It’s been exactly 100 years since the Rioja Designation of Origin was created. And although I personally have absolutely no idea what that means, I do know that it sounds like a pretty great excuse to spend a day guzzling wine. Which is something I’m always happy to get involved in.
Someone who knows exactly what’s going on in the world of Rioja, however, is Richard Bigg – the proud owner of London’s rather lovely Bar Rioja. The King’s Cross wine bar is the only bar in the world that’s dedicated exclusively to wines from the Rioja region in northern Spain. And next month, it’s holding its very first Bar Rioja festival. I’ll most certainly drink to that.
Credit: @bar.rioja via Instagram
Bar Rioja festival
Tucked away in a cosy courtyard near King’s Cross, Bar Rioja is an intimate 28-cover bar, dedicated entirely to – not sure if I’ve mentioned it yet – Rioja. Inspired by the biannual ‘Barrio de la Estacion Cata de Vinos’ regional tasting event, the Bar Rioja festival will shine a light the Rioja region’s unrivalled diversity, quality and value.
Taking place on June 14 across two separate sessions (12pm-3pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm), the festival will feature 15 bodegas and 18 wines from across the region; showcasing both traditional and more modern styles. Richard Bigg has invited some of his favourite wine suppliers to take part in the event. So you can pretty guarantee that it’s all going to be *chef’s kiss*.
Credit: @bar.rioja via Instagram
Alongside the abundance of vino, there will also be some delicious Spanish food served up by chef, Nacho Del Campo, and live music to keep you entertained. Tickets cost £49.50 and also include a fancy branded class and holder for your sampling. So, whether you’re a Rioja-newbie or a seasoned sommelier; Bar Rioja’s very first festival is it’s sure to rioja your world. See what I did there?
Find out more about the Bar Rioja festival and grab a ticket here.