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Decanter’s 2025 New York Fine Wine Encounter: Rioja Take Center Stage

On June 7, 2025, more than 500 wine enthusiasts gathered at Manhatta, one of New York City’s most prestigious venues, for the fourth annual Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE NYC). The event brought together an elite group of producers, sommeliers, and collectors for a day of grand tastings, in-depth masterclasses, and one-on-one discussions with some of the world’s most respected wine estates.

Rioja Celebrates 100 Years with a Standout Showing

As Rioja celebrates its Centennial, the region played a key role in this year’s Fine Wine Encounter. Guests had the opportunity to explore a curated selection of DOCa Rioja wines, guided by Master Sommelier Jonathan Eichholz and Rioja wine educator Ines Salpico during an exclusive masterclass. This session offered a deep dive into Rioja’s stylistic range—from traditional gran reservas to innovative modern expressions—highlighting why the region remains one of the world’s most dynamic and age-worthy wine-producing areas.

A dedicated Rioja tasting bar was also featured during the Grand Tasting, showcasing hand-selected wines alongside culinary pairings that echoed the vibrancy and tradition of northern Spain.

A Full Day of World-Class Wine Exploration

The day’s programming included:

• Masterclass: Veuve Clicquot Vintage Vertical – Led by winemaker Gaëlle Goossens, this tasting of vintages 1990, 1993, and 1996 explored Champagne’s aging potential and house style evolution.
• Masterclass: Biondi-Santi Retrospective – Guests sampled legendary Brunello vintages from 1988 and 1975, offering a rare look into one of Tuscany’s most historic producers.
• VIP Editor’s Lunch – A seated experience featuring standout Pinot Noirs from North America and large-format Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa and Sonoma, hosted by Decanter’s Napa Valley correspondent Jonathan Cristaldi.

Grand Tasting Featuring Over 50 Producers

The Grand Tasting featured more than 50 top-tier producers pouring rare, vintage, and large-format selections. Notable highlights included:

• Cristom Vineyards – 2015 Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir
• Vérité – La Joie 2010
• Damilano – Cannubi Riserva “1752” Barolo
• Sanford & Benedict – Santa Barbara County selections

Attendees had direct access to winemakers and estate representatives, allowing for in-depth conversations and insights behind the bottles.

A Growing Audience of Engaged Wine Drinkers

Winemakers in attendance noted the depth and enthusiasm of the crowd. “The questions from the guests are great,” said winemaker Trey Fletcher. “They’re clearly here to learn, not just drink wine.” That sentiment echoed across the tasting floor, underscoring Decanter’s continued success in building a community of knowledgeable, engaged wine consumers.

Looking Ahead

Decanter’s Fine Wine Encounter continues to grow in scale and reputation. For Rioja, its presence at this event further solidified its place on the global stage during its centennial year. The combination of historical perspective, evolving winemaking styles, and premium exposure made the New York event a fitting stage for Rioja’s 100-year celebration.