Spanish Wine Academy: The Wine Tasting Class
Old Vines. Bold Wines. Unforgettable Spain.
Spain is one of the most thrilling wine countries on Earth. And its greatest treasures aren’t always the famous ones.
From the legendary cellars of Rioja to the dramatic mountain vineyards of Priorat, Spain is a wine lover’s paradise. Discover crisp Atlantic whites, powerful Mediterranean reds, ancient grape varieties, and remarkable wines that remain surprisingly affordable. In this delicious journey across the Iberian Peninsula, we’ll explore the traditions, personalities, and extraordinary diversity that make Spanish wine irresistible. Expect celebrated classics, fascinating discoveries, and a few wines you may never have heard of but won’t soon forget.
The Spanish Classics
Explore the legendary regions, traditional grapes, and distinctive wines that established Spain’s reputation for greatness.
The Wild Side of Spain
Venture beyond familiar labels to discover extraordinary native grapes, remote vineyards, and exciting new styles.
Your Spanish Wine Insider
Learn which grapes, regions, and styles to seek out, including remarkable bottles that deliver exceptional value.
Six Regions. A Thousand Discoveries.
Spain’s extraordinary geography creates an astonishing diversity of wines. From the rain-swept Atlantic coast to the rocky mountains of Catalonia and the historic vineyards of central Spain, these are some of the regions every Spanish wine lover should know.
Spain’s most celebrated red wine region, where Tempranillo, traditional oak aging, and generations of winemaking expertise create wines of remarkable elegance. From youthful reds to beautifully mature Reservas and Gran Reservas, Rioja is essential Spanish wine.
High-altitude vineyards, dramatic temperature shifts, and the Tempranillo grape combine to create some of Spain’s most impressive reds. Discover why this region has become a formidable rival to the country’s most famous wine districts.
Steep terraces, ancient vines, and rugged slate soils make Priorat one of Europe’s most remarkable wine landscapes. Discover how Garnacha and Cariñena produce intensely flavored, mineral-driven wines with extraordinary character.
Forget everything you think you know about sunny Spanish wine. Along Galicia’s cool Atlantic coast, Albariño produces aromatic, vibrant whites with refreshing acidity and remarkable finesse. A completely different expression of Spain.
In northwestern Spain, old-vine Mencía is producing some of the country’s most compelling reds. Fragrant, fresh, and beautifully expressive, Bierzo demonstrates why Spain’s lesser-known grapes deserve serious attention.
The home of Verdejo, one of Spain’s most distinctive white grapes. Expect citrus, herbs, lively acidity, and an appealing texture that makes these wines ideal for warm evenings, great food, and discovering the pleasures of Spanish whites.
These regional profiles illustrate the diversity of Spanish wine. Specific regions, grapes, producers, and vintages featured in the tasting may vary.
Beyond Rioja: The Other Spain
Spain has one of the world’s richest collections of indigenous wine grapes, many of which remain unfamiliar to American wine drinkers. Garnacha, Graciano, Godello, Mencía, Monastrell, Bobal, and dozens of others offer an extraordinary range of flavors and personalities.
The country’s wine revolution extends far beyond its famous regions. From the volcanic vineyards of the Canary Islands to the distinctive whites of the Basque Country and the powerful reds of southeastern Spain, ambitious winemakers are giving new life to traditional grapes and overlooked vineyards.
Some of Spain’s greatest wine discoveries come from regions and grapes that rarely make international headlines. With historic vineyards, impressive winemaking talent, and wines at a wide range of prices, Spain offers countless opportunities to drink exceptionally well without spending a fortune.
Spain, Through the Eyes of Wine Lovers
This class is more than a tour of wine regions. It’s a celebration of Spanish culture, geography, and the extraordinary people who make its wines. Members of the Wine School’s senior staff have traveled extensively through Spain, exploring vineyards, meeting winemakers, and studying the traditions that make this country so distinctive.
We’ve brought that firsthand experience and enthusiasm back to Philadelphia, creating an insider’s introduction to Spanish wine. With carefully selected cellar tastings, lively discussion, and intimate class sizes, you’ll discover why Spain inspires such devotion among wine professionals and adventurous drinkers alike.
Whether you’re a devoted Rioja drinker, a lover of bold reds, or someone who has barely explored Spanish wine, this class will open up an extraordinary new world of flavors. Discover the famous names, meet the unsung heroes, and find your next favorite bottle. We have a feeling Spain might just become your new wine obsession.
Spanish Wine Tasting •
Classic & Emerging Regions •
Cellar Selections •
Small Classes •
Award-Winning Wine School