Our September European Road Trip
Our September European Road Trip
Over the last month, we have travelled to two key countries on the European wine map: the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, with the mission of continuing to bring Bodegas Corral (DOCa Rioja) wines closer to our international customers. These trips are not only commercial, but also an opportunity to continue sharing our passion for wine and the culture that surrounds it. Over the last few weeks, we have participated in two outstanding events: the tastings organised by Matthew Clark in the UK and the event with Wine & Spirits Company in the Netherlands, two of our oldest and most valued customers at Bodegas Corral.
Our Commercial Approach: Passion and field work
The work of our sales team is not just the logistics of getting our bottles of wine to the different corners of the world, but a tireless effort to create connections, listen to our customers and continue to convey the essence of our vineyards at every meeting and tasting. Each trip we make represents months of planning and preparation, taking care of every detail to ensure that our wines receive the attention and appreciation they deserve.
At every stop, whether it is a trade fair, a training visit or a meeting with a client, our international team takes the same care and dedication that we put into the making of our wines. We know that every wine we offer is not just a product, but a reflection of our history, our terroir and the winemaking tradition that has defined us for generations.
Tasting in the UK with Matthew Clark
The first event of our tour was with one of our most important partners in the UK, Matthew Clark, a company with over two centuries of experience in the distribution of wines and spirits. Founded in 1810 in London, Matthew Clark has played a pivotal role in wine distribution throughout the region, especially in the foodservice sector.
This early autumn, we were part of tastings organised by them in Bristol, London and soon in Manchester. Matthew Clark’s tastings provide the perfect platform to introduce Bodegas Corral wines to a diverse audience of wine professionals, including restaurateurs, sommeliers and specialist buyers. Each event is an opportunity to highlight not only the quality of our wines, but also to discuss the peculiarities of the soil and winemaking techniques that define Rioja wines.
Bristol and London: Bodegas Corral’s quality on the British palate
The event in Bristol took place on 17 September, followed by an equally successful day in London. During both events, we had the opportunity to present our most representative references of Bodegas Corral, among which our premium wines, made in our centenary winery in La Rioja, stood out.
The meeting with local restaurateurs and sommeliers allowed us to explore current trends in the British market, as well as to receive valuable feedback on consumer expectations regarding Spanish wines. The UK, with its love of European wine and diverse market, is a key destination for us, and participating in these events with Matthew Clark is crucial to further strengthen our presence.
Making our wines known in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, with its trading tradition and appreciation for quality products, has always been a key market for Bodegas Corral, and Wine & Spirits Company has been instrumental in strengthening our brand in this country. During the tasting, attendees were able to taste a selection of our most emblematic wines, from our fresh whites to the robust reds that are characteristic of the DOCa Rioja.
More than a tasting: An educational and cultural meeting
What distinguishes this type of event is not only the number of wines available for tasting, but the presence of specialized winemakers and technicians, which allows for a more in-depth conversation about the characteristics of each wine, its production methods and the uniqueness of each region’s terroir. In addition, the event featured several master classes, which covered interesting topics such as wine pairings with chocolate and cheese, presented an ideal beer for wine lovers or carried out various vertical tastings.
One of the most outstanding master classes was that of Cálem Porto, a fortified wine that, like our Rioja wines, shares a rich European heritage. Brands such as Birra Baladin and Ca’ del Bosco were also present, providing a global perspective on the world of drinks and the art of their production.
Future projections: The challenge continues in Manchester
Our European tour is not over yet. The next destination will be Manchester, on October 8, where we will continue to present the wines of Bodegas Corral in the third round of Matthew Clark tastings for this year. This event will be crucial to continue consolidating our relations in the United Kingdom, a market in constant evolution and of vital importance for the export of our wines.
Final thoughts
Reflecting on this ‘European Road Trip’ we realise the importance of continuing to build and strengthen relationships with our international clients. Each event, tasting and meeting is not only an opportunity to promote our wines, but to continue sharing the rich winemaking tradition that defines Bodegas Corral and Bodegas Luzón.
For us, it is not just about selling bottles of wine, but about telling a story, about bringing a little piece of our land to every corner of the world. And although these trips require dedication and effort, the reward is seeing how our wines are appreciated and valued in so many different countries. Wine, in the end, is a universal language that we can all understand and enjoy, and we are proud to be its ambassadors.
To stay up to date, be sure to follow us on our social networks where we punctually announce our agenda of upcoming visits.