The town of Cariñena, located in Zaragoza, has been named the European Wine City for 2025, a prestigious honor awarded by the European Network of Wine Cities (Recevin). Cariñena secured the title after a competitive selection process that saw it triumph over Requena, Valencia. The announcement was made last Thursday during a meeting in Brussels, where representatives from the Aragonese delegation, including Mayor Sergio Ortiz and Teresa Ladrero, Vice President of the Provincial Council of Zaragoza (DPZ), were present to receive the news.
In a statement following the announcement, Mayor Ortiz expressed his pride and appreciation for the overwhelming support Cariñena’s candidacy received from 329 local organizations and institutions. He also acknowledged the significant contributions from the Government of Aragón and the DPZ. Looking ahead to 2025, Ortiz revealed plans to host a series of celebratory events that will include other municipalities in Aragón known for their winemaking traditions, such as Calatayud, Borja, and Barbastro. “We want this to be a celebration for all of Aragón, showcasing wine as a key cultural and economic asset for our region,” the mayor stated.
Teresa Ladrero highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Cariñena Designation of Origin (DO), which has been established since 1932. She emphasized that the region’s DO is one of the largest in Aragón and an important part of the local identity. “This recognition is a source of pride for all Aragonese people. It not only celebrates our winemaking tradition but also underscores the cultural and economic heritage of the region,” Ladrero said.
The support for Cariñena’s candidacy was also bolstered by a unique cultural presentation during the jury’s evaluation. The event featured local cultural figures, including singer and actor Augusto González, who portrayed famed artist Francisco de Goya during the presentation. A traditional “jota” dance, performed by local dancers and choreographed specifically for the event, was also part of the presentation, which was produced by the Aragonese company Music of Monuments.
As European Wine City, Cariñena plans to organize a range of cultural and promotional activities throughout the municipalities within its DO, which includes towns like Aguarón, Almonacid de la Sierra, Paniza, and Villanueva de Huerva. Additionally, the town aims to strengthen international ties by collaborating with its twin cities in France, Germany, and Romania, as well as other European countries with strong wine traditions. Cariñena will also host key gatherings of Spanish wine organizations, including the Conference of Regulatory Councils and the Spanish Wine Federation.
Cariñena’s selection as European Wine City 2025 will make it the first location in Aragón to receive this honor, succeeding the Italian region of Alto Piemonte and Gran Monferrato. This prestigious title will further elevate the town’s profile on the European wine tourism map, highlighting its rich winemaking heritage and the broader cultural significance of Aragón’s wine industry.
You Might Be Interested In:
- How Much Is Caymus Wine? A Comprehensive Guide
- How Many Calories Are in Cavit Pinot Grigio?
- How is Halal Wine Made? A Detailed Introduction
