Why I want to learn more about Spanish wines...

I first fell in love with Spain in 2007 - or "How I became a Spain-junkie." Walking the Camino from Pamplona to Santiago was an amazing experience, and guided me through several of the best wine regions. Little notice did I take though - aside from the amazing scenery, kind people, and great food and wine - because at that time I had no idea the significance of Rioja, Navarra, or Rías Baixas. Though seeing many acres of vineyards. solitary vines twisted and just beginning to bud, I hadn't a clue regarding the varied and interesting wines they would produce.

After returning, and starting my wine education, it was actually a Spanish wine which inspired me to create oe•no•phile. The complex intriguing aromas and flavors of Baltos Mencía struck me as something I really needed to share with others. Little did I know, but I probably had quite a lot of Mencía while on the Meseta in Spain. It took this one bottle to push me enough to finally start writing. I'll be ever grateful to that bottle from Bierzo which was an excellent (and extremely tasty) muse.


Having completed both the Intermediate and Advanced WSET programs, I have a better understanding of wine overall. However, my scope is still narrow being relatively new in my education and career. I am of the opinion that there is (and always will be) more to learn about all types of wine. In fact, for me, this is one of the best parts about wine. An opportunity to learn more about Spanish wines in particular is something I am greatly interested in because I think the wines of Spain are amazing, but unfortunately sometimes overlooked by the world on a whole. I want to learn more about Spanish wines so I can better advocate them to those I meet and via oe•no•phile.

Given my personal experiences, admiration for Spain, and my passion for wine I am eager to take part in an educational session focused on Spanish wines. The opportunity being presented by the Wine Academy of Spain in Cleveland, OH as well as the scholarship from Catavino would be an incredible chance for me to expand my understanding and knowledge of Spanish wines. In turn I can do my part to speak knowledgeably about these great but often underrated wines. The goal of oe•no•phile is to not only challenge myself to try wines and write about them, but to help others feel more comfortable with choosing wine and exploring all the varied regions of the world.

Cheers!

(And mucho gracias to Steve De Long for bringing this awesome opportunity to my attention.)