You're invited
Rioja DOCa Grand Tasting
September 22, 2026
Master Class: 11:30AM
Walkaround Tasting: 1PM - 4PM
Master Class: 11:30AM
Walkaround Tasting: 1PM - 4PM
Event Details
Location
The Swexan Hotel
2575 McKinnon St
Dallas, TX 75201
2575 McKinnon St
Dallas, TX 75201
Date & Time
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- 11:30 PM: Master Class
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Tasting
- 11:30 PM: Master Class
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Tasting
Schedule
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Rioja Master Class
Join Master Sommelier Steven McDonald, MS, for an immersive educational tasting featuring some of Rioja DOCa's most exceptional wines. This guided Master Class explores the region's history, terroir, classifications, and forward-thinking innovations through a thoughtfully curated selection of standout wines.
Capacity is limited. Advance registration is required.
Capacity is limited. Advance registration is required.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Rioja DOCa Grand Tasting
Discover more than 40 wineries from across Rioja DOCa during this walk-around tasting experience.
Taste wines from Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental while meeting winery representatives, exploring diverse styles, and discovering both renowned producers and exciting new labels.
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a series of 20-minute Rapid Rioja sessions led by Jonathan Eichholz, MS highlighting timely topics including:
Taste wines from Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental while meeting winery representatives, exploring diverse styles, and discovering both renowned producers and exciting new labels.
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a series of 20-minute Rapid Rioja sessions led by Jonathan Eichholz, MS highlighting timely topics including:
- - New Looks on Old Vines: Rioja's Centenary Sites
- - Elevations of Rioja: 300m of Terroir
- - The New Faces of Rioja White
Meet the Master Sommeliers
Master Sommelier & Certified Cicerone
Jonathan Eichholz, MS
Jonathan is an internationally award-winning Master Sommelier who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants Aquavit and The Modern. He is the host of Vice Munchies’ The Wine Show and an Educator for Guildsomm, a membership organization of 10,000 sommeliers around the world. In 2023, Jonathan achieved the rank of Master Sommelier. In 2019, Jonathan won the Best Young Sommelier in America competition and went on to place 2nd in the Best Young Sommelier in the World. Jonathan is also a Certified Cicerone and an alumnus of Colby College.
Master Sommelier
Steven McDonald, MS
Steven McDonald, MS, is Executive Wine Director for Pappas Bros. Steakhouses in Houston and Dallas, overseeing the wine programs and sommelier teams for three Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning restaurants. In 2024, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston Galleria earned The World of Fine Wine’s “Best Long Wine List in the World” and “Wine List of the Year,” while Steven received the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide Sommelier Award. A Master Sommelier since 2018, he has spent more than 14 years with Pappas Bros. and is a respected educator, speaker, mentor, and advocate for the sommelier profession.
EVENT FAQs
Who should attend?
This event is intended exclusively for wine and hospitality professionals. If you work in the food and beverage industry and sell, serve, purchase, promote, educate, or study wine—including sommeliers, bartenders, servers, beverage directors, wine buyers, distributors, importers, retailers, restaurateurs, and accredited wine media—you are welcome to attend. Registration is complimentary for qualified trade professionals.
Parking Information
Below are the options for parking upon arrival at the Swexan Hotel in the Hardwood District.
Hotel Valet: Valet parking is available at Hôtel Swexan (please enter via Moody Street). Valet parking is available for a fee.
Nearby Self-Parking: Paid self-parking is available at the nearby Harwood No. 6 Parking Garage (2501 N. Harwood St.), just a short walk from the hotel.
Street Parking: Limited metered street parking is available throughout the Harwood District on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability may be limited during business hours and nearby events.
Hotel Valet: Valet parking is available at Hôtel Swexan (please enter via Moody Street). Valet parking is available for a fee.
Nearby Self-Parking: Paid self-parking is available at the nearby Harwood No. 6 Parking Garage (2501 N. Harwood St.), just a short walk from the hotel.
Street Parking: Limited metered street parking is available throughout the Harwood District on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability may be limited during business hours and nearby events.
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