Rioja Wine Lights Up the Miami Art Scene

MIAMI, FL (Dec. 5, 2019) – December launched a thrilling week of Rioja Wine events taking Miami by storm as the art world, as well as Hollywood and music-industry celebrities descended on the city for its globally-celebrated Art Basel, the prestigious art fair that brings more than 4,000 artists and 70,000 visitors to Miami. Rioja was the star of the show from gallery happy hours and parties to InterContinental and Kimpton Hotel partnerships culminating in an exclusive artist collaboration and wine and art soirée, showcasing over 50 Rioja wines from 30 wineries.

Iñigo Tapiador Larrañaga, Marketing Director of DOCa Rioja commented, “Miami is one of Rioja’s strongest markets in the U.S., with cultural and linguistic connections to Rioja, and one of the most receptive audiences on offer. We have a continued focus on Florida within our promotional strategy in the U.S. This ‘Rioja Month’ in Miami brings us to new audiences and stages, and in this case, pair our wines with the most impactful events in the art world.”

Kicking off the week, Rioja was the official wine sponsor at 12 partner galleries during the beloved Miami Beach Progressive Art Brunch. Over 200 people visited galleries aboard the Rioja Mobile Billboard – a Rioja branded shuttle bus with Jamie Knee (CSW, WSET, and founder of What is Up Miami) as host and educator – to experience the curated art and wine brunch experience. Throughout the rest of the event-filled week, Rioja sponsored happy hours at popular Wynwood and Lincoln Road galleries, including the Oliver Cole Gallery and Spinello Projects, as well as the exclusive new exhibit launch party for the David Castillo Gallery.

In partnership with InterContinental Miami, Rioja also sponsored the opening Art Basel takeover event, featuring custom digital and sculptural work from celebrated street artist, Kai. The evening includes artist meet-and-greet, limited-edition giveaways and a Rioja-hosted bar. Rioja will also be poured throughout the month in specially-curated menus at all Miami Kimpton and InterContinental properties.

Lastly, on December 4, 2019, the packed week culminated with the sold-out “Rioja Wine and Art: The Perfect Pairing,” an exclusive wine tasting and art experience at Kimpton’s newest Miami property, Angler’s Hotel, featuring artwork from celebrated Miami-based artist, J.Margulis. Over 250 press, wine industry professionals, wine lovers, and Miami-based digital content creators attended the art and wine tasting experience, where representatives from Rioja’s Regulatory Board were also in attendance.

A curated journey through Spain’s most famous wine region, the event featured a selection of wines representing each of Rioja’s distinct aging categories. Paired with an exclusive exhibit of J.Margulis’ abstract, kinetic sculptures inspired by the selection of Rioja wines, the experience included live, Rioja-inspired music, and tapas.

Ticket proceeds were donated to Locust Projects, a local Miami arts incubator whose mission is to advocate and create opportunities for visual artists at all career stages.

 

About the Rioja Consejo Regulador

Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered one of the greatest wine regions in the world. Rioja wines are protected by the oldest Designation of Origin in Spain, officially recognized in 1925. The D.O.Ca. of Rioja administers highly sophisticated and stringent quality control in the winemaking process, from viniculture to bottling. More than 180 bodegas from Rioja are available for purchase in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.riojawine.com.

 

Media Contact:

Pia Mara Finkell

R\West

piaf@rwest.com