We are very excited to announce our collaboration with Rioja Wine Club!

We have always been huge fans of wines from Rioja at Butler's so we jumped at the opportunity to team up with Rioja Wine to help expand the reach of this fantastic region. Only 25 UK retailers were chosen and we are beyond happy to be included in the line-up. From exclusive promotional materials and first person access to the best producers, being part of the Rioja Wine Club is going to allow us to bring you all the best the region has to offer. Dan has also been invited on an incredible 5 day trip to explore first hand and make contact with a handful of the producers and winemakers that we will have at our disposal. Keep an eye out for the fantastic new additions and come explore the best Rioja has to offer with us.

Continue below for some background on Rioja and the styles of wine they produce.

The Rioja wine region, located in northern Spain, is renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest wines in the country. It is situated primarily within the autonomous community of La Rioja but also extends into parts of Navarre and the Basque Country. You'll find Rioja nestled along the banks of the Ebro River and is characterized by a diverse landscape of rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming medieval villages. Its proximity to the Cantabrian Mountains provides a unique microclimate, shielding the vineyards from harsh weather conditions while allowing for optimal grape cultivation.

The Rioja region is predominantly known for its production of red wines, with Tempranillo being the dominant grape variety. Other red grape varieties cultivated in the region include Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano. Additionally, Rioja produces white wines, primarily from Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía, and Garnacha Blanca grapes. These wines are classified based on their aging process, which is regulated by the Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja (Regulatory Council of the Rioja Designation of Origin). The classification system includes four categories:

1. Rioja or Joven - Young wines intended for immediate consumption, typically aged with no oak.

2. Crianza - Wines aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels and one year in the bottle.

3. Reserva - Wines aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels and two years in the bottle.

4. Gran Reserva - Wines aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels and three years in the bottle.

These are minimum regulations and each house does its own thing. The more premium wines will often spend much longer in oak. The choice of which vintages will be suitable for the long-haul is each winery's decision.

Winemaking in Rioja dates back centuries, with a rich tradition deeply rooted in the culture of the region. Many wineries, or bodegas, combine modern techniques with age-old practices, resulting in wines that reflect both innovation and tradition. Oak aging, particularly in American oak barrels, is a hallmark of Rioja winemaking, imparting distinctive flavours of vanilla, spice, and toasted wood to the wines.


In essence, the Rioja wine region captivates enthusiasts with its breath-taking scenery, diverse terroir, and unparalleled wines, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers and travellers alike. Check out some of our Rioja wines we currently have in store