ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

November 1 of 2025 - Current events

Spanish wine is experiencing one of its brightest and most dynamic moments. And to understand it, communicate it, and share it with the world, there is nothing like living it from within. This is how the Spanish Wine Educator program began—an immersive experience that brought together an extraordinary group of wine industry leaders from the United States and Canada.

An Inspiring Elite

It’s not every day that you get to teach two Masters of Wine, two Master Sommeliers, and a line-up of professionals who lead educational programs, curate wine selections for major retail chains, create content for audiences of hundreds of thousands, and advise importers on strategic portfolio decisions. These are the people setting the tone in their markets—discovering trends and recommending which wines to tell stories about, to sell, and to enjoy. Their careers blend technical excellence, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to education.

Three Days, One Agora

For three intense days, our classroom in Madrid became a modern-day agora—a space for sharing, questioning, learning, and tasting. These professionals immersed themselves in the knowledge of Spanish wine through guided tastings and masterclasses. Among the speakers were names shaping the future of the wine sector: Claudia Gozalbes, Alberto García Ruffoni, Yolanda Ortiz de Arri, Tatjana Peceric, Sara Hernández, Bárbara Requejo, and our educators Nygil Murrell and Manuel del Rincón.

The level of technical discussion and insight was exceptional—but the best part was the shared experience. We talked about soils, climates, styles, commercial challenges, and new opportunities for Spanish wines in their markets.

From the Classroom to the Vineyard

And this time, we headed to the Levante: Bodega Mustiguillo with Toni and Olga Sarrión, Raíces Ibéricas, Javi Revert in La Font de la Figuera, and Celler del Roure with Pablo Calatayud. It was a direct immersion into the landscapes, people, and projects that today define the cutting edge of Spanish wine.

Connecting these professionals with the living reality of Spanish wine—beyond the theory—is to sow deep knowledge and real relationships that will nourish the sector in key markets. Because these individuals are educators, opinion leaders, and influential voices.

A Strategic Investment in the Future

Training wine professionals of this calibre is not just a privilege—it is a strategic investment in the future of Spanish wine. These fifteen “giants” leave bigger than they arrived, carrying with them wines, experiences, conversations, and moments that will bring life to every presentation, every class, and every recommendation they make. And we must say—we learned as much (if not more) than they did.

Don’t miss the international toast we shared on social media!

From The Wine Studio and ICEX, we want to thank every person who made this fifth edition possible: the participants, our speakers, the host wineries, and every professional who generously shared their passion and expertise.

We are convinced that the impact of this program will continue to grow, bringing the soul of Spanish wine to new audiences, tables, and markets around the world.

The Wine Studio