WINE TASTING
IN VALENCIA
MY WINE
JOURNEY
At 15, I began working in fine dining restaurants. That’s where I first came into contact with wine, and it immediately sparked my interest. That early spark led me to work in some of the most distinguished Michelin-starred restaurants. I worked mostly in and around Amsterdam, but also in Barcelona and Sydney, Australia.
Alongside my practical experience, I studied the highest level of Dutch wine education: “Vinologen.” I later pursued my WSET, the pinnacle of global wine education, and earned my WSET4/DipWSET certification. These studies gave me the knowledge to explore wine in depth. They also taught me how to share that knowledge in a way that’s engaging and approachable. Furthermore, they strengthened my passion for teaching.
After more than a decade in the industry, my journey took an unexpected turn. During the Covid pandemic, I returned to my hometown of Amsterdam. I spent several months teaching as a WSET instructor and working in fine dining restaurants. However, restrictions once again brought everything to a stop.
Eager to improve the Spanish I’d picked up during my time in Barcelona, I moved to Valencia in January 2021. Once I arrived, I wanted to continue sharing my passion for wine. So I hosted my first wine tasting at a local guesthouse. What began as small, intimate gatherings soon grew into weekly events welcoming guests from all over the world. Eventually, this also led to private tastings for groups and companies.
My mission? To share the joy of great wine, spark curiosity, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
MY WINE
TASTINGS
What sets my wine tastings apart? It’s my ability to make sure every guest has an unforgettable evening. The events take place in unique, beautiful, and central locations. This way, there’s always a guaranteed feel-good atmosphere. I bring a broad repertoire of wine knowledge, so you’ll leave the event with every question answered.
At each event, you’ll be welcomed with an aperitif. Then we continue with five artisanal Spanish wines. Each wine is carefully chosen to take you on a flavorful journey full of unique aromas and stories. Along the way, I share insights into Spain’s diverse wine regions, explain the production process, and give you practical tips so you can taste like a true sommelier.
To complete the experience, you’ll enjoy a selection of traditional Spanish tapas and refined petit fours.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wine lover, you’ll enjoy a fun and educational evening.
MY TASTING
ROOM
The Tasting Room by Sommelier Tristan represents the next chapter in my journey with wine in Valencia. What started more than five years ago with small wine tastings at different locations around the city has grown into weekly tastings welcoming wine lovers from all over the world. Having a permanent home for my tastings has always been a dream, and The Tasting Room allows me to create a more personal, consistent and immersive experience around Spanish wine.
The space has been created with wine, hospitality and authentic Spanish gastronomy at its heart. Here, I can share my passion for Spanish wines in a more personal way, introducing guests to unique wines from small family-owned wineries and telling the stories behind each bottle. Every tasting is an opportunity to discover the incredible diversity of Spain’s wine regions while enjoying it with typical Spanish snacks and great company.
For me, The Tasting Room is about more than wine. It is a place where people from all over the world come together to learn, share stories and experience a different side of Spanish wine and culture. Whether you are joining your first Spanish wine tasting in Valencia or already have a passion for wine, I hope you leave The Tasting Room with a deeper appreciation for the wines, people and places that make Spanish wine so special.
Can’t wait to welcome you soon with a glass of cava at The Tastingroom!
Cheers,
Sommelier Tristan
FAQ – Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
01. Who is Sommelier Tristan?
I am a professional sommelier based in Valencia with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. I specialise in Spanish wines and host tastings where guests discover unique wines from smaller producers from wine regions across Spain.
02. What is my wine background?
I began working in fine dining restaurants at the age of 15. Over the years I worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam, Barcelona and Sydney, gaining extensive experience with wine and gastronomy.
03. What wine education do I have?
I completed the highest level of Dutch wine education, Vinologen, and later earned the WSET Level 4 Diploma (DipWSET), one of the most advanced wine qualifications in the world.
04. Why did I start hosting wine tastings in Valencia?
After moving to Valencia in 2021, I began organising small wine tastings to share my passion for Spanish wine. What started as intimate gatherings gradually grew into regular events welcoming guests from around the world.