A Spanish Discovery in London: Murcia in the Square Mile
London calling — and Murcia answered
London has always mattered in the wine world. Historically, it was a gateway for regions trying to make their mark; today, it remains one of the most influential tasting cities on the planet. So, to see the wines of Murcia showcased in the heart of the financial district at Hispania, one of the most beautiful Spanish locations in the city, felt significant.
“A Spanish Discovery Tasting of Region of Murcia: Jumilla, Yecla & Bullas” wasn’t just another trade event. For me, it was a chance to keep learning, to test my own palate against the very best educators in the UK, and to see how the region I call home is perceived on one of wine’s biggest stages.
People Who Care About Murcia
A real highlight was meeting up with our friend and biggest supporter, David Harker of Newcastle Wine School. David has been behind us from the beginning, so to reconnect in this setting felt right.
It was also a pleasure to meet some seriously respected wine professionals who all showed a genuine interest in Spain and in Murcia in particular:
Victoria Aldwinckle, Kent Wine School
Quentin Sadler, London-based wine communicator
Leta Bester, founder of the London Wine Academy
Luke Mobley, Sustainable Wine Roundtable
I sat beside Leta for the second Master Class, and it was fascinating to hear her perspective, especially on the wines of Bullas. Many of those wines are ones I’ve tasted countless times back home, so hearing her fresh take was a reminder of how important outside perspectives are. She was genuinely enthusiastic about the wines and clearly interested in finding out more about the region, which was great to see.
Familiar Faces, New Energy
It was also great to see familiar faces from Murcia proudly showing their wines:
Pura Viña, Balcona, Hydria, Rosario and others. These are producers we know, respect, and in some cases have worked with, and seeing them represented in London felt like a milestone.
Two Standout Masterclasses
The sessions led by Peter Richards MW were excellent, thoughtful, clear, and grounded in real-world viticulture. The masterclasses were:
1. Height, Heritage and Heat
A deep dive into how altitude, history, and rising temperatures shape the wines of Southeastern Spain.
2. Low Intervention and High Expression – Murcia’s Organic Wines
A look at why organic methods matter and how they’re shaping Murcia’s modern identity.
Peter’s line that stuck with me most was his comment about Bullas:
“There are really interesting things happening in Bullas — a place I need to discover more.”
Hearing a Master of Wine say that, in London, carries weight and it was reassuring to hear someone at that level echo things I’ve felt and been telling people about Bullas for a long time.
Noble Rot: A Long-Awaited Visit
After the tasting, we made our way to the iconic Noble Rot Lamb’s Conduit Street, celebrating its 10-year anniversary. It’s somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for a long time.
With guidance from David and his very knowledgeable friend Nick, we tasted:
M. Gonet, Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs ‘3 Terroirs’, Champagne 2019
A couple of unfortified finos
Some Provence whites
A Greek rosé
But the real highlight was the bottle of:
Château Pibarnon Bandol 2021
Nearly pure Mourvèdre, the French expression of Monastrell, with deep dark fruit, spice and Mediterranean savouriness. A benchmark Bandol estate.
Powerful yet elegant and the perfect wine to compare against all the Murcian Monastrell we had tasted earlier that day.
It was a moment of context: same grape, different country, two traditions speaking to each other.
Ending the Day in Soho
On my way back to the hotel in Gloucester Road, I stopped into Bar Italia in Soho a place I’ve been visiting for years. I ordered their Time Out award-winning Negroni and soaked in the atmosphere. London at its best.
A Great Trip — and What Comes Next
All in all, it was a fantastic trip. Educational, energising, and a reminder of how much potential Murcia has on the world stage.
If you’re curious to explore Bullas and wider Murcia properly…
…to taste these wines with the people who make them, and to understand the landscape behind them — that’s exactly what we do at Sense Experiences.
Come and see the region through the eyes of the people who live and work here.