International Tempranillo Day

International Tempranillo Day is observed on the second Thursday in November — November 12 in 2026. It celebrates Tempranillo, Spain’s iconic grape, loved by wine enthusiasts around the world for its rich flavours and aromas.

What is International Tempranillo Day?

International Tempranillo Day is an annual observance dedicated to the red grape at the heart of Spanish winemaking. Tempranillo is grown most famously in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the two great wine regions that made it famous, and it is the backbone of some of the world’s most celebrated red wines.

The grape itself is worth knowing. Tempranillo ripens earlier than many red varieties — its name comes from the Spanish word temprano, meaning early — and it produces wines that range from fresh and fruit-driven to deep, complex, and built for ageing. Common tasting notes include cherry, dried fig, tobacco, leather, and vanilla, the last of those a signature of the oak ageing that Rioja and Ribera del Duero are known for.

On International Tempranillo Day, wine lovers, restaurants, and retailers celebrate the grape with tastings, special pairings, and conversations about Spain’s wine regions and the culture around them.

Why International Tempranillo Day matters

International Tempranillo Day matters because a grape can carry a country’s story. Tempranillo is more than an ingredient; it is part of Spain’s identity, tied to centuries of farming, family bodegas, and village traditions. A day devoted to it invites us to look past the label and learn the history in the glass.

It matters, too, because Tempranillo rewards curiosity. Learning what makes the grape distinctive — its thick skins, its affinity for oak, the way it expresses different soils and climates — turns an ordinary bottle of wine into an education. The day encourages drinkers to taste thoughtfully instead of drinking on autopilot.

The day also matters as a celebration of place. Rioja and Ribera del Duero are not just names on a label; they are landscapes of old vines, limestone soils, and extreme climates, shaped by generations of growers. International Tempranillo Day points us toward the people and the land behind the wine.

And like every good food-and-drink observance, the day matters because it gathers people. A shared bottle of Tempranillo and a plate of Spanish food is one of life’s simpler pleasures, and the day gives us an excuse to enjoy it with friends.

How to celebrate International Tempranillo Day

Here are some ways to celebrate the day:

• Taste a Tempranillo and learn what makes it distinctive. Pour a glass, notice the colour, smell it before you sip, and see if you can pick out the cherry, spice, and oak notes. Comparing two different bottles — say, a young Rioja and a Reserva — is a lesson in how ageing changes wine.
• Pair it with Spanish food. Tempranillo loves the flavours of Spain: slices of jamón, a wedge of manchego, roast lamb, chorizo, or patatas bravas. The food-and-wine pairing is half the celebration.
• Learn about Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Spain’s wine regions. Read up on the regions that made Tempranillo famous, how their climates differ, and what the ageing terms — Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva — actually mean.
• Host a tasting. Invite friends, open a few bottles from different regions or producers, and compare notes. You do not need expertise to enjoy a tasting — just curiosity.
• Cook a Spanish meal. Make the evening a theme: tapas to start, roast lamb or a hearty stew for the main course, and Tempranillo with every plate.

International Tempranillo Day: frequently asked questions

When is International Tempranillo Day?
It is observed on the second Thursday in November each year — November 12 in 2026.

What is Tempranillo?
Tempranillo is Spain’s iconic red wine grape, grown most famously in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. It produces red wines known for rich flavours and aromas, from fresh and fruity styles to complex, oak-aged wines.

What food pairs well with Tempranillo?
Classic Spanish pairings include jamón, manchego cheese, and roast lamb. Its savoury, fruity character also suits grilled meats, stews, and tapas.

How can I take part in International Tempranillo Day?
Taste a Tempranillo, pair it with Spanish food, learn about Rioja and Ribera del Duero, or host a tasting with friends. Please enjoy responsibly.

Related observances

International Tempranillo Day is one of twelve observances on this date. Read more about November 12 on November 12 Holidays, Observances and History.