From 13 to 15 November, the wine cooperative in Aguilar de la Frontera will host the open tasting event 'Pontefino', supported by the Diputación de Córdoba through the Provincial Institute for Economic Development (Iprodeco). This initiative aims to showcase the region's wines.
Félix Romero, the delegate for Economic Development, Promotion, and Employment at the Diputación, emphasised the importance of the event, stating, "We support this edition of 'Pontefino' because it connects the wine industry with the gastronomic world of Aguilar de la Frontera. We are stimulating and creating economic activity in the municipalities of the province." He also noted the need to raise awareness about local products, saying, "When people know what we produce, they value it more, and we must invite them to consume local products. However, we are witnessing the disappearance of vineyards in the Montilla Moriles area."
Romero, who is also the president of Iprodeco, highlighted the significance of supporting farmers and winemakers, stating, "We celebrate the world of wine and its products, but we cannot forget the farmers and viticulturists. We have a duty to make agriculture profitable, and all administrations must support our farmers." He reiterated the need to enhance the value of the wine sector, saying, "We are capable of innovating in the wine industry and must share our stories. 'Pontefino' is an excellent opportunity to discover the wines of Aguilar de la Frontera and its surroundings."
Aguilar's mayor, Paqui Herrador, explained that the initiative aims to promote not only local wines but also the region's heritage. "When we talk about wine, we are discussing not just the final product but an economic sector that is part of the history, landscape, and lifestyle of many municipalities in the province. Behind every wine are families, cooperatives, wineries, and generations of hard work on the land," she said.
Herrador stressed the responsibility of public administrations to support this vital sector, particularly during challenging times for agricultural activities. She stated, "'Pontefino' is a way to show our support for the sector, promote our wines, and highlight the work of those who produce them, helping to enhance the appreciation for the quality of our local products."
Pepe Fontiberos, the Tourism Councillor for Aguilar, noted that during the three-day event, the local wine cooperative will welcome visitors to not only taste the wines but also learn about the wineries, lagares (wine presses), and producers behind them. Various municipalities will be represented.
The 'Pontefino 2026' programme will feature wineries such as Toro Albalá, known for its generous wines and Pedro Ximénez, as well as the local cooperative. Other participating wineries include Arrabal Rodríguez and Lagar La Primilla from Montilla, El Monte and Lagar de Casablanca from Moriles, and Bodegas Delgado from Puente Genil, a long-established name in the region.
Fontiberos expressed that this variety of participants will allow visitors to discover different wine styles, from young wines to amontillados and traditional Pedro Ximénez. "One of our goals with 'Pontefino' is to encourage the public to approach wine with curiosity, to ask questions, and to discover its unique characteristics," he added.
In addition to the wineries, the event will also feature local gastronomic establishments presenting their culinary offerings, along with traditional sweets from Confitería Santa Ana. Open tastings will take place on Friday from 21:00 to 02:00, Saturday from 13:00 to 18:00 and 21:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00. A paired tasting led by Bodega Toro Albalá will occur on Sunday, requiring prior registration at the local Tourist Office. The programme will also include venencia workshops for both adults and children, as well as musical performances, including one by Peña Curro Malena.
