EVUNA, the north west’s leading Spanish restaurant, tapas bar and fine wine merchant is celebrating 15 years since the launch of its first restaurant on Deansgate in Manchester.

Since then the award-winning restaurant group has also opened branches in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and in Knutsford, with a fourth Evuna due in Altrincham early next year.

To celebrate its 15th year Evuna held ‘Rioja versus Ribera Del Duero’ themed wine and food tasting birthday parties in Manchester and Knutsford, with wines from two of its oldest vineyards, complemented by a range of tasty tapas, and fantastic flamenco to entertain.

Roberto Santalba and Jesus Sanchez, from multi award-winning wineries Bodegas Santalba and Bodegas Azuauga attended both events, which took place on October 29 at Evuna Deansgate and October 30 at Evuna Knutsford.

Founded by Jane and Frances Dowler, The Evuna Restaurant Group’s guiding principles are to pay homage to all things Spanish and to remain fiercely loyal to the country’s rich and diverse food and wine offerings.

The first Evuna opened its doors in October 2003, with the aim of creating an environment so reminiscent of Spain’s culture of eating out that customers felt immersed in a totally authentic Spanish dining experience.

Jane Dowler said: “It’s hard to believe, but 15 years ago the UK market considered the world of Spanish wines to consist of just Rioja and Sherry.

“Now - thankfully - it is so much more than this. I am continuously overwhelmed by the diversity of Spain’s viticulture; with over 120 denominations of origin and over 100 types of indigenous grapes. Evuna’s mission is to provide the finest Spanish wines at a great price.”