Great time last night at the first La Azotea Vinos & Más cata (wine tasting). There were about 15 of us attending and Luís Valentín from Bodegas Valenciso took us through five different riojas, step by step, which was very interesting. I liked that the atmosphere was very relaxed and casual. No wine snobbery going on. In fact, Luís was very down-to-earth about wine appreciation and how wine tastings should go. I not only enjoyed myself a lot, but I learned a few things and got to taste some very nice wines.

Above you can see our group and the wines we tasted, and also our very camera-shy (ha!) hostess Jeanine showing off her very best California smile. Really, she was terrific at making everyone feel welcome and comfortable, and it was also a very nice touch when her husband Juan popped over from the restaurant across the street to refresh our water jugs. I really like what they are doing with the whole shop/restaurant thing.

The next cata will be on July 1st with Bodega Sumarroca and their fabulous whites & cavas. Starts at 8.30.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 44
Tel. 955 11 67 48