The Rioja Wine Festival 2026 by WineOnline.ie
About this Event
WineOnline.ie are delighted to be celebrating the broad choice, premium quality, and versatile grapes at the ultimate wine experience for Rioja Lovers this October. This year’s festival will mark the 5th year running of The Rioja Wine Festival and it will take place at The Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, Off Merrion Square, Dublin 2 on Saturday 17th October 2026.
Ireland loves Rioja. The wines produced there are approachable, accessible, consistent and delicious. Many of them are produced in the traditional style, with fruit and oak playing key roles in the flavour profile. However, there is an increasing move away from this traditional style by smaller producers who are ageing their wines for less time, emphasizing fruit instead of oak. Then we have Single Vineyard classified wines, which are being produced since the 2018 vintage. These are wines made from a single plot, with a lower yield than traditional Rioja wines, thus producing higher quality. We want you to come and explore the changing world of Rioja wines this October. You will be immersed in the culture, the wine, the tastes and flavours of Spain’s most famous wine producing region.
The event will be run over two sessions in order to provide an opportunity for ticket holders to taste as many wines as possible. Each session will last for 3 hours with ample time to attend a 45 minute Masterclass, as well as tasting through all of the wines on show. Sessions will run from 1.30pm-4.30pm and 6pm – 9pm.
**Winemaker Masterclass host to be announced soon**
Tickets purchased for Masterclasses will include General access to tasting over 150 wines as well as the Masterclass you have chosen.
Tickets - three types:
- General Admission Ticket: €45 per person* - includes general access to tasting over 150 wines, complimentary wine tasting glass, tote bag, tasting booklet, charcuterie & cheeses
- Premium Journalist Masterclass Ticket: €55 per person or €100 for 2 * - includes a 45 minute Masterclass with John Wilson Irish Times Wine Columnist tasting 6 wines and Q&A, general access to tasting over 150 wines, complimentary wine tasting glass, tote bag, Tasting booklet and cheeseboard nibbles.
- Premium Winemaker Masterclass Ticket: €55 per person or €100 for 2 * - includes general access to tasting over 150 wines, complimentary wine tasting glass, tote bag, Tasting booklet charcuterie & cheeses - includes general access to tasting over 150 wines, complimentary wine tasting glass, tote bag, Tasting booklet, cheeseboard nibbles + 45 minute Masterclass tasting 6 wines and Q&A.
You’ll Taste
Over 150 wines will be available to taste. Most of the top Rioja estates will be present. You’ll be given a tasting booklet & tasting glass upon entry. Each of the wines will be represented by their unique importers who will be delighted to engage questions and discussions, so ask them lots! There will be whites, reds and some rosé wines to taste throughout the day.
You’ll Enjoy
- A complimentary Tote Bag and tasting glass valued at €20 which is yours to take home and keep.
- A tasting booklet and wine guide to the Festival upon arrival.
- Exclusive Festival offers on the day
- Cheeseboard nibbles from The Alex Hotel.
**The Discovery Zone**
The Discovery Zone is back and it’s bigger and better than before!
This year The Discovery Zone will feature wines from all over Spain. When you’ve tasted all of the Rioja wines, we want you to come to the Discovery Zone to try Sherries, Cava, regional whites, albarinos, Tempranillos, Garnachas and all other blends, wines and fortifieds from the lands of Spain. Whether its Ribero, Ribera del Duero, Jerez, Rias Biaxas, La Mancha or Penedes, you’ll learn something new about Spain and the regional wines on offer from the most diverse wine producing country on the planet!
Knowledge, Education and Understanding is the theme of the Discovery Zone for 2026 so you’ll understand & taste the regional differences across the land of Spain by the time you leave The Rioja Festival this October 17th.
**Winemaker Masterclass host to be announced soon**
Just 60 seats are available for each masterclass. There are two masterclasses per session. Please ensure you purchase the right Masterclass tickets as tickets will be non transferable if the event is sold out as it was in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
For any queries or questions about The Rioja Festival, please contact our team at [email protected] or call us on (01) 5820840
Agenda
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Session 1
Info: Masterclass Ticket holders are welcome throughout the full 3 hour session. Timing for Masterclasses will be as follows: Masterclass 1 - with a winemaker (to be announced) @ 2pm, Masterclass 2 - with John Wilson, Irish Times Wine Columnist @ 3.30pm
🕑: 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Session 2
Info: Masterclass Ticket holders are welcome throughout the full 3 hour session. Timing for Masterclasses will be as follows: Masterclass 1 - with a winemaker (to be announced) @ 6.30pm, Masterclass 2 - with John Wilson, Irish Times Wine Columnist @ 8pm
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 10.00 to EUR 55.00
