Rioja consolidates its leadership in Switzerland with a high-end gastronomy and business summit in Lausanne

 

La Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja (DOCa) Rioja has reaffirmed its leadership in the Swiss market by celebrating the eighth edition of the “Rioja Prestige Tasting"in the iconic Beau-Rivage Palace de LausanaThis exclusive event brought together leading importers, sommeliers, and specialized journalists, consolidating the visibility and positioning of the wines of Rioja in one of the most demanding markets of Europa.

 

Rioja Prestige Tasting: A Key Meeting in the Internationalization Strategy

 

Nearly thirty influential voices from the Swiss wine scene, including importers, sommeliers, specialist journalists and opinion leaders, gathered at the prestigious Restaurant Pic at the Beau-Rivage Palace, an international benchmark of European haute cuisine distinguished with two stars Michelin.

 

The day began with an exclusive tasting of 16 references, directed by the renowned journalist, teacher and wine expert David Schwarzwälder. Schwarzwälder I guided the attendees through a tour of the diversity of styles, the contemporary evolution and excellence de Rioja, focusing on trends such as the new generation of white wines from old vineyards and proposals from large historical producers.

 

“On this occasion we have chosen a selection of wines from Rioja of the highest quality, both reds and whites, which reflect the new trends as well as the more traditional styles that the DOCa"He explained SchwarzwälderThe expert highlighted the unique dynamism of the Designation: “No other major Designation in the world offers such a varied and high-quality range of styles as the DOCa RiojaIt has a unique dynamism.”

 

Key Facts about the "Rioja Prestige Tasting" Event in Switzerland

 

Concept	Detail
Edition	Eighth (8th)
Location	Restaurant Pic at the Beau-Rivage Palace (Lausana)
Stars Michelin	2
Attendees	Nearly 30 importers, sommeliers, and journalists
Wines tasted (exclusive)	16 references
Wines tasted (total evening)	25 exceptional references
Expert driver cata	David Schwarzwälder

 

Gastronomic Excellence as a Driving Force for Growth

 

After the tasting, the guests enjoyed a paired dinner based on the gastronomic philosophy of the renowned chef Anne-Sophie PicThe menu featured refined and expressive dishes, perfectly paired with a carefully curated selection of wines from Rioja, elevating the culinary experience to its highest expression.

 

This experience is part of the intensive international promotion strategy driven by the Consejo Regulador, oriented to consolidate global leadership de Riojato strengthen its position in priority markets such as Switzerland and continue to boost its diversity, value proposition, and quality between professionals and consumers worldwide.

 

DOCa Rioja: A Pillar of Spanish Foreign Trade

 

Rioja is Denominación de Origen Calificada oldest of EspañaFounded in 1925 and the first to receive Qualified certification in 1991. Consejo ReguladorThanks to demanding regulations and rigorous self-monitoring, it offers the highest guarantees of quality and authenticity of their wines.

 

The pioneering spirit, the commitment to innovation, and the dedication to sustainability have been key factors in the success of the wines of Rioja occupy a position of leadership in the national and international market. The DOCa Rioja represents more than 40% of the value of wines with Denominación de Origen en España and has a consolidated presence in 139 countries.

 

With more than 65.000 hectares, the DOCa Rioja It is divided into three distinct wine-growing areas – Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa y Rioja Oriental —, encompassing 144 municipalities, nearly 600 wineries, and more than 13.000 winegrowers. This diversity guarantees a wide variety of wine styles, always with guaranteed high quality.

 

Key Statistics of the Rioja DOCa

 

Feature	Date
Antiquity DOCa	Founded in 1925
Qualified Certification	1991 (first of España)
Vineyard area	More than 65.000 hectares
Municipalities	144
Wineries	Approximately 600
Winegrowers	More than
Value share DO en España	More than 40%
Countries with a presence	139

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the internationalization of Rioja in Switzerland

 

What is the main objective of the "Rioja Prestige Tasting" in Switzerland?
The main objective is to consolidate leadership and strengthen the positioning of the wines of the DOCa Rioja in the Swiss market, boosting its diversity, quality and value proposition among professionals and influential consumers.

What role does it play David Schwarzwälder at these types of events?
David SchwarzwälderAs a renowned journalist and wine expert, he is in charge of leading the exclusive tastings, guiding attendees through the diversity of styles and the excellence of the wines of Rioja, and providing a technical and professional analysis.

How does it contribute? DOCa Rioja to Spanish foreign trade?
La DOCa Rioja It contributes significantly to Spanish foreign trade by representing more than 40% of the value of wines with Denominación de Origen en Españaexporting to 139 countries and maintaining a global leadership based on the quality, authenticity and innovation of its products.