AMAZINGLY it’s 15 years since Evuna opened its doors on Deansgate to sell bespoke Spanish wines in those days when the city centre wasn’t choc a bloc with tapas joints.
The Dowler family’s atmospheric ‘wine library’ venue soon blossomed into a restaurant matching authentic regional specialities to the Rioja, Ribera del Dueros and Albarinos they were importing.
Since then,the group has also opened branches in Manchester’s Northern Quarter (pictured above) and in Knutsford, with a fourth Evuna due in Altrincham early next year.
Appropriately to celebrate its 15th year, Evuna will be holding ‘Rioja versus Ribera Del Duero’ themed wine and food tasting birthday parties in both Manchester and Knutsford, with wines from two of its oldest vineyards, complemented by a range of tasty tapas with flamenco to entertain.
The producers will be on hand for the parties, too. Roberto Santalba and Jesus Sanchez, from multi award winning wineries Bodegas Santalba and Bodegas Azuauga, will be attending both events, which take place on Monday October 29 at Evuna Deansgate and Tuesday, October 30 at Evuna at 46 King Street, Knutsford.
Founded by Jane and Frances Dowler in 2003, the group imports wines from family run vineyards that have several generations worth of experience. Uniquely for a UK restaurant they import directly from source.
Each month at tastings they showcase specific discoveries from Catalunya, Galicia, Rioja or Navarra, alongside specially created, authentic dishes from the same region.
Jane Dowler said: “It’s hard to believe, but 15 years ago, the UK market considered the world of Spanish wines to consist of just Rioja and Sherry. Now, thankfully, it is so much more than this. I am continuously overwhelmed by the diversity of Spain’s viticulture; with over 120 denominations of origin and over 100 types of indigenous grapes. Evuna’s mission is to provide the finest Spanish wines at a great price.”
Both events start at 6.30pm with a cava and canape reception and flamenco by Chico Pere. Guests will then taste eight wines and be guided through a journey of senses by both winemakers and Evuna’s chefs. Tickets cost £40 a head. Guests will also receive a 10% discount off all wines they buy to take home on the night. To book, call the restaurants direct: Deansgate, 0161 819 2752 and Knutsford, 01565 634777.