Uncorking Spain: a first edition that opens a new narrative for Spanish wine
Exitalia launched the first edition of Uncorking Spain, a pioneering project that seeks to showcase to the world the diversity, innovation, and authenticity of Spanish wine through exclusive and transformative experiences. It was held from September 7 to 11.
A journey through four regions and six wineries
Over five days, a group of seven international opinion leaders explored four Spanish wine regions—Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Gredos, and Extremadura—visiting six wineries that represent very different styles yet share the same commitment to excellence:
- Martínez Lacuesta (Rioja) – tradition with an eye on the future.
- Remírez de Ganuza (Rioja Alavesa) – vineyards with history.
- Pinea (Ribera del Duero) – wines with personality and emotion.
- Alma Carraovejas (Ribera del Duero) – excellence rooted in the land.
- La Cendra (Gredos) – authenticity and respect for the vineyard.
- Habla (Extremadura) – innovation that breaks boundaries.
What we discovered at each stop
Each visit offered unforgettable moments: tasting La Centenaria from Martínez Lacuesta in the very vineyard that gave life to its grapes, guided by managing director Javier Bañales. Walking through the idyllic Viña Coqueta vineyard and visiting Samaniego alongside Leire from Remírez de Ganuza.
We were moved by the hospitality of Vicente, one of Pinea’s founders, who shared the creation of the winery as if it were a dream come true. We discovered the diversity of vineyards and soils, as well as the impressive cellars of Pago de Carraovejas, guided by Almudena, its technical director.
We enjoyed a family meal with Alejandro and Félix Bellido in Gredos, paired with wines that reflect authenticity and terroir. And we concluded the journey by exploring the winery–gallery of Habla, together with Juan Tirado and his family, accompanied by Eduardo, their winemaker.
International voices amplifying the story
The value of Uncorking Spain also lay in the seven international voices who joined us: Christy Canterbury MW (USA), Martie Bowser (USA), Sergei Panov (Spain/Russia), Iker Berasaluce (Austria/Spain), Diana Isac (UK), Ela Petrascu (Moldova/UK), and Miranda Smart (UK). Critics, journalists, educators, and consultants who contributed diverse, global perspectives—becoming narrators and ambassadors of this first edition.
The impact and future of Uncorking Spain
Exitalia’s Public Relations & Events department took care of every detail of the organization and logistics—from designing the itinerary to coordinating with wineries and opinion leaders—ensuring a seamless, inspiring, and high-impact journey.
With this first edition, Uncorking Spain establishes itself as an innovative project that celebrates the history, authenticity, and forward-looking vision of Spanish wine, while paving the way for future editions that will continue to showcase the richness and diversity of our territories.
At Exitalia, our belief is clear: Spanish wine is no longer just something to drink—it is something to live, to share, and to tell the world about.
This first edition of Uncorking Spain is just the beginning. In the next ones, we aim to continue bringing together wineries whose authenticity and vision will enrich this collective story of Spanish wine. Would you like to be part of the next edition?