BOCA Dubai has the Best Spanish Wine List in the UAE 2025

Krister Bengtsson, Star Wine List, with Shiv Menon, BOCA, Salim Frederic Isler representing Familia Torres, and BOCA’s Omar Shihab, Bryan Jamon and Sujith Sundar. Photo by Francois van Eck.

By Rachel Fellows

Published 08-December-2025

News / United Arab Emirates

Star Wine List of the Year UAE was held in Dubai this week, with BOCA taking the Gold Star for this year’s Best Spanish Wine List.

The winners of Star Wine List of the year UAE were announced at an awards ceremony in Dubai this week, with BOCA in Dubai receiving the Gold Star for the Best Spanish Wine List in the country.

In a category presented by Familia Torres, BOCA’s Head of Wine Shiv Menon and General Manager Omar Shihab were presented with a Gold Star by Salim Frederic Isler and Kirstin Jones, representing Familia Torres.

Jury member Vincent Truong commented that this list showed an “unsurpassed breadth across Spanish regions and wine styles, from El Bierzo to the Basque Country, from Corpinnat to sherry, as well as precise curation and the who's who of cult Spanish wine producers.”

Penedès-based estate Familia Torres “is defined by five generations of dedication to quality, sustainability, and the preservation of our winemaking heritage,” according to Brenda Nadia Sánchez, International Brand Ambassador Manager. “We are deeply committed to caring for the earth, protecting ancestral varieties, and crafting wines that express the unique identity of their origins. Our legacy is built on passion, innovation, and a long-term vision for the future of wine.”

Brenda calls the UAE “a historic and strategic market for Familia Torres. It was the first destination in the Middle East where we exported our flagship wine, Mas La Plana, back in 1982, marking the beginning of our international presence in the region. Today, the UAE is one of the most cosmopolitan societies in the world, with over 200 nationalities, making it a true window market for us. Our representative, Salim Isler, has been based in the UAE since 2016, strengthening our presence and relationships.”

And what should guests in the UAE know about the Familia Torres wines?

“Spanish wine remains a niche segment in the UAE, representing less than 5% of total wine sales, with demand mainly focused on Rioja, private labels, and Familia Torres,” says Brenda.

“We believe UAE diners should know that Spanish wine is far more diverse and expressive than what is typically seen on menus. Through our regional projects – such as Pazo Bruxas in Rías Baixas, Celeste in Ribera del Duero, and our iconic wines from Penedès – we aim to grow awareness of the breadth, quality, and exceptional value that Spain has to offer. Spain is, and will continue to be, highly relevant for wine lovers in the UAE.”

View all the winners of Star Wine List of the Year UAE on our Gold Star map for the region..