Spain's Great Match 2026 Highlights Spanish Wines and Foods
News related to:Foods and Wines from Spain · 2 min read
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Spain's Great Match, the 32nd edition of the event, recently took place at Mercado Little Spain in New York City. Organized by ICEX/Foods and Wines from Spain in collaboration with the Trade Commission of Spain in New York, the event brought together more than 400 food and wine trade professionals and media representatives to celebrate the diversity and quality of Spanish cuisine and beverages.
The event, held on October 6, 2026, featured a variety of activities, including regional tastings, expert-led wine masterclasses, and a new food workshop series. Attendees had the opportunity to explore Spanish wines, spirits, and gourmet foods through a walk-around tasting with over 50 stations. A dedicated area showcased 12 Spanish companies, including nine wineries and three food producers, seeking distribution in the U.S. market.
Ferran Centelles, a renowned wine authority and former sommelier at elBulli, headlined the wine masterclass program. The second session, "Pequenas DOs: Uncompromising Terroir," explored Spain's estate wines and smaller appellations.
The wine education program was extensive, providing an in-depth look at the regions, grape varieties, and producers shaping Spanish wine today.
The VIP program also featured an exclusive tasting of super-premium Spanish wines, with participating importers presenting one or two flagship labels from their portfolios. Attendees had the rare opportunity to discover some of Spain's most prestigious wines available in the U.S. market, highlighting the breadth and quality of the country's fine wine offerings.
In addition to the wine education program, the event introduced a workshop series focused on artisanal ingredients, regional traditions, and practical culinary applications. Nick Coleman presented two guided tastings of Grandes Pagos de Olivar single vineyard olive oils, highlighting their terroir-driven character.
These workshops complemented the wine education program, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Spanish ingredients, techniques, and their potential in contemporary menus.
Mercado Little Spain, a culinary destination created by José Andrés and the Adrià brothers, provided the perfect setting for the event. The venue's Spanish heritage and culture were seamlessly integrated into the shared culinary experience, reinforcing Spain's position as one of the world's leading sources of premium wines, foods, and culinary innovation for the U.S. market.
Through education, networking, and product discovery, Spain's Great Match successfully connected trade professionals with producers and industry experts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Spain.