Bringing the spirit of Rioja to the UK

As September loses its grip over the last remnants of summer’s heat, it gives way to October’s softer, autumnal hues. It’s a special moment in Rioja when the valley lights up with fiery red, vibrant gold and shimmering amber; a magic carpet whose colours reflect the diversity of the region’s wines. It’s little surprise that Rioja has become Spain’s most visited wine region and a benchmark for wine tourism.

Although not everyone can witness this wonderful time of year firsthand, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the region in the UK this autumn. October is Rioja Wine Month in the UK, offering consumers new opportunities to discover the diversity and quality of Rioja.

Throughout the month, leading retailers, restaurants and bars will host tastings, promotions and events, while the new Rioja Route brings together some of London’s most exciting Spanish restaurants.

Why Rioja?

As Spain’s first Designation of Origin, Rioja celebrated its centenary last year and continues to combine tradition with innovation. Home to more than 600 wineries across 65,000ha, from historic estates to family-owned projects, Rioja sells its wines in 139 countries worldwide, with the UK one of its most important markets.

Its diversity is expressed through a wide range of styles, from crisp, vibrant whites and fruity rosés, to approachable Crianzas and complex, ageworthy Reservas and Gran Reservas.

Marked by Rioja’s hallmark freshness, these wines offer impressive versatility, pairing with every occasion from midweek meals to important celebrations. It is this variety that has made Rioja a favourite among the UK’s retailers, bars and restaurants.

This October, London becomes a gateway to Rioja. The new Rioja Route brings together leading Spanish restaurants across the capital, each showcasing Rioja through unique food and wine experiences.

Camino’s four sites will be offering Rioja wine flights, paired dishes and a variety of tasting events throughout the month. ‘The intention is to embrace the fact that people genuinely love Rioja wines, yet not all know the breadth of styles and sheer quality available today,’ explains Camino’s owner Richard Bigg.

‘Our tasting events will showcase seven wines and broaden people’s perception of the region. And if they enjoy it, thanks to Coravin, wine lovers can then go to Bar Rioja (Camino’s bar dedicated to Rioja wines) and try a range of 50 wines all available by the glass.’ And what does Bigg expect to draw the most attention? ‘One of the best sellers is a carbonic maceration red, terrific in all seasons.’

From relaxed tapas to fine dining, the Rioja journey continues in Arros QD in Mayfair, home to one of Spain’s most dynamic chefs, Quique Dacosta. A native of Dénia on the Mediterranean coast, Dacosta’s London restaurant is aptly named after the Valencian word for rice.

So why does Rioja feature heavily on the wine list? ‘Rioja and paella are arguably the most well-known references in Spanish gastronomy with Rioja offering the diversity to match our wide range of rice dishes,’ head sommelier Marina Díaz explains.

‘London wine drinkers are discerning and more open to trying new styles,’ continues Díaz. ‘For instance, we love pairing duck fideuà with Garnacha from Rioja which has less structure but great tannins and acidity.’

To complete the Rioja Route, El Pirata, Maresco and Sabor each offer a distinct take on Spanish dining, offering the perfect opportunity to explore Rioja alongside exceptional regional cuisine.

And outside of London? The UK is blessed with bars offering a wide selection of Rioja wines, like Alberrys Wine Bar in Canterbury and The Wine Room in East Molesey, both of which will be participating in Rioja Wine Month.

More ways to discover Rioja

Retailers up and down the country will also be offering customers new wines and tasting opportunities throughout October.

For wine lovers in Dorset or Devon, retailer Wine World is participating in Rioja Wine Month meaning plenty of bottles of Rioja to enjoy in England’s southern sun. If a hearty meal by the fire in the country’s northern climes is more your scene, Once Upon A Vine has you covered in Leeds and Wetherby, while Monty’s Wine Shop is stocked up with Rioja wines for its Aberdeen clientele.

One of Rioja Wine Month’s returning retailers is Davy’s Wine Merchants. Owner James Davy believes that Rioja remains one of Britain’s favourite regions because it combines familiarity with evolution. ‘Our customers like to experiment with newer wine regions,’ he comments, ‘but still want reliable favourites. Rioja fits that brief perfectly. It’s broadening its appeal to a new generation of drinkers without losing its identity.’

A full list of participating outlets can be found at buyrioja.co.uk.

Connect on Instagram | Facebook