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Rioja Wine UK launches ‘Rioja Residency’ event

22 May 2023 By db staff writer

The trade association for Rioja in the UK has launched its first “Rioja Residency” educational event, due to be held in London next month.

Taking place at hotel and members’ club The Ned, the Rioja Wine UK event on 21st June will showcase culture and heritage of Rioja and its wines.

The event includes more than 20 visiting winemakers, showcasing old and rare vintages, and will include an educational journey through the three 100km designation of Rioja – Oriental, Alavesa and Alta.

It will be led by three experts on the region, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pedro Ballesteros Tores MW, and sommelier Gonzalez Rodriguez Diaz, who will be hosting a series of educational seminars:

11am: The Ten Heroes of Rioja with Sarah Jane Evans MW

Sarah Jane Evans will host a panel discussion featuring five winemakers from all over Rioja, to uncover the region’s diversity and the ten styles of Rioja wines essential to any wine list.

2pm: Secrets of the Cellar with Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW

Pedro Ballesteros Torres’ top three Rioja producers in ‘Secrets of the Cellar’ with a tasting of their best vintages to-date.

2pm: Match made in Rioja with Gonzalo Rodriguez Diaz

A food and wine tutorial which will take guests “outside of their pairing comfort zone” with a food pairing prepared by The Ned’s resident chef.

Speaking about the event, Rioja DOCa’s global marketing and communications director Iñigo Tapiador said: “The Rioja Residency will bring Spain’s Finest region to life in a significant showing of its finest, most premium wines, under one roof. The day will be a true exploration and celebration of the diversity of the region and we can think of no better venue than The Ned to home this magical enclave.

“The launch of the Rioja Residency marks the start of an exciting summer for Rioja as the region prepares to host the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards Awards in July. It’s time to give Rioja the centre stage it deserves.”