More than 70 people enjoyed a fusion of fine Spanish wine and delicious locally- sourced food last week (Thursday September 17) at a Winemaker’s Dinner hosted by one of Spain’s most acclaimed winemakers.

Roberto Ijalba hosted a five-course dinner and wine tasting event at St Austell Brewery’s Pescadou Restaurant in Padstow with Xenia Irwin MW, St Austell Brewery’s Wine Buyer.

Guests enjoyed five courses inspired by the cuisine of Spain, accompanied by Roberto’s finest Riojas, to compliment the meal prepared by Head Chef Marcus Van Luttmer.

Roberto is the son of Santiago Ijalba, founder of the Vina Hermosa winery, close to Haro in Northern Spain. Roberto has inherited his father’s expertise and enthusiasm in making and ageing great wines, in a family tradition that dates back to 1964.

Xenia Irwin MW- Wine Buyer for St Austell Brewery’s Walter Hicks business and one of only 260 people world wide to hold the elite Master of Wine qualification – said: “We were immensely proud to have Roberto hosting this fantastic dinner and sharing his knowledge and wine making skills. It was really wonderful to have so many people able to make the Spanish-themed evening and learn more about the produce of the Vina Hermosa winery coupling fine wine with fantastic food. We’re delighted that the feedback on the evening was really positive.”

St Austell Brewery’s Walter Hicks Wine Merchants is the sole supplier in the South West of England for Ijalba wines. Walter Hicks supplies wines to many of the region’s top restaurants, hotels and bars.

Roberto Ijalba, of the Vina Hermosa winery, said: “I must thank Pescadou restaurant for creating a menu which complimented my family’s wines so well. My two days in Cornwall have been the highlight of my trip to the UK and I am confident that my family’s wines are in good hands with St Austell Brewery.”