Co-op launches monthly wine tasting for members

02 April 2024

Co-op launches online wine tastings offering members exclusive access to the producers behind its wine range.

The new convenience retailer’s free online events, which began in March, aims to celebrate the world class winemakers that produce its own-brand range as well as help members wanting to learn more about wine. The tastings will focus on two different wines every month linked to the season and will be hosted by the winemaker and a member of Co-op’s wine buying team.

The next tasting, which will focus on Co-op’s Irresistible Rioja and Irresistible Rioja Blanco, will take place on April 24th and will be hosted by Muriel Wines producers Javier Murua and Chema Ryan.

Co-op’s virtual tastings were first piloted during the pandemic, which proved incredibly popular with members.

Sarah Benson, Wine Buyer at the Co-op, said: “We’re fiercely proud to work with some of the world’s finest winemakers for our own-brand range, and we’re thrilled to offer our members exclusive access to learn first-hand how our wines are produced. We know our virtual tastings were incredibly popular during those lockdown days and wanted to bring this back in response to demand.

“As a co-operative, our members are at the heart of our business and help shape how our business is run. We often engage with our members for our wine range – from helping to design our new Irresistible Pais label to choosing the right hue and bottle for our Irresistible Solo Rose. Hearing directly from our members about our wine range is important, and these tastings are just another way we can connect with them.”

For members wanting to look to book onto future events, they can keep an eye on the Co-op Membership website, https://joinin.coop.co.uk/opportunities/, or find details in our member email on 13 April. When signed up, Members will receive a Zoom link to join the event on the day. Participants will also get advance notice on what wines will feature.

Viviana Navarrete, who was the first of many producers to talk at the event and who is also the lead producer of Co-op’s Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc Rosé, discussed and showcased the Rosé, alongside Co-op’s Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Viviana explained the processes and the history of the wines and answered any questions that Members who joined the call had.

One Member who attended the first event, revealed… “A superb presentation from all involved, entertaining and educational - thank you”. Another added, “That was brilliant. So enthusiastic and we can see why. What a fantastic pair of wines, we’ll be buying more especially the blanc (Rosé) and we’re recommending it to friends and family.”

Becoming a Co-op Member is really simple and costs £1. Members get access to exclusive offers, discounts and events, and will help support local communities too.

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*Over 18s only.

Further information:

Lauren Chambers or Ciaran Ball
Co-op Press Office
lauren.chambers@coop.co.uk / ciaran.ball@coop.co.uk / pressoffice@coop.co.uk