Wines from Spain's Great Match: Wine & Tapas 2009 Tour to Visit Chicago, New York and Houston

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 6, 2009) - Wines from Spain, a division of the Trade Commission of Spain, will commence its 16th annual Great Match: Wine & Tapas tasting tour in Chicago on May 7, followed by events in New York and Houston in October. The Great Match presents an opportunity to sample and learn about more than 200 of the world's most sought-after wines, paired with a variety of traditional Spanish and international tapas or small plates, to demonstrate the versatility of Spain's food-friendly wines.

Each event will include trade and consumer tastings. The daytime trade portion from 1:30 to 5 p.m. is open exclusively to media and wine industry professionals. Prior to each trade tasting event, wine experts will lead hour-long seminars highlighting various wine producing regions of Spain. The public is invited to an evening benefit event from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring culinary creations from some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local charity. Charity partners and featured chefs will be announced prior to each event.

-- Thursday, May 7 -- Chicago

The Ivy Room at Tree Studios, 12 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL 60611

Seminar: 12:30 to 1:30p.m. (Trade and media only; seating is limited), trade tasting: 1:30 to 5 p.m., consumer tasting: 6 to 8:30 p.m. -- a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank.

Award-winning author, writer, speaker, wine consultant and television host, Leslie Sbrocco will lead an educational seminar titled, "Spanish Solutions."

-- Tuesday, Oct. 6, New York

The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th Street, New York, NY 10011

Seminar: 12:30 to 1:30p.m. (Trade and media only; seating is limited), trade tasting: 1:30 to 5 p.m., consumer tasting: 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Steve Olson, wine consultant and renowned beverage educator, will lead a seminar on the wines of Bierzo, a rapidly emerging region in northwestern Spain.

-- October, Houston

Details to be announced.

"From the Albariños of Green Spain and the Sherries of Andalucía to the rich reds and sparkling Cavas of the Mediterranean Coast, the Great Match provides an opportunity to sample from more than 75 producers representing many of Spain's 74 Denomination of Origins," said Katrin Naelapaa, director of Wines from Spain. "This year's theme, Vivacious Varietals, will highlight the many indigenous varietals of Spain, including up-and-comers Mencía, Monastrell and Verdejo, as well as the more established varietals, such as Tempranillo, Garnacha and Albariño."

How to Register for Great Match: Wine & Tapas Events

For reservations or more information, wine industry and media professionals should visit www.greatmatch.org or call 888-772-4694. Trade participants will be asked to provide a business card at registration.

Tickets for the consumer portion of the Great Match can be purchased online at www.greatmatch.org or by phone, 888-946-3919.