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[title]The best thing about October? No, not golden leaves crunching underfoot, curling up beside roaring pub fires, carving Jack O’Lanterns, tucking into hearty autumnal roasts or box-set binges (though they’re all quite excellent, it's true). This year, the best thing about October is, in fact, Rioja Wine Month, which runs for the next four weeks throughout the UK.
As one of Spain’s most celebrated wines, Rioja – named after its eponymous region in northern Spain that spans 100km from east to west – is famed for Crianza and Reserva. But there’s so much more to get stuck into this season. Indeed, the month-long celebration at wine merchants, bars and restaurants the length and breadth of the country is all about popping the cork on the sheer variety that Rioja serves up – red, white, rosé and even sparkling included. From lipsmacking tastings that will whet your whistle to special offers that will make even the miserly part with their money – plus events, pairings, giveaways and promotions – it’s a showcase of Rioja’s 600 wineries (yes, really) and a veritable feast for the senses.
Here, we round-up eight of the best places to check out around the UK as part of Rioja Wine Month, from London and Bristol to Cardiff and beyond.
Amathus, nationwide
Family-owned wine importer Amathus – which threw open its doors in 1978 and has stores around the country from Bath to London and Brighton – knows a thing or two about tipples. On October 16 and 17 (a Friday and Saturday, no less), all 15 of its outposts will be serving up free Rioja tastings so you can try a range of styles, while meeting fellow winos in the process. Sniff, swirl and slurp, we say.
Le Vignoble, Bristol and Plymouth
Perched on the water’s edge next to Castle Bridge in the vibrant city of Bristol, Le Vignoble is a wine bar, shop and tasting space all in one. Owner Yannick is the man behind the menu with a passion for small, independent producers and a knowledge that’s second-to-none. At both its Bristol and Plymouth outposts, there’ll be guided Rioja tastings and sampling aplenty with a special tasting evening for members of its Wine Club on October 6. Bottoms up!
Highbury Vintners, London
From Crianzas to Gran Reservas and Garnachas, London’s Highbury Vintners is hosting a month-long Rioja takeover at its historic premises at 71 Highbury Park where owner James brings 40 years of wine-loving experience. Throughout October, you can expect weekly and blind tastings, plus a special Rioja and tapas pairing evening that proves just how food-friendly bottles from the region really are.
Frazier Jones Wine Merchants, Solihull
Serving up quality wines to the West Midlands and beyond since 1848, the good folk at Frazier Jones Wine Merchants in Solihull know their way around Rioja. On October 9, they’ll be celebrating with Viva La Rioja, an event that’ll include a guided tasting of reds, whites and rosés – or rosados. They’ll also be offering expertly curated mixed cases so you can discover more from the region you love (and thought you knew).
Vintopia, Stroud
Calling the Cotswolds massive: Vintopia Wine Merchant is going all-in for Rioja Wine Month at its store in Stroud. There’ll be a pop-up wine tasting on October 3, a very special Rioja dinner expertly paired with wines from powerhouse producers on October 17 and plenty of opportunity to try lots of varieties by the glass throughout the month via the Enomatic (the best invention ever, right?). Why not put your palate to the test with the Call My Bluff experience and see just how much of a connoisseur you really are? We dare you.
Bar Tozino, London
Small plates and rustic vibes are very much the order of the day at Bar Tozino – a traditional Spanish bodega in the capital’s Maltby Street Market – but for October they’ll be shining the spotlight on Rioja rather than sherry. Authentic tapas and dishes will be perfectly matched to a rotating Rioja of the Week with loads of varieties from the region available by the glass throughout the month.
Asador 44, Cardiff
Wine flights, food pairings and a charity raffle that gives you the chance to wine a spectacularly massive 15-litre bottle of Beronia – it’s all going down for Rioja Wine Month at Asador 44 in Cardiff. It’s the perfect excuse to book a table at the Spanish grill and wine house, housed in a red-brick building a stone’s throw from the Principality Stadium.
Crystal Palace Wine Club, London
South London’s newest (and hippest?) wine bar in Crystal Palace isn’t holding back for Rioja Wine Month. You’ll be able to enjoy truly exceptional wines from the region throughout October and get stuck in with a dedicated tasting on October 7. Taste something you like? Good news: this sweet spot offers all of the wines it serves to buy online for delivery across the UK. Muy bueno.
