Today’s guest post comes from Erin Jacobs, who recently spent time as a Sales and Marketing Intern at the wonderful Bodegas Muga in La Rioja, Spain.
Introduction
Greetings fellow wine enthusiasts! Today, I am delighted to share with you my exciting journey into the world of wine, culminating in a remarkable opportunity to work as a Sales and Marketing Intern at the renowned Bodegas Muga. Join me as I take you through my background, how I came to work at Bodegas Muga, and the exciting details of living and working in the heart of La Rioja.
My Background
From a young age, my parents instilled in me a passion for food, and they always believed I had a future in the food and beverage sector. I was fortunate enough to travel frequently with them as a child, where I had the privilege of enjoying foods from all over the world. As I got older, this naturally blossomed into a shared love of wine.
Exploring Europe with them meant that I developed an affinity for languages at a very young age, eventually leading me to study Spanish and Business Management at the University of East Anglia.
Considering that wine is made all over the world, a passion for languages, travel and wine all seemed to go hand in hand. So as the end of my degree approached, the idea of working in a Bodega in Spain seemed both fitting and enticing.
Introduction to Muga
In 2019, my Mum went on a trip to La Rioja with Waud Wines, exploring the enchanting wineries of Haro, including the esteemed Bodegas Muga. Intrigued by her experience, I researched more into Bodegas Muga. Enamoured by their ethos, commitment to quality and pursuit of sustainability, in 2021, I reached out to Charles Waud myself, enquiring about any contacts they had at Bodegas Muga.
Charles put me in touch with Jose Velo-Rego from C and D Wines, who in turn put me in touch with Manu Muga. And before I knew it, I found myself preparing for an online interview with Muga’s Sales and Marketing team, in which they then proceeded to offer me a 3-month internship from July to August 2023. I was so thrilled and excited, but I had another full year at university to complete first.
Navigating Challenges
Fast forward to September 2022, the complexities of obtaining a visa added unexpected twists and turns to my journey. Documentation, residency permits, and waiting times tested my patience, but my determination prevailed.
After a lengthy and frustrating process, we skip ahead to October 2023. Armed with a successfully processed visa, I landed in Bilbao. Although I missed the majority of the harvest, I was ready to dive into my internship at Muga.
My Role as Sales and Marketing Intern
At Bodegas Muga, my internship was a multifaceted experience, offering insights into various aspects of the wine industry. I began my internship as a sales assistant in the winery’s shop, where I conducted tours and tastings in Spanish and English, engaged with visitors, as well as provided translation work as the resident native English speaker.
I then transitioned into the marketing department, where I conducted market research and data collection, and contributed to Muga’s online presentation. I also worked on some projects for the exports team, such as conducting competitor analysis. My work in the marketing and export departments deepened my understanding of the industry and working with global markets.
What made my experience unique was the flexibility to explore different departments. From learning about the rich history of Muga, to understanding the nuances of their wines, to researching their competitors – each department contributed to my comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the wine industry.
Where I was staying/what I got up to
Nestled in the heart of Haro, my cosy flat was just a 10-minute walk from Bodegas Muga, and just a stone’s throw away from post-work pinchos and vino! Living in the centre, one of my favourite things to do at the weekend was visit other local Bodegas. What else can you do in the wine capital of the world?! I had the pleasure of visiting Cune, Lopez de Heredia, RODA and more. These local bodegas added another layer to my appreciation for the wine culture thriving in Haro.
Favourite Wine
Speaking of favourites, Muga’s Prado Enea Gran Reserva has captured my palate and my heart. My Dad says I’ve inherited my Mum’s taste, as it stands proudly as one of the top wines that Muga produces.
Final Remarks
I am grateful to have had this incredible opportunity, and I’m glad I persevered despite the initial challenges. I learned so much and made some great friends, the experience was unforgettable. I know that this is just the beginning of a thrilling journey that will take me who knows where but will open some exciting doors for me, that is for sure.
So here’s to the clinking of glasses, the swirl of aromas, and the endless possibilities that a glass of wine can unlock.
If you wanted to see what I´m getting up to post working as a Sales and Marketing Intern at Muga, (including my WSET Level 2!) you can follow me on Instagram @erinjacobss or if you wanted to email me about Muga or anything else, you can contact me at eringjacobs@gmail.com.
