New vignettes wine company Muga drew significant attention on June 6 in Santa Barbara Castle, a lively gathering that spotlighted Alicante’s vibrant wine scene. Throughout the evening, the wines emerged as the clear stars of a robust, meat-forward tasting menu that impressed every guest with depth, balance, and a sense of place.
Muga’s Rioja heritage traces back to 1932, born from the joint venture of Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. That partnership set a family tradition in motion, a thread of craft and passion that continues through subsequent generations. Today, the winery’s emblem and unwavering commitment to excellence remain central to every event and bottle, anchoring the brand’s identity in the hearts of wine lovers and collectors alike.
Attendees included Manu Muga, Arantxa, Pepe and Ángela Sellés, MariAngeles Más, Juanjo Sellés, Margarita Pérez, Ana Muga, Mayka Blanquer, Eduardo Muga, Abel Sellés, and José Antonio Sellés, whose presence fostered a warm, family-like atmosphere. The event underscored the deep connection between the winery and its supporters, a relationship built on generations of shared passion for exceptional wine.
For the evening, the lineup blended traditional styles with contemporary expressions. Standout pours included Conde de Haro Club Reserva Cava 2019 and Conde de Haro Rosé Cava 2019, complemented by Muga Blanco 2022. The program also featured Muga Rosé 2022, Flor de Muga Rosé 2022, Flor de Muga Blanco 2020, Muga Selección Especial 2019, and Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2015 Magnum. Each glass was paired with a thoughtfully designed dinner that elevated the tasting experience. The menu began with tuna tartare and a delicate coconut, pineapple, and sour apple soup, followed by a fish course featuring sea bass with seared octopus. For the main course, a perfectly cooked tenderloin arrived hot, concluding with a chocolate cake and Turrón de Jijona ice cream for dessert. The progression provided a harmonious balance that highlighted both winemaking craft and culinary artistry—an immersion in textures, aromas, and regional character. — cited: Muga Winery
Service throughout the evening complemented every course, with pacing and ambiance aligning to the culinary and viticultural themes. Attentive staff and coordinated timing allowed guests to savor each moment, transforming the dinner into a memorable tasting journey. The pairing approach felt cohesive, with wine and dish choices reinforcing the broader identity of the Muga portfolio while inviting guests to explore the textures, aromas, and regional signature of the wines.
The night also included remarks from Bardisa y Cía SL, a gourmet products company, as one executive offered thanks to all participants and their companies for contributing to a night that left a lasting impression. The note of appreciation extended to a close ally who helped shape the dinner’s elegance and perfection, recognizing collaborative efforts that elevated the overall experience. — cited: Bardisa y Cía SL
An important presence at the event was representation from the Muga family, including Manuel, Alejandro, and Ana. The remarks highlighted the winery’s long history and its proximity to Alicante, framing the region as a core element of Muga’s identity. The message underscored how quality, devotion, and generosity have defined the family’s work across generations, reinforcing the idea that Alicante remains a central part of the Muga story and its enduring connection to wine lovers in the region and beyond. — cited: Muga family archive