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Victoria Stephens-Clarkson: "Spanish wine has a unique opportunity to expand its presence in the UK market"

Victoria Stephens-Clarkson, UK-based wine buyer and Master of Wine, follows a clear roadmap when selecting Spanish wines with potential in her market: quality, enjoyment, and authenticity. "There's no point in having a technically correct wine if it's not something you'd genuinely want to enjoy at the end of a long day," she explains. With that in mind, she looks for wines that authentically represent their regions, are competitively priced, and offer an experience that stays true to the character of each appellation.

Stephens-Clarkson also emphasizes the importance of balancing well-established names with emerging producers and lesser-known regions. Her approach targets a discerning clientele that values quality in uncommon formats, such as 37.5 cl bottles - a specialization that sets them apart in the UK market. In this context, she acknowledges there is room to broaden the range of Spanish wines offered, an opportunity she embraces with enthusiasm.

Regarding the position of Spanish wine in the UK, the Master of Wine notes that while Rioja and other classic regions continue to dominate, "more and more exciting appellations and producers are entering the scene, making Spain a truly vibrant country to source wines from." These newer projects, which have traditionally been present in the independent and restaurant channels, are now starting to make their way into broader distribution.

She also underscores the growing relevance of storytelling and sustainability. While some wines sell themselves, lesser-known labels benefit greatly from compelling, authentic narratives. "The more engaging and relatable the story, the better," she states. As for sustainability, although she doesn't require it as a criterion, she does seek out wineries that are committed to respectful practices in both vineyard and cellar, with the intention of placing greater focus on this aspect moving forward.

Looking ahead to her participation in Spain's National Wine Fair, FENAVIN 2025, Stephens-Clarkson expresses genuine excitement: "It's been a long time since we last attended, and we're really looking forward to reconnecting with producers we haven't seen in years and making new contacts."

The fair will take place from May 6 to 8 in Ciudad Real and once again stands as a strategic platform for promoting Spanish wine in international markets.