Alimentaria 2010
The renowned annual international food and beverage exhibition known as Alimentaria will be held in Barcelona in March, 2010, making this charming city the food and beverage capital of the world for several days. Alimentaria provides opportunities for visitors to establish new contacts, learn about the latest market trends, discover new business
and networking opportunities, visit clients, and receive important training. It is divided into fifteen shows, according to type of product or origin. Intervin, the wine & spirits show, will showcase 1350 international wineries. For further information visit www.allimentaria-bcn.com.

Best Spanish wines of 2009 in the US
In December, major industry magazines published their annual ranking of wines, better known as the "top 100". Spanish wines present in the US market have improved their position in these prestigious lists every year. Here, we highlight the best according to three of the most important industry publications. Seven Spanish wines appeared in the "Top 100 Best Buy Wines 2009" of Wine Enthusiast magazine, which selects the best under $15, and NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (DO Cava) was placed number eight. In its list of Top 100 Wineries of the Year, which honors wineries that delivered the best overall performances in Wine & Spirits tastings during the year, Wine & Spirits magazine selected eight Spanish wines from some of the country's best-known Spanish regions. Tradición winery has won high marks with its Oloroso Sherry of 30 years. Finally, six Spanish wines made it into the Wine Spectator's Top 100, where the 2005 Termes of Numanthia-Termes winery (DO Toro) achieved an excellent second place.

Santé Restaurant Symposium 2009
Santé, the restaurant trade magazine, held its fourth Santé Restaurant Symposium in October in upstate Bolton's Landing, New York. This annual event brings important chefs, restaurateurs and other industry professionals together to present the latest developments in the world of restaurants. Strategies for Survival & Success was the theme this year, and the exhibition hall, premium tastings, cocktail and cooking competitions, and inspiring keynote speakers made it a sought after ticket. Wines from Spain participated with its Vivacious Varietals campaign, and served Spanish wines at the two gala dinners. Visit www.isantemagazine.com/symposium.html for details.

Great Match
Wines from Spain's annual Great Match Wine & Tapas Tastings were high points last fall in Chicago, New York and Houston, and coincided with a program titled Made In/Made by Spain being implemented by the Spanish government. In Chicago on May 5, Leslie Sbrocco, noted TV Host and Author, presented a seminar called "Spanish Solutions.” In New York on October 6th, the Metropolitan Pavilion was packed with trade and consumers wanting to taste the best of Spanish vintages. The energetic Steve Olson presented his seminar, “Discovering Bierzo, the hidden treasure of Spain”. In Houston on October 30, the crowds turned out, and Doug Frost, MS, MW, presented an informative seminar on “The Native Grapes of Spain.” www.greatmatch.org.

Madrid Fusión 2010 to Include Bar-Show
Along with its 8th International Gastronomy Summit, Madrid Fusión will include in 2010 the 1st International Meeting on Mixology. Madrid Fusión focuses on the latest trends, haute cuisine and international business models. The Bar Show will include a Premium Drinks space for sampling alcohol and spirits. On the bar show stage under the supervision of cocktail guru Javier de las Muelas, will be demonstrations, interviews and discussions about cocktail making and spirits, including the latest trends such as the "black street boys", the art of "flair" or artistic acrobatics, and the Tiki cocktail. To register or for more informantion, visit www.madridfusion.net.

Spanish Wine Cellar & Pantry 2010
The Spanish Wine Cellar & Pantry takes place in New York City and San Francisco in April 2010. This gathering presents the latest wines and foods from up-and-coming Spanish producers to trade who are seeking to source the bounty of Spain and to media who wish to learn about new products. Over 75 Spanish wine and food companies will attend, allowing buyers and sellers to connect directly. The Spanish Wine Cellar & Pantry will be held in New York on April 20 and in San Francisco on April 22. Visit www.spanishwinecellar.com and www.thespanishpantry.com (available in March 2010).