Y Viva Espana

Have we just witnessed the most successful member tastings ever?

Autumn vines at La Rioja Alta

While we do not generally use sales as a way of gauging success at a tasting (feedback on the night and afterwards is a much more satisfying barometer), we were taken aback by the sheer number of members who placed an order after having attended these tastings in London and York last week. Almost half of all members who attended placed an order! It has to be said that the buzz during both tastings was high and vibrant, with many smiling faces having not only revisited some old favourites but also made some amazing new discoveries.

This is testament to the great interest and excitement engendered by Spanish wines at the moment. Indeed, Spain is our fastest growing category. We showed wines from all over Spain (Alicante, Calatayud, Jerez, Méntrida, Monsant, Navarra, Priorat, Rías Baixas, Ribera de Duero, Rioja, Toro and Yecla, to be precise) and, gratifyingly, orders were placed for all 31 wines on show with prices ranging from £5.50 to £62 per bottle. There is, of course, an added bonus – members who attend our walk-around tastings receive a 10% discount on wines ordered that were available on the night.

Our Spanish offer, put together by The Society’s buyer for Spain, Pierre Mansour, formed the basis for these tastings, with growers or representatives pouring the wines and talking to members about them. Were you there? What were your ‘stand-out’ wines of the tasting and why?Do let us know.

And if you’d like to be a part of our extensive tastings & events scene, then please click here for further information.

Ewan Murray
Head of Tastings & Events