José Peñín to Deliver Talk on the making and Impact of the Guía Peñín at UMH’s EPSO in Orihuela
- Renowned wine critic José Peñín will give a lecture titled “Andanzas y desventuras de una guía de vinos de España.”
- Event: Thursday, 25 september at 19:30 in the Aula de grados, EPSO (UMH), Orihuela – Campus de Desamparados, Tudemir building.
- Peñín is the founder of the Guía Peñín - a leading reference for Spanish wines – and creator of the Salón de los Mejores Vinos de España.
- Audience: students,wine professionals and local wine lovers; the talk will cover the guide’s origins,tasting methodology and industry impact.
- Organized within the Master’s program in Viticulture and Enology at the Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (EPSO),Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH).
Introductory
One of Spain’s most influential figures in the wine world, José Peñín, will visit Orihuela this September to share stories, lessons and behind-the-scenes insights from his long career as a journalist, taster and founder of the Guía Peñín. The lecture, aimed at students, professionals and wine lovers, promises to explore how a wine guide is built, the highs and lows of the trade, and the real-world impact that scores and reviews have on wineries.
Event Details – What, When and Where
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | José Peñín – journalist, writer, wine critic and founder of the Guía Peñín |
| Title | “Andanzas y desventuras de una guía de vinos de España” |
| Date & Time | Thursday, 25 September – 19:30 |
| Location | Aula de Grados, EPSO – Campus de Desamparados (Tudemir building), Orihuela |
| Organizer | Master’s in Viticulture and Enology - Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (EPSO), Universidad Miguel Hernández |
Who Is José Peñín?
Born in Santa Coloma de la Vega (León), José Peñín is widely recognized in Spain and internationally as a leading voice in wine journalism and criticism. His career includes:
- Founding and directing influential wine publications such as Bouquet and Sibaritas.
- Authoring more than fifteen books on wine, including the bestseller “El Manual de los Vinos Españoles.”
- Creating the Guía Peñín,the most complete Spanish wine guide used by professionals and consumers worldwide.
- Working as a consultant, taster and juror at top international wine events, and receiving national recognition including the Spanish National Gastronomy Award.
Why Peñín Matters to the Wine Industry
Peñín’s guide and work helped professionalize wine criticism in Spain, amplifying small producers and providing buyers wiht rigorous, reliable evaluations.A strong score in the Guía Peñín can boost a winery’s visibility and sales, especially on export markets.
What Will the Conference Cover?
The lecture “Andanzas y desventuras de una guía de vinos de España” will likely cover:
- The origin story of Guía Peñín and its early publications and projects (including the magazine Bouquet and the Cluve catalogue initiative).
- How the Guide tastes and evaluates thousands of wines every year – the team currently assesses more than 11,500 wines annually.
- Practical anecdotes from decades of winery visits, tastings and industry trends.
- The creation and role of the Salón de los Mejores Vinos de España – a trade-focused tasting that showcases wines scored 90+ points in the Guide.
- Advice for students and young professionals seeking careers in viticulture, enology, wine marketing or sommelier work.
Who Should Attend?
- Students of viticulture and enology – an possibility to learn from a pioneer in wine communication.
- Wine professionals – importers, distributors, sommeliers and restaurateurs who use guides to inform purchase decisions.
- Local winemakers and winery staff - to understand how evaluations influence national and international markets.
- Wine lovers and curious members of the public - to hear first-hand stories about Spain’s wine evolution.
Why This Talk Is Relevant Now
In an era where online reviews and scores help shape consumer behavior, understanding the methodology and history behind an established guide like Guía Peñín provides context for both producers and buyers.Peñín’s practical experience – from publishing to organizing tastings and catalog sales - offers a real-world look at how reputation and exposure are built in the wine industry.
Swift Takeaways Attendees Can Expect
- Insights into how a major wine guide selects and scores wines.
- Strategies for wineries to gain national recognition.
- Stories about the practical challenges of wine journalism and trade shows.
- Career guidance for those entering viticulture and enology.
Practical Information & tips for Attendees
- Arrive early: seating at the Aula de Grados can be limited for special public lectures.
- target audience: while the talk is open to wine lovers, note that parts might potentially be technical or industry-focused.
- Bring questions: Peñín’s decades of experience make Q&A particularly valuable.
Conclusion
José Peñín’s visit to the EPSO represents a rare chance for students,professionals and enthusiasts in the Vega Baja region to meet the founder of Spain’s benchmark wine guide. Whether you are studying enology, running a small bodega, or simply enjoy Spanish wines, this conference promises to be both informative and inspiring.
Sources and Credits
- Vegabaja Digital – Event proclamation by EPSO (UMH): https://vegabajadigital.com/el-fundador-de-la-prestigiosa-guia-penin-sobre-vinos-de-espana-impartira-una-conferencia-en-la-epso/
- Guía Peñín (official site) – background on the guide and Salón de los Mejores Vinos de España: https://www.guiapenin.com