Further to this weeks topic, the people from Wines of Rioja are sponsoring a fantastic summertime event on the 27th and 28th of June.

TAPAS FANTASTICAS is a celebration of the great wines of Rioja in harmony with some brilliant Tapas produced by some of London’s best Spanish chefs.

Tapas Fantasticas, 27-28 June, 11.30am-5.30pm, a free festival created by Wines from Rioja, is returning following the huge success of last year.

Celebrating Spanish tapas and Rioja wine, this colourful event will be running over two fun-filled days in Brick Lane Yard, London E1 6QN.

Come and taste a spectacular variety of red, white and rosé wines from some of Rioja’s most famous vineyards as you make your way around the vibrant wine and tapas stalls. Savour a diverse selection of tapas from both London’s finest Spanish restaurants and tapas chefs from the home of Rioja, who will be flying in for the weekend to cook up a taste of Spain.

There will be plenty to entertain – enjoy live Spanish music and an unforgettable eating and drinking experience. Purchase your wine glass on entry and receive six tokens which can be exchanged for samples of top class Rioja wines. Sign up for the free wine tasting seminars with wine experts Olly Smith and Susy Atkins to learn more about Rioja and discover what tickles your taste buds!

So get down to Tapas Fantasticas to enjoy all the best things from Rioja!

Key Event Information
Location:
Find Tapas Fantasticas in Brick Lane Yard, 146 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QN (entry on the corner of Buxton Street & Brick Lane)
Nearest tube stations: Liverpool Street or Aldgate East Station
Saturday 27th June - Sunday 28th June
Entry 11.30am – 5.30pm
FREE ENTRY. PURCHASE A WINE GLASS FOR £2 AND GET 6 TOKENS TO SAMPLE 6 DIFFERENT WINES
(Tapas and wine by the glass also available for purchase)
All details available on www.winesfromrioja.co.uk/tapasfantasticas

Rioja Wine
24 exciting Rioja wineries will be exhibiting at Tapas Fantasticas. Rioja is one of the most famous and recognised wine regions in the world, producing exceptional red, white and rosé wines in both modern easy-drinking and traditional food-friendly styles.  Combining the best of old world expertise with a contemporary, forward thinking approach, Rioja has a wine for everyone!

Wineries at Tapas Fantasticas

  • Baron de Ley
  • Berberana
  • Bodegas Altanza
  • Bodegas Bilbaínas
  • Bodegas Corral
  • Bodegas Darien
  • Bodegas Navajas
  • Bodegas Ontañón
  • Bodegas Paternina
  • Bodegas Valdemar
  • Bodegas Vallemayor
  • Campo Viejo
  • Criadores de Rioja
  • Cvne
  • El Coto de Rioja
  • Eridano
  • Faustino
  • Finca Valdeguinea
  • Gran Familia
  • Marqués de Cáceres
  • Marqués de Murrieta
  • Pagos de Rey
  • Santiago Ijalba

Rioja wine tasting seminars
There will be four Rioja wine tasting seminars on each day of Tapas Fantasticas hosted by wine experts Olly Smith and Susy Atkins. They will take you on a thirty minute journey through the senses with lively and fun tips to help you discover what tickles your own taste buds and dispel any fears around what to look for when tasting wine. Learn which white, red and rosé Rioja wines you enjoy most and what will complement your choice of food.

Early birds can secure their places by emailing tapasseminar@phippspr.co.uk or calling on 020 7759 7400.

Olly Smith – Saturday 27th June
Ex comedian and actor, Olly brings a lively and humorous but highly educated approach to wine tasting.

He is drinks columnist for Sainsbury’s Magazine and Men’s Health magazines and writes his own monthly email bulletin Hot Bottle as well as writing for the online publication www.thewinegang.com. He has graced our screens on numerous occasions on shows such as Richard & Judy (Channel 4), Great Food Live (UKTV), Taste (Sky) and Saturday Kitchen (BBC). Catch him while you can!

London times: 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm

Tapas
The home of Rioja is comprised of many towns, each with their own distinct charm. Tapas bars line the streets each offering their own specialities. Three such bars will be cooking their famed delights in London.

Alongside this, London’s vibrant collection of Spanish restaurants, known to many across the capital for their varied menus and the best authentic cuisine outside of Spain will go back to their roots this weekend and serve an impressive collection of modern and traditional tapas.

So relax, take your time as you sample the delights - do it like the Spanish do and go Pincho hopping! A taste of Rioja, one tapa, move on to the next…

Spanish Tapas Bars at Tapas Fantasticas:

  • Asador Sagartoki
  • Bar Lorenzo
  • En Ascuas

Entertainment
Musicians and bands: 
Modern Spanish music will be playing all day long at Tapas Fantasticas appearing on the dedicated stage.

The crowd will be treated to a range of guitar based music, DJs and dancing. The full line up will be confirmed nearer the time.

Children’s activities:
There is a dedicated area for children to sit and play with art and craft materials with the opportunity to decorate a bunch of grapes to add to the larger than life-size vine - perfect for keeping your little ones amused and immersed in the festival.