Spanish Wine and Food Extravaganza Returns to New York City
NEW YORK, NY, Sept. 21, 2022 — Spain’s Great Match, presented by Foods and Wines from Spain and #alimentosdespaña, returns to New York! Now in its 28th year, the gustatory extravaganza is the single largest Spanish wine and food event in the U.S. Spain’s Great Match NYC 2022, organized by the Trade Commission of Spain, takes place Wednesday, October 12, at José Andrés’ Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards. Events are also planned for Los Angeles (March 2023) and Chicago (May 2023).
The blow-out, day-long event will feature over 300 of Spain’s finest wines, five regional wine bars, four gin and brandy bars, a beer bar including a beer brewed from olives, samplings of the country’s signature dishes and superb culinary ingredients, seminars, speed tastings presented by leading experts on Spanish wines, wine and food pairings, and more.
A series of invitation-only daytime seminars, tastings and activities for media and trade starts at 11 a.m. At 6.30 p.m. Spain’s Great Match will open its doors to paying consumers who can look forward to experiencing a Spanish artisan cocktail bar, along with a bevy of food offerings and cooking demonstrations.
100% of proceeds generated from ticket sales for the consumer portion of the event will go to World Central Kitchen, an organization founded by José Andrés, dedicated to using food to nourish and empower communities worldwide in times of crisis and beyond.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 12
- 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: trade + media sessions
- 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: consumer ticket holder event access
WHERE: Chef José Andrés’ Mercado Little Spain, 10 Hudson Yards. Street-level entrances on West 30th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues
WHAT: Spain comes to New York for an unforgettable day-long celebration of the finest of Spanish wines and gastronomy.
Walk-around tasting of 300+ wines and new vintages, as well as sherries, vermouths, beers, artisanal gins, and spirits.
Cooking demonstrations and food samples with recipes offered: paella cooked over a wood-burning stove, an array of Spanish fare, both classic and modern, plus a selection of the world’s finest jamón, cheeses, canned seafood, and extra virgin olive oils.
Seminars: This year will feature three seminars for media and trade, including a guest appearance from François Chartier, author of Tastebuds and Molecules: The Art and Science of Food, Wine and Flavor. Chartier will share why certain foods and wines work well together at a molecular level, using Cava to illustrate this foolproof pairing system. Carolina Martínez Origone, General Secretary of The Regulatory Council for Jumilla PDO, will lead the first-ever seminar in the U.S. dedicated to Jumilla, a newly popular region in our stateside market, confirming that there are more treasures to discover beyond standard-bearer Monastrell. César Saldaña, President of The Regulatory Council of Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, will focus on the key role of flor in sherry production and how this yeast impacts the structure and wonderful flavors of the wines from Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Regional bars: Five different bars showcasing the wines of Aragón, Cava, Jerez, Jumilla, and Rias Baixas.
Cocktail bars: Cocktails made with Spanish gins and brandies featured at the Spanish Artisan cocktail bar.
Speed-dating interactive mini guided tours: Throughout the afternoon, a trio of Master Sommeliers will take it in turns to conduct 20-minute tastings, each focused on introducing attendees to a signature Spanish grape variety.
Food and wine pairing challenge: Vote for your favorite wine and food pairing from among 10 candidates submitted by 10 top sommeliers and be eligible to win a prize.
Blind-tasting challenge: Test your tasting skills at a Blind Tasting Bar of four Spanish wines. Identify correctly for a further opportunity to win a prize (open to trade and consumers).
WHY? From Rioja to Rias Baixas and beyond, with wines made from Tempranillo, Albariño, Monastrell, Verdejo, Garnacha and more, Spain is a treasure trove of vinous discovery and a leading source of imported wine in the U.S.
COST: Trade and media: Free to qualified pre-registered members of the trade and press.
Consumers: General admission $150
100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK). Founded by José Andrés in 2010, WCK uses the power of food to nourish and empower communities worldwide in times of crisis and beyond, a cause that goes straight to the heart of the hospitality industry and one that has made a particularly meaningful difference during Covid. https://wck.org/
HOW: Trade & Media Registration: https://SGMNYC22trade.eventbrite.com
Consumer Registration: https://SGMNYC22tix.eventbrite.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram usernames @SpainFoodWine / hashtag #SpainFoodNation #SpainsGreatMatch
About Foods and Wines from Spain
ICEX Spain Export and Investment (ICEX) is the Spanish Government Agency that promotes exports and investment, enhances competitiveness, and assists Spanish businesses in international markets. Foods and Wines from Spain are ICEX’s brands for a wide range of promotional activities designed to inform trade and consumers about Spain’s wines, food products and gastronomy. For more information about Foods and Wines from Spain, please visit www.foodswinesfromspain.com.
#alimentosdespaña is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food’s brand for the promotion of Spain’s identity though its food and agricultural riches. The history of Spain has been shaped by the contributions of different cultures over the centuries. One of the richest manifestations of this heritage is what is known as “the Mediterranean Diet,” representing a model diet that is varied, tasty and balanced. Approved by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For more information about #alimentosdespaña, please visit https://www.alimentosdespana.es
