The city of Mérida will celebrate the first edition of the Meditrinalia Wine Festival this Saturday, October 10, starting at 11:00 AM in the Plaza de las Méridas del Mundo. This initiative, promoted by Inbraex and WINE&MOVIDAS in partnership with the local government, combines tradition, culture, gastronomy, and a charitable purpose.
Laura Iglesias, the delegate for Commerce and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives like this one, which generate activity, enhance public spaces, and connect the community with cultural and gastronomic proposals. She expressed gratitude to the promoters for their commitment to reviving this tradition and for their vision of continuity, hoping that Meditrinalia will grow and become an annual event.
The festival will showcase eight Extremaduran wineries, providing an opportunity to highlight the work of local producers and offer residents a unique experience in the Plaza de las Méridas del Mundo. Iglesias also praised the event for its charitable aspect, which aims to support individuals affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ELA), adding significant value to the festival.
Valeria San José, the sommelier and manager of WINE&MOVIDAS, noted that the festival aims to blend tradition with a charitable cause, promoting wine as a deeply rooted product in the region and reviving the Roman tradition of Meditrinalia. Each wine tasting will require a two-euro deposit for the glass, and attendees will receive a passport detailing the festival's activities and information about the participating wineries.
The program will include wine tastings, as well as activities such as a ham cutter demonstration, live music, and children's workshops for painting grapes and making flower crowns. The participating wineries include Valdealto, Virgen de la Estrella, Bodegas Valdeorite, Bodegas Coloma, Bodegas La Pelina, Pago Los Balancines, Bodega de Valdequemao, and Viña Puebla de Bodegas Toribio.
José Ángel Muñoz, the manager of Inbraex, stated that the goal is to encourage participation and establish Mérida as a reference point for promoting regional wine, given its historical significance as the capital of Extremadura. He indicated that while this first edition focuses on local wineries, future events may include wineries from other wine regions such as Rioja, Rías Baixas, or Ribera del Duero.
Lola Dorado, president of the ELA Extremadura Association, expressed her gratitude for this charitable initiative promoting Extremaduran wines and encouraged the public to participate in a day that serves a dual purpose: to taste wines and support a worthy cause. She highlighted the importance of raising awareness about ELA and the association's work, in addition to providing financial resources.
