The story of Pago de Carraovejas began in 1987 when chef, sommelier and restaurateur José María Ruiz decided that he wanted to make a great house wine for his namesake Segovia restaurant, Restaurante José María. What began with 9 hectares in Peñafiel, Spain has now become one of the most recognized and important Ribera del Duero wineries. Focused on making wines that respect and reflect the diverse terroirs of Ribera del Duero the winery is now in the hands of Pedro Ruiz, José María’s son, who took the reins in 2007.

Pedro, who originally studied psychology in college, was only 25 years of age when he was given the opportunity to take Pago de Carraovejas to new heights and he did just that. On his arrival, the Pago de Carraovejas’ team consisted of 30 members and he now oversees over 200 team members, 6 wineries, a Michelin-star restaurant, a charitable foundation and an import company. The younger Ruiz has named this ambitious and successful evolution Alma Carraovejas which translates into Soul of Carraovejas.

Presently, Pago de Carraovejas is comprised of approximately 160 hectares of vines planted to Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at an average altitude of 850 meters above sea level. The 160 hectares consist of 72 different soil types and are divided into 3 zones. The zones are named Las Laderas de Carraovejas, where the majority of the vines are planted, Espantalobos and Las Arenosas which are 20 and 30 hectares respectively and are vineyards that are part of their climate change adaptation program. It is all of these unique intricacies and the team’s commitment to carefully caring for the vines and the wine-making process that have helped the wines of Pago de Carraovejas become some of the most sought-after wines from Spain.

Their winery is located about 5 minutes outside the town of Peñafiel and somehow its modern architecture with the soft red color that adorns it blends harmoniously into the hills and breathtaking landscape. The beauty of the winery radiates throughout the property including their Michelin-star restaurant called Ambivium which is home to the most amazing dining experience we have had the opportunity to enjoy.

During our visit, we were able to taste their 2020 Pago de Carraovejas Estate bottling which we found to be balanced, lush yet smooth and absolutely delicious. We were also able to taste a few wines from the other Alma Carraovejas wineries, including some that we really enjoyed from their newer and fascinating project Milsetentayseis. 

If you are looking for a winery making wines with soul, Alma Carraovejas has six of them and our experience at Pago de Carraovejas is one that gratefully touched our souls.