Bodegas Bentomiz, just above Sayalonga off the main road towards Cómpeta, is one of the leading producers of fine wines in Málaga. Their Ariyanas range includes red, white and rosé, sweet and dry, and has had national and international success, winning plaudits and prizes in the competitive world market. We reported last year how, with the completion of their beautiful light and airy modern building they were expanding their “eno-tourism” offer to include wine-centred lunches, alongside the winery tours and wine tastings. The reaction has been so positive that TripAdvisor has awarded them a “Certificate of Excellence” for 54 five-star reviews from Spanish, British, Dutch, Belgian, Swedish, Irish, Danish and Norwegian visitors! This is mainly due to the quality of the food and wine itself but the beautiful location is also part of the attraction: visitors and residents alike respond to the spectacular views. With this in mind, Clara and André, the bodega’s owners who never rest on their laurels, are beginning to allow fuller use of their stunning location, opening for special events. They are now offering private tailor-made visits for parties, special celebrations and business groups and corporate incentives. Their July launch event brought musician Daniel Casares to the Bodega for a private concert of 120 lucky invited guests. Daniel, who is from Estepona, is famous around the world for his superb music – ABC Magazine described him as “uno de los guitarristas flamencos más brillantes de la actualidad” – one of the most brilliant flamenco guitarrists of the modern age! He works with such renowned artists as Alejandro Sanz, Dulce Pontes and Chucho Valdés – and was asked to perform privately for Barak Obama before the president’s visit to Spain was sadly cut short. Clara and André first got to know Daniel when he suggested that they collaborate, combining his music and their wine. This led to the creation of the Picassares Pack, a wonderful gift box containing Daniel’s new CD, Picassares, a bottle of the Ariyanas Naturalmente Dulce wine, and tasting notes for both by sommelier Enrique López. After the pack was launched Daniel invited Clara and André to his concert in Estepona, where they were part of the 1000+ audience. They returned the favour by hosting a wonderful private (invitation only) concert, in the bodega’s grounds, in July. Listening to the passionate expression of Spanish guitar, enjoyed in the stunning setting of the bodega, between the mountains and the Mediterranean sea, with a glass of Ariyanas in your hand – no wonder the performance was a tremendous success. Don’t worry if you missed out, though: this is, after all, the start and not the end of the story. In the meantime you can enjoy the bodegas superb eno-tourism offer and their marvellous wines, along with Daniel’s Picassares album, playing in the background. See advert opposite.
