Unleash the Potential of Rioja: A New Era of Excellence

Join Eduardo Bolaños for an exclusive deep dive into the evolving world of Rioja.

Discover the exciting transformation of Rioja as it celebrates its 100th anniversary as a Denominación de Origen. Learn how new regulations, including sub-regions, villages, and heritage vineyards, are unlocking the region’s full potential.

In this dynamic tasting session, you’ll:

• Explore the diversity of Rioja wines, from classic styles to innovative expressions.
• Taste the impact of Rioja’s new designations on flavor profiles and complexity.
• Learn how to confidently sell and recommend Rioja wines to your customers.
• Gain insights from Advanced Sommelier Eduardo Bolaños, a leading expert on the region.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your Rioja knowledge and impress your guests with your expertise.

Description

Rioja’s reputation was built on long-aged wines of Tempranillo blends suited for American oak. Since it was named Spain’s first DO in 1925, Rioja has remained one unified appellation, and has focused on the aging styles of classic Rioja to make it one of the world’s most famous wine regions. 

As we head into Rioja’s 100th anniversary as a Denominación de Origen, we are witnessing a unique and special time in Rioja – one that strongly respects traditions yet encourages new voices that express where the grapes are born and showcases the astounding diversity of terroir in the region.

This is the future of Rioja, where wine style meets provenance. 

With new 2017 wine laws, the region shifted its future as it approved ground-breaking changes, including a sparkling wine, labeling for sub-regions and villages, and a designation for heritage vineyards called Viñedos Singulares. Finally, all of these wines are now in the market, available to pour and purchase. 

During this seminar Advanced Sommelier Eduardo Bolaños will explain these new designations and how exciting they are for the wine industry. He has selected a special flight of Rioja wines for this seminar based on his perspective as a sommelier and wine director and as a retail wine buyer. He will guide us through this flight and show us how to successfully sell and how to convey the beauty of Rioja wines.

Tasting Component?

Yes

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to better incorporate Rioja wines into your beverage programs.
2. Learn and taste the diversity of wine styles in Rioja, from the traditional bodegas making classic Rioja to winemakers focusing on terroir.
3. Learn and taste Rioja wines from the named Sub-Regions, Municipios (villages), and Viñedos Singulares.
4. Taste the new category of sparkling wine, unique white wines, and single-variety red wines along with Rioja classics.

Session Details:

• Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Palm 1-2, Town & Country Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA
• Speaker: Eduardo Bolaños, The Wine House

About Eduardo Bolaños

Job Title

Buyer

Company

The Wine House

Speaker Eduardo Bolaños Bio

Eduardo began his wine career in Beverly Hills, CA under the tutelage of the Spago Beverly Hills Wine Director, Chris Miller. Working at Spago, Eduardo assisted in building the wine cellar that won the Wine Spectator “Grand Award” in 2010. He went on to work for top restaurants in Los Angeles: Pizzeria Mozza and Chi Spacca.
In 2012 he spent time abroad working the wine harvest in Spain, while working as a sommelier at three-star Michelin restaurants Arzak and Akelare. After living in Spain and France, he became passionate about Champagne, Sherry and Rioja. In 2014, he became an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Eduardo buys Spanish, Portuguese and South American wines at The Wine House and is an amazing salesperson who can often be found on the sales floor helping customers.