#Spain #Spanish Wine #Rioja #Logroño #Centennial Celebration

Rioja Celebrates a Century of Winemaking

In February 2026, Rioja, one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions, marked a significant milestone—its 100th anniversary—by hosting a magnificent Centennial Celebration in Logroño, Spain. This grand event brought together 70 renowned wine professionals from across the globe, highlighting Rioja’s prominent place in the international wine community.

The three-day celebration, held from February 15 to 17, offered participants an extraordinary sensory experience. Master tastings, led by industry experts, showcased an impressive collection of over 300 different Rioja wines, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to delve into the region's diversity, history, and innovation.

Highlights of the Celebration

The festivities kicked off with two special master tastings designed to explore Rioja's legacy and its future. The first tasting, titled Vision for the Future, focused on new projects and sustainable practices that are launching the region into modern winemaking. Guests sampled 25 wines that illustrated the innovation occurring within the vineyards, emphasizing how these practices are essential for the region's evolution. The second tasting, Tribute to a Legacy, took attendees on a historical journey through Rioja’s esteemed 100-year timeline. It featured iconic wines that serve as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and signature styles.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was an exclusive gala dinner held at the prestigious Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. The menu was crafted by five Michelin-starred chefs—Francis Paniego, Ignacio Echapresto, Miguel Caño, Iñaki Murua, and Carolina Sánchez—who created a culinary experience paired with 16 exquisitely selected Rioja wines. As guests savored the delicacies, they enjoyed an immersive evening that celebrated the gastronomic richness and viticultural prowess of the region.

Raquel Pérez Cuevas, President of the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council, articulated the importance of the celebration, stating, “This Centennial Celebration is a declaration of identity and a celebration of our origins. For one hundred years, Rioja has built a collective legacy and forged its own character and way of understanding wine.”

A Glimpse Into the Future

Following the main events, attendees ventured to nearly 30 local wineries, providing them with an up-close look at the winemaking knowledge that has solidified Rioja's reputation as one of the premier wine regions globally. Visitors participated in tours that highlighted the unique characteristics of the region's vineyards and tasting rooms, allowing them to appreciate firsthand the expertise that goes into every bottle.

As Rioja celebrates its centennial, it not only honors its past but also emphasizes its leadership in the wine industry. The event served as a reminder that Rioja's wines are more relevant and exciting than ever before, continually evolving while maintaining their distinct identity.

With over 180 bodegas available for purchase in the U.S., Rioja's wines are not just a taste of the past; they signify a vibrant future that promises to keep captivating wine lovers worldwide. The DOCa Rioja, recognized as the oldest Designation of Origin in Spain since its official recognition in 1925, ensures the quality and authenticity of the wines through rigorous control measures that encompass every aspect from viticulture to bottling.

In summary, this centennial celebration stands as a testament to Rioja's enduring legacy and its exceptional place in the world of wine, inviting enthusiasts to taste and appreciate the rich stories behind each bottle.