiz, ambassador of Bodegas Lustau, will lead the tasting. Time: 21:00 Price: €65 (menu and wines). Bookings on +34 652954923

22 November. The Association of Amigos de la Vid y el Vino in Alcobendas (Agrupación PSOE, Francisco Largo Caballero, 44) presents a tasting of wines made with Garnacha, a variety that has been revived after many years eclipsed by tempranillo but which was historically present in the vineyards and assemblages of classic Rioja reds and now in many other areas. Time: 19:00 Price: €30 (members €25). Reservations by phone on +34 669 404 169

22 November. Wine store in Vitoria Vinosfera (Rafael Alberti, 24) presents a tasting of five sparkling Corpinnat wines paired with Iberico ham and Idiazabal cheese. Time: 19:00-21:00 Price: € 25 Bookings on info@vinosfera.es

22-24 November. Eight producers from Valencia (Coviñas, Chozas Carrascal, Dominio de la Vega, Hispano Suizas, Pago de Tharsys, Torre Oria, UVE and Murviedro) take part in the 7th Cava Fair in Valencia's Colón Market. As well as tastings on the stands, there will be a masterclass on Saturday 23rd about cocktails made with Cava and a caviar and cava workshop (€25) where attendants will taste caviar from four different countries paired with four Cavas. Tickets for the fair cost €10. Further information on feria.cavavalenciano@gmail.com

25 November. The Mostrador de Vila Viniteca in Madrid (General Díaz Porlier, 45) presents a tasting of champagnes Grand Cru or very special vintage ones. The following cuvées will be available: Gonet-Médeville Champ d'Alouette Grand Cru 2004, Larmandier Bernier Les Chemins d'Avize Bl. de Blancs Extra Brut 2011, Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru 2009, Roger Coulon Brut Les Côteaux de Vallier, Paul Déthune Cuvée l'Ancienne Brut Grand Cru and Bollinger La Grande Année 2007. Time: 20:00 - 22:00 Price: €99 (Members €89)

25 November. After visiting several Spanish cities this year, the Experiencia Verema arrives at Barcelona (Maritime Museum). As well as the showrooms, with over 100 producers, there will be themed tastings hosted by Campo de Borja, Somontano and Ribera del Duero appellations as well as by producers Ramón Bilbao and Faustino. Tastings will take place at Salón 'Las Sirenas' in Hotel España. Hours: 12:00 - 21:00 Price: €5 online and €10 at the gate.

25 November. The Denomination of Origin Uclés hosts a technical seminar to discuss sustainable development goals in the wine trade - agenda 2020 with several talks and a round table. Location: Santiago Monastery in Uclés (Cuenca). Entry is free and there is a chance to travel by bus to anyone going there from Madrid. Time: 09:30-14:30 Bookings on +34 652 148531

27 November. Aseginolaza & Leunda are Jon and Pedro, two friends from the Basque Country who make wines in Navarra. Jon will be today at Umami Gijón (Avda. Rufo Rendueles, 8) to present their Garnacha-based wines: Kauten 2018, Matsanki 2018, Cuvée 2018 and other experimental wines. Time: 20:00 Price: €18 The tasting will be followed by some snacks.

27 November. Restaurant Monvínic in Barcelona (Diputación, 249) suggests a journey around the planet with Chardonnay, one of the most cultivated varieties in the world. Sommelier Gael Lebec will lead the tasting, which includes the following wines: JL Vergnon Champagne Blanc de blancs Les 7 Crus Brut, Ochota Barrels Adelaida Hills The Slint Chardonnay 2015, Casa Lapostolle Colchagua Classic Chardonnay 2017, Augustus Penedés Chardonnay 2018, Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Arthur Chardonnay 2016, Felton Road Central Otago Chardonnay Block 6 2016, Mlecnik Valter Vipavska Dolina 2010 and Roulot Mersault Les Meix Chavaux 2011. Time: 20:00 Price: €55

27 November. Four Priorat producers -- all Llach (Porrera), Mas d’en Gil (Bellmunt del Priorat), Clos Figueras (Gratallops) and Mas Doix (Poboleda)-- all of them family owned and with their own vines where they grow local varieties such as Garnacha and Cariñena, have joined forces under the brand Priorat Singulars to raise awareness about their territory. Today they present wines from these four villages which represent more than half of the total wine production in the region. The tasting will be held at Celler El Tros (Mallorca, 303) in Barcelona and will be led by sommelier Bruno Tannino. Time: 19:15 Price: €65

28 November. Since 1994, Vila Viniteca hosts the Fiesta del Vino Joven in the Born district in Barcelona (Agullers, Consellers and Canvis Vells streets) usually attended by around 3,000 people. It is an opportunity to taste wines from the latest vintage made by 30 bodegas from different regions and paired with  tapas and dishes made by a bunch of restaurants in the neighbourhood. Time: From 17:00 Price: €5

28 November. Restaurant Entrevins in Valencia (calle Paz, 7) suggests an improvised tasting choosing among more than 600 brands of still wine and champagne on their list. Wines are chosen on the spot based on the tastes of the participants with prices ranging between €30 and €5o per bottle (to divide among participants. You decide when to stop. Wines will be served with four  tapas. The tasting will be led by Guillaume Glories. Time: 21:00 Price: €12 for the  tapas plus the proportional part of the wines.

28 November. The eighth Salón de las Estrellas of Guía Peñín will take place today in Madrid (Ático de Chamartín) with the chance to taste wines with three, four or five stars in Guía Peñín 2020. Time: 16:00-20:00 Price: €60

29 November. Over 200 wines from 20 bodegas in Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus and Greece such as Mas Doix, Enric Soler, 4 Kilos, Danjou-Banessy, Domaine Tempier, Occhipinti and Testalonga will be present at the second Homeric Wine Show held at restaurant L'Escaleta in Cocentaina (Alicante). There will be tastings of Jean Leon and Gutiérrez de la Vega wines and a debate about identity and territory and communication of Mediterranean wines. Time: 09:30 - 21:00 Price: €30 (Tastings cost €40 each) Bookings on +34 965 592 100

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 yolanda@spanishwinelover.com