Rioja Wine Tasting Photography in London | Decanter x Vintae
On 30 September I photographed Decanter Presents: Classica Hacienda López de Haro, an evening tasting at the Decanter Tasting Suite in Paddington, London. The night was a journey through Rioja’s history. It was hosted by Richi Arambarri, founder and CEO of Vintae, and Ines Salpico, Decanter’s regional editor for Spain, Portugal and South America.
Guests tasted rare Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, including a vertical of Gran Reserva rosados from 2016, 2013 and 2012, and Gran Reserva tintos from 2006, 2005 and 2001. A tasting like this has a lot of beautiful detail to photograph: the colour of an old rosé in the glass, the bottles lined up by vintage, and the faces of guests as they taste something special.
A special evening
What I loved most was the energy in the room. Guests were really engaged with Richi. They asked questions, shared opinions and listened closely to the story of each wine. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and at the end nobody wanted to leave. It was a very special tasting, and those are the moments I love to capture.
More than photos
Before the guests arrived, the Decanter team asked me to film a short interview with Richi and Ines. I arrived 30 minutes early, set up a tripod and a microphone on my camera, and we recorded four questions about the wines. During the evening I also filmed short clips of the bottles being opened, perfect for Instagram and LinkedIn.
The next day, Decanter received one gallery with everything: the event photos, the edited interview and the video clips.
Why wine brands work with me
I have worked in the wine industry for more than ten years, and I hold the WSET Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. I have also worked with Decanter for a few years now. So at a wine event I have a double connection: I understand the camera, and I understand the wine. I know what the winemaker is talking about, which moments matter to the brand, and when to stay invisible.
Every time I visit a winery, I never want to leave. I love to capture the magic behind the wines: the people, the hard work and the love they put into every bottle. I am Spanish and work in English and Spanish, so I can talk easily with winemakers and their teams.
I photograph tastings, masterclasses and trade events in London. I am also available to travel to wineries in Spain, France and Italy for vineyard, harvest, winemaker portrait and brand photography.
Planning a wine event or a winery shoot?
