Spanish wine continues to gain momentum across European and international markets, driven by rising quality, stronger premium positioning and increasing recognition of its diverse wine regions. Against this positive backdrop, Barcelona Wine Week (BWW), Spain’s leading trade fair for quality wines, has appointed Raquel Pérez Cuevas as President of its Organising Committee for the 2027 edition, marking a new chapter in the international promotion of Spanish wines.
Pérez, who currently serves as President of the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council, CEO of Bodegas Ontañón and President of Esencia Rioja, succeeds Javier Pagés, who has led Barcelona Wine Week since its launch in 2019. She also made history as the first woman to lead DOCa Rioja in its 100-year history. Her appointment reflects the growing importance of experienced industry leadership at a time when Spanish wine is enjoying renewed global attention.
The Spanish Wine Federation (FEV), a member of the show’s Organising Committee, congratulated Pérez on her appointment, highlighting her extensive experience in the wine sector and expressing confidence that she will continue to strengthen Barcelona Wine Week’s international profile while reinforcing its role as the leading business platform for Spanish wineries.
Barcelona Wine Week has evolved into one of Europe’s most influential wine trade events, attracting buyers, importers, distributors and retailers from around the world. The 2027 edition is expected to welcome more than 1,300 exhibiting wineries, around 90 Designations of Origin and quality seals, and nearly 26,000 professional visitors from 73 countries, with international attendees representing around 20% of total visitors.
For international retailers, the appointment comes as Spanish wines continue to outperform expectations in terms of quality perception. Once regarded primarily as a source of value wines, Spain has increasingly established itself as a producer of premium and terroir-driven wines, supported by investments in vineyard management, sustainability, indigenous grape varieties and modern winemaking.
Across Europe, retailers are expanding their Spanish wine ranges beyond the traditional Rioja and Cava categories to include regions such as Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, Priorat, Jumilla, Bierzo and emerging appellations that appeal to consumers seeking authenticity and value. The combination of competitive pricing, improved quality and strong sustainability credentials has made Spanish wines particularly attractive during a period of cautious consumer spending.
Pérez has stated that her priority will be to further enhance Barcelona Wine Week’s international reach while creating new business, innovation and export opportunities for Spanish wineries. The event also aims to address key challenges facing the sector, including strengthening domestic consumption and enhancing the global reputation of Spanish wine.
The industry has also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing President Javier Pagés, whose leadership since the inaugural edition in 2019 helped establish Barcelona Wine Week as one of the world’s leading showcases for quality Spanish wine and an essential meeting point for international buyers and the global wine trade.
With a new generation of leadership and growing international demand for premium Spanish wines, Barcelona Wine Week 2027 is expected to further consolidate Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic and competitive wine-producing nations.