Eat Spain Drink Spain is a spirited festival, designed to celebrate the very best of Spanish food and drink culture across the country next month from the 1st – 19th October. Bringing together Ireland’s finest restaurants, retailers, and hospitality venues to present the best of traditional and modern Spanish fare. Food and drink enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and delectable offerings of Spain through tastings, wine dinners, tapas trails, interactive workshops, and a unique programme of events – all without leaving the country!
Whether you’re a seasoned Spanish wine aficionado, already dedicated to exploring Rioja & Rías Baixas Rueda and Jerez, or simply curious about the delights of jamón Ibérico and cheeses, this festival offers something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to explore Spanish flavours, from iconic regions to hidden gems.
Here’s just a small taste of some Eat Spain Drink Spain highlights that form part of the 2024 programme:
An Evening of Spanish Art & Gastronomy
Date: October 3rd – Location: Instituto Cervantes, Lincoln House Dublin 2 – Price: €25
Spanish food expert and writer Blanca Valencia will pair her favourite Spanish paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection with Spain’s iconic grape varieties — Tempranillo, Verdejo, and Albariño. All poured alongside traditional Spanish food for a memorable evening of art and gastronomy.
Tapas and Wine Pairing Night
Date: October 3rd – Location: Neighbourhood, Naas, Co.Kildare -Price: €65 per person.
Hosted by Spanish wine enthusiast Michelle Lawlor of The Nude Wine Co., enjoy an exclusive evening of Spanish wine and tapas at this Naas hotspot where you’ll be among the very first to savour their brand-new small plates menu perfectly paired by Michelle with four of her very favourite Spanish wines.
Andalusian Wine & Tapas Evening
Date: October 4th – Location: Choquera Bistro, Newport, Tipperary – Price: €40
Hosted by the owner of Choquera Bistro, Cinta Ramblado. Guests will take a journey through Andalusia and its unique cuisine accompanied by an excellent selection of wines from Southern Spain. Spanish food expert and writer Blanca Valencia will start the evening with an introduction to the region, gastronomy and tourism.
Tapas Trail
Date: 6th and 13th October – Location: Dublin City Centre – Price: €55
Save on the airfare and take a trip to Spain through cuisine and culture with two of Ireland’s leading wine specialists. Lynda Coogan (host of ‘Wine: The Long and the Short of It’ podcast and one of Newstalk’s resident wine experts) and Sinéad Smyth (wine specialist and Chair of Wine Spirit Women) will be your hosts for this tapas trail around four Dublin city centre venues, tasting tapas and enjoying the finest Spanish wines and beer along the way.
Sarah & Olive Presents an Extra Virgin olive oil Masterclass with Assassination Custard
Date: October 8th – Location: Greenman Wines, Dublin 6W – Price: €75 with optional wine pairing
Join Sarah & Olive and Borja Sanz from Finca la Torre for a very special olive oil masterclass followed by an olive oil pairing dinner prepared by Ken and Gwen of Assassination Custard. A must attend event for anyone wanting to learn more about the world of award-winning extra virgin olive oil and how it can be used to create simple yet incredible food.
An Evening with Sharon Noonan at The Mustard Seed
Date: 9th October – Location: The Mustard Seed, Co. Limerick – Price: €95 tasting menu with paired wines
Sharon Noonan, host of Ireland’s longest-running food and drink radio show and podcast ‘Best Possible Taste’, will be joined by Irish Examiner restaurant critic and wine writer Leslie Williams as they co-host a very special evening of Spanish wines paired with a bespoke menu by The Mustard Seed’s Head Chef Angel Pirev.
The Ultimate Eat Spain Drink Spain Culture Quiz
Date: October 11th – Location: Instituto Cervantes, Lincoln House, Dublin 2 – Price: €20
Hosted by food writer Ali Dunworth, and Spanish food expert Blanca Valencia, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse in the rich culture of Spain while enjoying a fun quiz. The event is limited to a maximum of 40 people, divided into teams of 4/5 members, with Spanish beer, wine, cured meats and cheeses served throughout.
Judith Boyle’s Spanish Fortified Wine Tasting
Date: October 11th – Location: Boyles Bar, Kildare – Price: €25
Join qualified Sherry educator Judith Boyle as she celebrates the fortified wines of Spain, along with some nibbles to enjoy during the evening. There will be the opportunity to buy Sherry and Vermouth to have on the night or to bring home.
Spanish Wine Tasting with Sevgi Tüzel-Conghaile
Date: October 11th – Location: Bewley’s Café, Dublin 2 – Price: €65
Sevgi, founder of A Wine Idea and an oenologist, viticulturist, and wine educator, will guide guests through a selection of fabulous Spanish wines from some of the most famous vineyards in the world, all paired with a cheese and charcuterie board.
Throughout the festival, tastings and promotions will also be available at select retail locations, offering a chance to sample and purchase a variety of Spanish wines and gourmet products. Highlights include:
● Lotts and Co., Dublin 4 (Oct 4th): ‘Thank Spain, It’s Friday’ with Spanish aperitivo bites and wines by Mackenway Wines.
● Fallon & Byrne (Oct 5th): Vinostito wine importers offering samples of Spanish wines and Fallon & Byrne will have special offers and promotions running across selected Spanish wines.
● Brindle Coffee & Wine, Dublin 8 (Oct 6th): Spanish street tapas and Vera Foods products with wines from Brindle’s selection.
● N The Club: A special menu featuring iconic Spanish dishes like Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, and award-winning products.
● Rioja Wine Festival (Oct 19th): WineOnline.ie will present over 150 wines from top Rioja estates at The Alex Hotel, Dublin.
Eat Spain Drink Spain, where every glass and every bite is a tiny trip to Spain!
For more event information and to find an event close to you, visit the Upcoming Event section at www.foodswinesfromspain.com
