The Monastrell Spain Association concludes 2025 with a highly positive assessment following an intense year of promotional activity at both national and international level. An ambitious calendar, focused on training initiatives, professional trade fairs, B2B events and engagement with opinion leaders and consumers, has strengthened the identity of Monastrell and consolidated its positioning as one of the most distinctive and strategic indigenous grape varieties in the Spanish wine landscape.
The joint efforts of the five Denominations of Origin that make up the Association — DO Alicante, DO Almansa, DO Bullas, DO Jumilla and DO Yecla — have been instrumental in presenting a strong, cohesive and diverse image of Monastrell, highlighting its quality, its adaptability to climate change and its remarkable oenological versatility.
Barcelona Wine Week: the national starting point for a strategic year
The year began with the participation of the five DOs at Barcelona Wine Week, one of the leading showcases for Spanish wine at both national and international level. The event reinforced the message of origin, authenticity and stylistic diversity of the variety among professionals, specialist press and national and international buyers.
London, a key market for Monastrell
On 20 May, the Association returned to the London Wine Fair with the masterclass “Monastrell Spain – A Taste of Sunshine”, led by the renowned Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans. The tasting featured eight selected wines from the five DOs, showcasing the stylistic diversity of Monastrell, from fresh, vibrant young wines to complex aged expressions and a surprising sweet style. The enthusiasm generated among professionals confirmed the growing interest of the UK market in this Mediterranean variety, highlighting its identity, authenticity and ability to adapt to different consumer trends.
Manchester: masterclass and professional B2B tasting
On 13 October, Monastrell Spain hosted an exclusive B2B event at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, featuring the masterclass “Discover Monastrell in Manchester”, led by the esteemed Patrick Schmitt MW.
During the session, 11 representative wines from the five denominations were tasted, offering an in-depth exploration of Monastrell’s positioning in international markets, its commercial potential and its sensory identity.
Following the masterclass, a professional tasting showcased 40 wines, allowing attendees to explore in detail the diversity of styles, terroirs and commercial propositions, as well as to interact directly with representatives from each DO.
Monastrell wins over British consumers at The Big Christmas Wine Fest
The final major international action of the year took place in London at The Big Christmas Wine Fest 2025, organised by WineAlive and held on 21 and 22 November at The Lindley Hall.
Monastrell Spain participated with a stand presenting 14 wines from the five DOs, alongside three public tastings and six pop-up tastings led by Tim Atkin MW and Oz Clarke, featuring six different wines each day.
The response from the public was exceptionally positive, with Monastrell widely praised as a Mediterranean indigenous gem, noted for its stylistic diversity and outstanding value in terms of quality and identity. Its natural resistance to extreme climatic conditions was also highlighted, positioning it as a sustainable and strategic variety for the future.
Year-end closure in Madrid: Guía Peñín and The Best Wines of Spain
As a fitting conclusion to the year, Monastrell Spain closed its promotional calendar with a masterclass at the Guía Peñín event The Best Wines of Spain in Madrid, one of the most prestigious gatherings in the Spanish wine sector. This initiative reinforced Monastrell’s positioning among key opinion leaders and specialist media, completing the promotional cycle that began at Barcelona Wine Week.
