Juan Carlos Ferrando receives the Award for Best Of Wine Tourism

Juan Carlos Ferrando and his wife and maître, Zuriñe Ortiz, received the Best of Wine Tourism 2024 award in the restaurant category at the Gala held at Bodegas Solar de Samaniego in Laguardia (Álava).

The Best of Wine Tourism awards, given annually by the Wine Capitals Global Network, have presented the following awards in their 21st edition: Asociación del barrio de la Estación, in the category of Architecture, parks and gardens, Bodega Hotel FyA in the category of Wine tourism, art and culture, Bodegas Izadi in the category of Sustainable wine tourism practices, Bodegas Valdelana in the category of Innovative experiences, Grupo Criteria in the category of Wine tourism services, Juan Carlos Ferrando in the category of Restaurants and La Casa de Cosme Palacio in the category of Accommodation.

The Riojan restaurant presented its candidacy for the Best of Wine Tourism 2024 last June, and has subsequently defended it on two occasions before the jury of experts, the first time via video conference and the second time in person at the restaurant itself.

The jury singled out the candidature and award to Restaurante Juan Carlos Ferrando as: “The excellent pairing and service of Rioja wines by Zuriñe Ortiz paired with the excellent cuisine by chef Juan Carlos Ferrando. The sum of these two ingredients makes this restaurant an enogastronomic reference in the city of Logroño.

Due to its origin and trajectory, both the gastronomy and the wine list combine influences from La Rioja, the Basque Country, France and Argentina.

The wine list, which includes more than 270 references, is fundamental in this restaurant. In addition, the menu is structured beyond the classic categories. For example, reds are presented in four categories: soft and fruity reds, medium-bodied reds, elegant and harmonious reds, and expressive, structured and singular reds.

It also offers 30 wines by the glass and a special section for natural wines. And, above all, the section of the menu under the name Bodega Privada is magnificent, where they have unique bottles, some of which are hard to find, even collectors’ items, often purchased in advance, en-primeur and on a quota system.

In the dining room, the selection and regular change of specific glasses for each wine, the direct and deep knowledge of each wine, the clear and simple explanations, and above all the close, cordial and professional service of Zuriñe stand out. Finally, the jury also valued the restaurant’s commitment to a small venue, with only five tables, very spacious and widely spaced, creating a quiet, calm and welcoming atmosphere”.  

In turn, Juan Carlos Ferrando stated: “We are very proud of this recognition and very grateful to the organisation and jury who have made it possible.

Since our opening in December 2018, wine has had a special place in our restaurant. We started with 165 references and today we have more than 270 that we treasure. Rioja names, small jewels and wines made based on current trends and tastes.

A very personal wine list that is updated every two or three weeks for stock reasons and because we are very attentive to the tastes of those who come to visit us. That’s why we say that our wine list is a living element, and will always be thought of as the best pairing for our dishes”.

The Best Of awards, which this year celebrated their 21st edition, are organised by the Bilbao-Rioja Great Wine Capitals Global Network, the official chambers of Álava, Bilbao and La Rioja, the Bilbao City Council and the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council.