Trace a vinous path through Spain's Central Mediterranean Coast and Castilla-La Mancha, uncovering globe-trotting grapes like Monastrell and Bobal, the origins of paella, and the planet's largest wine-producing region, which is now redefining Spanish wine through expressive single-estate bottlings.
Our first stop, the Central Mediterranean Coast, stretches across nearly half of Spain's Mediterranean shoreline and is home not only to Spain's most beloved national dish but also to two underappreciated local grapes quietly capturing international attention. Monastrell has long been traveling under the radar. In fact, Fondillón, a luscious dessert wine made from this grape, is believed to have been among the first wines to accompany Magellan on his circumnavigation of the globe.
From there, we move to Castilla-La Mancha, the single largest wine-producing region in the world. With roughly 1,100,000 acres (450,000 hectares) under vine, representing nearly half of Spain's total vineyard area, this region has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once synonymous with bulk wine, it now accounts for more than half of Spain's Vinos de Pago, or single-estate bottlings. These wines are creative, fresh, and deeply connected to an ancient land, representing a vinous frontier hiding in plain sight.
Online Info:
- You will receive the Zoom link and any required handouts a few days before class by email. Check your spam folder and contact [email protected] if you have not received it within one business day of your class.
- If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or shipped to you anywhere in the US.
- Wine parameter lists are available for participants in locations where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
- Participants who wish to attend online without the wine tastings may select "Skip the Wine."
- Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.
