World Verdejo Day 2025: why the Spanish white wine from Rueda deserves its own holiday
Verdejo, the Spanish white wine with its exuberant summery character, makes everyone happy. It is therefore the FavorFlav editorial team’s favorite aperitif wine. And on World Verdejo Day, Friday, June 13, 2025, we raise our glasses just a little more enthusiastically. Because yes, when a wine is this delicious, it deserves its own holiday.
Spain as a white-wine country? Gracias, Verdejo
You could almost forget it, but Spain was once known as the country of nothing but red wine. Until Verdejo changed all that. This fresh white wine is to Spain what Pinot Grigio is to Italy: a national crowd-pleaser. Well, let’s just say: an international favorite! Juicy, fruity, with a touch of grapefruit and sometimes a hint of blossom. Verdejo is thirst-quenching, approachable and summery. What more could you want? A second glass, por favor!
From Rueda to the rest of the world
The verdejo grape (pronounced: berdeggo) originally comes from Rueda (pronounced: roe-ee-daa), the region named after the Spanish village of Rueda. Here, it is picked at night to prevent oxidation, preserving those refreshing acids. Verdejo can now also be found outside Spain, but true fans know: you can recognize a Rueda Verdejo by the green label on the back of the bottle.
What makes Verdejo so special?
Verdejo is an indigenous grape variety that retains its green color even when fully ripe. It does not turn yellow under that hot sun—no: it stays green. That immediately explains the name (‘verde’ = green). The wine is fresh, aromatic and often full of lime, pear and tropical fruit. In better bottles, you can even taste a subtle mineral undertone. Verdejo is therefore a crowd-pleaser that also wins over wine snobs.
Verdejo and food: a match made in Spain
What Sauvignon Blanc is to the French bistro, Verdejo is to the Spanish terrace. And the best thing is: you can drink it with anything. From tapas to paella, grilled vegetables to chicken or fish. Even with creamy dishes featuring mushrooms, this wine works surprisingly well. Rueda at the table is an especially good idea.
Celebrate World Verdejo Day with the Rueda Verdejo Borrel Tour
Today, Friday, June 13, the Rueda Verdejo Borrel Tour begins in Amsterdam: a summery route along the city’s best Spanish wine and aperitif spots. What can you expect? Lots of Verdejo, tapas, Ibérico and pinxtos. With an aperitif map in hand, you hop from bar to bar and discover how well this wine pairs with Spanish bites. We even arranged the Spanish sunshine for you.
So, is it almost aperitif time? Because on World Verdejo Day, we have just one thing to say: salud!
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