Castilla Y León Prepares to Showcase Spain’s Finest Wines on the U.S. West Coast

The Institute for Business Competitiveness of Castilla y León (ICECYL), in collaboration with Food and Wines from Castilla y León, is celebrating the resounding success of its recent East Coast roadshow, while eagerly preparing for the upcoming West Coast tour of Castilla y León Wines in the U.S. This tour showcases the esteemed wines from Castilla y León’s renowned Designations of Origin (DOs), including Ribera del Duero, Toro, Bierzo, Cigales, Rueda, and Vino Tierra Castilla y León. Each region brings a unique winemaking tradition, combining distinctive grape varieties and techniques that set Castilla y León wines apart on the global stage.

Known as one of Spain’s foremost wine regions, Castilla y León spans over 80,000 hectares of vineyards, contributing to 6% of the nation’s wine production and ranking as Spain’s fourth-largest grape producer. Home to over 600 wineries, the region boasts a deep commitment to quality, reflected in its 10 DOs and 4 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), all unified under the prestigious quality mark, “Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León” (PGI).

Each DO presents a unique flavor profile and character, shaped by diverse grape varieties and terroirs. Both the East and West Coast tours highlight this regional diversity through wineries representing these DOs. Ribera del Duero is celebrated for its robust Tempranillo wines, known for their deep color and bold berry flavors, with wineries such as Bodega y Viñedos Pradorey, Finca Rodma, and Protos. The Toro region, using the powerful Tinta de Toro grape, produces rich, full-bodied wines with strong tannins, proudly represented by family-owned wineries like Bodegas Bigardo and Dominio del Bienamado. Bierzo’s specialty, Mencía, is loved for its floral and mineral notes, with Bodegas Godelia bringing the region’s unique flavors to the tour.

Cigales is recognized for its exquisite Rosado wines, crafted from Tempranillo and Albillo grapes to yield fresh, aromatic profiles, with Bodegas Sinforiano as a noted participant. Rueda, famous for its Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc wines, brings vibrant and aromatic whites to the table, represented by producers like Bodegas Bornos. Meanwhile, Vino Tierra Castilla y León DO showcases a variety of reds, whites, and rosés that capture the essence of the region’s climate and terrain, with wineries like Bodegas Pagos de la Oliva leading in innovation.

The East Coast leg of the roadshow featured more than 25 wineries, drawing over 300 attendees from key markets such as New York City, Chicago, and Miami. Each event offered exclusive tastings, in-depth masterclasses, and valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals. The tour began on October 21st at La Nacional in New York City, where wine expert Jienna Basaldu led a captivating masterclass. The journey continued to Chicago’s Mercat a la Planxa on October 23rd, with Todd Behrend guiding the tasting, and concluded on October 25th at Miami’s Hotel Arya, where wine educator Allegra Angelo provided an in-depth exploration of Castilla y León’s rich winemaking heritage.

Following this triumphant East Coast tour, Castilla y León Wines is gearing up for a November debut on the West Coast. This leg will feature over 15 wineries, kicking off on November 11th in Seattle at Block 41, moving to the San Francisco Wine School on November 13th, and culminating at MG Studio in Los Angeles on November 15th. Each West Coast stop will host masterclasses led by celebrated wine experts: Alberto Martinez Interiano in Seattle, David Glancy MS in San Francisco, and Rick Fisher in Los Angeles. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of Castilla y León’s DOs and an appreciation for the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.

This U.S. tour of Castilla y León wines serves as an invitation to discover the distinctive qualities that make this Spanish wine region remarkable. From the East Coast to the West, each stop reflects the region’s passion for viticulture and its commitment to sharing authentic Spanish wine experiences with the world.

“We’re thrilled with the success of our East Coast events and eagerly anticipate an equally engaging West Coast tour,” said Alberto Pascual Alfonso, Export Promotion Manager ICECYL. “This roadshow allows us to connect with wine professionals nationwide, showcasing the diversity and quality of Castilla y León wines while sharing the rich heritage of our region.”

The Castilla y León roadshow offers wine industry professionals a unique chance to explore the exceptional wines of the region and delve into the innovative winemaking techniques and rich traditions that define Castilla y León.

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