.png.transform/rendition-xs/image_image%20(1).png "Feder")
May 19 2025
Over 20 international buyers, sommeliers, and wine experts visit Spain's top wine regions following their participation in the FENAVIN fair
ICEX’s Hosted Buyers’ Program allowed international participants to discover some of the most prestigious Spanish wineries
FENAVIN - the trade fair of reference on Spanish wine just took place from the 6th to 8th of May in Ciudad Real. As part of the event, ICEX Foods & Wines from Spain and Alimentos de Espana (MAPA) organized a Hosted Buyers Program, which included the participation of more than 20 international wine buyers and wine specialists selected in collaboration with the Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish embassies abroad. These professionals come to the FENAVIN to hold B2B meetings with Spanish wineries.
After the fair four exclusive trade missions will offer international wine professionals a deep dive into the heart of Spanish viticulture—specifically, the appellations of DO Jumilla and DO La Mancha, the Rioja and Castilla y Leon Regions. These curated itineraries will expose participants to the rich traditions, emerging trends, and acclaimed wines of each region.
DO Jumilla: A Journey into Tradition and Terroir
Participants in the Jumilla itinerary, including wine directors, chefs, and restaurateurs from the U.S., Poland, and Thailand, will begin their journey with immersive vineyard tours and meetings with local producers. Highlights include tastings at prestigious bodegas (Bodegas Luzón, Ego Bodegas, Bodegas Juan Gil, Bodegas Coop BSI, Bodegas Olivares, Bodegas Carchelo), visit to the Archeological Museum of Jumilla and Museo del Vino Casa de la Ermita and a traditional rice lunch in Fuente Álamo hosted by Bodegas San Dionisio.
The mission will introduce attendees to Jumilla’s hallmark Monastrell varietals, while showcasing artisanal food products and regional gastronomy that complements the wines. Beyond tastings, the visit aims to foster lasting business relationships and elevate Jumilla’s profile in international markets.
DO La Mancha: Innovation Meets Heritage
The La Mancha mission will welcome professionals from the U.S., Brazil, China, India, and Malaysia. Their itinerary includes visits to both modern and family-run wineries, with guided tastings of Tempranillo, Airén, and other native varietals. Participants will visit various bodegas (Bodegas Yuntero, Finca Antigua, Bodegas Puente de Rus, Pago de la Jaraba, Bodegas César Velasco and Bodegas Ayuso) and will enjoy tourist visits to Windmills of Alcázar de San Juan, old winery and wine museum in Tomelloso and savour meals highlighting Manchego cuisine.
The mission emphasizes not only the quality and diversity of La Mancha’s wines but also its adaptability to export markets.
A Journey Through the Vineyards of La Rioja
Key buyers from Mexico, Croatia, Ireland, and the UK went for an exclusive deep dive into Rioja’s winemaking heritage, culture, and innovation.
Like other itineraries, this mission began on Wednesday, May 7, with participants gathering at FENAVIN in Ciudad Real before traveling to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja. The delegation was welcomed with a gourmet dinner at Wine Fandango, known for its avant-garde cuisine and extensive wine list.
Over the next two days, the itinerary featured nine premium winery visits (Solana de Ramírez, Bodegas Manzanos, Bodegas Altanza, Bodegas y Viñedos Heras Cordón, Bodegas Franco Españolas, Viña Ijalba, Marqués de Cáceres, Bodegas Navajas and Bodegas Arizcuren) showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity in Rioja winemaking
Highlights include a scenic visit to terraced vineyards and a historic underground wine cellar, open-air wine tasting in the garden of a centrally located winery, complete with panoramic rooftop views, an insight into sustainable winemaking and native varietals. The program concluded with an optional culinary walk down Laurel Street, where participants could enjoy tapas and wines in one of Spain’s most vibrant gastronomic quarters.
Castilla y León: A tour through various Designations of Origin
Participants in this itinerary, including wine buyers and restaurateurs from China, Thailand, The Netherlands, Poland, Australia and Canadá will join this journey through the Castilla y León region. They will visit vineyards in PDO (protected designation of origin) “Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla y León”, DO Toro, DO León and DO Rueda. The group will enjoy visits and tastings at a variety of bodegas (Hijos de Alberto Gutierrez, Rejadorada, Bodegas Rodriguez y Sanzo, Gordonzello, Leyenda del Páramo, Tampesta Bodegas y Viñedos and Las Dos Antiguas).
Apart from wine tasting, highlights include a visit to an underground winery founded in 1653 (Hijos de Alberto Gutierrez), a visit to century-old vineyards and a night at Parador de Tordesillas, a place of historical & cultural significance.
The tour will introduce attendees to many local wine varietals from the Duero River Valley while showcasing regional gastronomy that complements the wines.