Journey through Spain’s Central Mediterranean Coast and Castilla-La Mancha to discover globe-trotting grapes like Monastrell and Bobal, the birthplace of paella, and the world’s largest vineyard region now redefining Spanish wine with bold, single-estate expressions.
Our first stop, the Central Mediterranean Coast, occupying nearly half of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is not only home to Spain’s national dish, paella, but to two underrated, local grapes quietly taking the world by storm—Monastrell and Bobal. Monastrell has been globe-trotting under the radar for a long time. Fondillón, a dessert wine crafted from this grape, is believed to have been the first wine to join Magellan as he circumnavigated the globe!
Then we'll explore Castilla-La Mancha, the largest wine-producing region in the world! There are approximately 1,100,000 acres/450,000 hectares under vine which represents nearly one-half of Spain’s total vineyard area! Once known for bulk wine, this area is now home to more than half of Spain’s Vinos de Pago or single estate bottlings. These wines are creative and fresh expressions of an ancient land; they represent a vinous frontier that lies right beneath the feet.
Online Info
- You will receive the zoom link and any handouts needed a few days before class via email. Check spam and contact [email protected] if you have not received it within 1 business day of your class/event.
- If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or delivered across the US.
- Wine parameter lists are available for those participating in locations where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
- Those who would like to attend online and forgo the wine tastings can choose "Skip the Wine".
- Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.
