We discovered the Ruta del Vino not long after we moved to Jumilla, and we have enjoyed participating in their various activities: in particular their “Música entre Vinos” events in the summer months. It struck us as an excellent idea, as we both enjoy listening to all types of music and we also enjoy tasting all types of wine.
We have to thank “Música entre Vinos” for introducing us to our good friend Juana María, whom we first met in Bodegas Viña Campanero two years ago. Her son Salva happened to be playing in the band that was performing that day, and his fellow musicians insisted on Salva speaking to us as his English is very good. Not long after that his mother joined us, and since then she has played an important role in helping us understand Spanish culture and also in saving us from making too many faux pas with our limited Spanish! We have also had many laughs together and enjoyed lots of social activities with Juana María and her family.
Two years later we received an email from Pedro Piqueras, the President of the Ruta del Vino, telling us about their new award for those people who have participated in and supported the Ruta del Vino. We had been nominated for the first award, much to our great surprise and delight.
This year we have enjoyed listening to the local symphony orchestra, a talented classical string quartet, a jazz trio, a brass quintet, a flamenco-pop singer, a jazz-mambo band and our favourite flamenco group Al Golpe amongst the many talented acts participating in “Música entre Vinos 2010”.
Pedro had told us the format for the closing event, when we were going to receive our award. There would be a tour of the bodega at 12.00, after which Miriam, the manager of Bodegas Hacienda del Carche, would welcome everybody. Pedro would follow Miriam, saying a few words about this new award and introducing John and me as the first recipients. He then announced that our friend Juana María was going to speak – she had said she would be coming along on the day, but this was news to us! We were expected to say something too, obviously in Spanish. The local councillor for tourism would make the closing speech.
We decided to play safe and have our speeches prepared well in advance, checked by Juana María in case of unintentional gaffes! I was a bit nervous, though John seemed calm enough, but on the day all seemed to go well.
This was a great honour for us: two Brits, who have only been living in Jumilla for a few years, receiving an award from a local organisation. It is also a measure of how welcoming the Spanish people are towards anybody who is willing to integrate in their local community.
We were delighted with the lovely picture that was presented to us as a memento of our award. It was a water colour painting of one of our favourite monuments, the Arco de San Roque, by a local artist.
After the presentation we were able to relax and enjoy the music played by the Banda Juvenil “Julián Santos”, followed by a very welcome glass of wine (or two) and plenty of tasty snacks.
As soon as we have details of “Música entre Vinos 2011” I will post it on this website, as each year the events get bigger and better.
