On 25 April, the Monastrell Spain Association successfully took part in The Great Bristol Wine Fest 2026, held at Paintworks Event Space in Bristol. This consumer-facing event, focused on the world of wine, brought together wine lovers eager to discover new labels and explore different regions and grape varieties from around the globe.
Monastrell Spain’s presence once again generated significant interest among the British public. Across the two sessions held during the day, many visitors came to the association’s stand to learn more about the Monastrell grape and to discover the diversity of styles from its different Designations of Origin.
Monastrell Spain Tasting Table
One of the main highlights was the tasting table, where 14 wines from Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla were showcased. This carefully curated selection allowed attendees to explore a wide range of Monastrell styles and expressions, from fresher, younger profiles to more complex wines.
The steady flow of visitors confirmed a clear trend: Monastrell is sparking growing curiosity among British consumers, who value its authenticity and its ability to surprise.
The wines presented were:
- Castaño Monastrell Organic 2025, Bodegas Castaño, DO Yecla (Organic and vegan)
- Xenysel Pie Franco 2025, Bodegas Xenysel, DO Jumilla (Organic and vegan)
- Fermín Gilar Fourth Generation Harvest 2024, Bodegas Fermín Gilar, DO Jumilla
- La Purísima Monastrell 2024, Bodegas La Purísima, DO Yecla (Organic and vegan)
- Miriar 2024, Bodegas Arloren, DO Jumilla
- Patojo 2023, Virtudes, DO Alicante (Organic and vegan)
- Laudum XII 2023, Bocopa, DO Alicante
- Barahonda Summum Organic 2023, Barahonda, DO Yecla (Organic and vegan)
- Altado Monastrell 2022, Bodegas Finca Fella, DO Almansa
- Terraje 2022, Parajes del Valle Bodegas y Viñedos, DO Jumilla (Organic and vegan)
- Quebradas 2022, Mendoza, DO Alicante (Organic and vegan)
- Nostrum Matamangos 2021, Bodegas Matamangos, DO Almansa
- 37 Barricas 2020, Bodega Balcona, DO Bullas
- 1000 Acordes 2020, Bodegas Hydria, DO Bullas
Pop-Up Tasting: Bringing Monastrell closer to consumers
In addition to the tasting table, several pop-up tastings took place during the event—more informal and dynamic sessions in which Oz Clarke introduced a curated selection of six wines:
- Castaño Monastrell Organic 2025 (Organic and vegan)
- Xenysel Pie Franco 2025 (Organic and vegan)
- Terraje 2022 (Organic and vegan)
- Quebradas 2022 (Organic and vegan)
- Nostrum Matamangos 2021
- 1000 Acordes 2020
Beyond the traditional tasting format, the association opted for a more engaging and interactive approach with these pop-up sessions, bringing the wines even closer to consumers in a relaxed and participatory setting.
The experience was guided by Samantha Searles, wine educator and Director at Terroir Wine UK, alongside renowned wine experts and communicators Oz Clarke and Susie Atkins, hosts of the event, who led visitors through a sensory journey highlighting the unique characteristics of each wine and the key traits of the Monastrell grape.
The UK, a key market for Monastrell
The success of Monastrell Spain in Bristol is no coincidence. It reflects the growing interest within the UK market in discovering grape varieties with a strong identity and distinctive offerings within the international wine scene.
The excellent reception further strengthens the association’s presence in the UK and reinforces its positioning strategy, with the aim of continuing to promote the recognition of Monastrell beyond Spain’s borders.
Once again, the variety proves it has plenty to say—and that international audiences are increasingly ready to listen.
