DYK that the Denomination of Origin Rueda was established in 1980 becoming the first official wine appellation of Castilla y León? Known for its fresh Verdejo white wines, the appellation is centered around the town of Rueda, hence the name, but it’s comprised of 74 municipalities. Although fresh Verdejo expressions are what helped this appellation gain popularity, the regulatory council in 2021 launched the Gran Vino de Rueda (Great Wine of Rueda) category which inspired more complex and elegant wines from this varietal to be crafted. The category boasts a black label on the back of the bottles and to be able to be considered a Gran Vino de Rueda the vines to produce the wine must be at least 30 years old. Verdejo from Rueda might be the most-drank white wine in Spain but you can also find some great Sauvignon Blancs from this region.

Following, in alphabetical order, are a few wineries that you might want to consider visiting:

Belondrade

Founded in 1994 by Frenchman Didier Belondrade, the winery is focused on making French-style wines (Vin de Château) where the fruit and oak are harmoniously integrated. Here you will find wines that are complex and that have aging potential. The Belondrade future seems to be bright as their wines continue to gain international recognition at the hands of Didier’s son, Jean Belondrade, who is involved in most aspects of the winery.

Bodegas Félix Lorenzo Cachazo

Named after its founder, Félix Lorenzo Cachazo, this is considered to be one of the most important wineries in the region. Félix also happens to be one of the eight founders of the Denomination of Origin Rueda and is credited for being one of the saviors of the Verdejo grape which at one point was on its way to disappearing. The winery was founded in 1946 and now it’s run by Félix’s daughter, Ángela Lorenzo Heras, who is the Winemaker & Technical Director and by his son, Eduardo Lorenzo Heras, who is the Commercial Director. Rita Heras, the matriarch of the family, is also involved in the family business and is in charge of the winery’s Administrative duties. If you come across their Verdejo Carrasviñas Félix make sure to grab a bottle. For that matter if you come across any of their wines, give them a try, they are making some delicious stuff.

Finca Montepedroso

Located in the town of Rueda, Finca Motepedroso, from its perched setting, has one of the best views of the town. Founded by the Martínez Bujanda Family in 2008 the winery is solely dedicated to the Verdejo grape. They source fruit from their 25-hectare Estate and are making wines that reflect the authentic wines of Rueda. Enjoying a glass of wine and a few tapas while overlooking their vineyard from their floor-to-ceiling glass tasting room windows it’s an absolute treat.

Bodega Garciarévalo

Known for making fresh and elegant wines from poor sandy soils the project was the vision of Jose Antonio Arévalo and Benicio Garcia, therefore the name Garciarévalo. Today the project continues to be a family affair with Antonio Arévalo serving as General Manager, Manuela Arévalo in charge of all Administrative duties and Rodrigo Arévalo as Head of Viticulture. Reyes Martínez-Sagarra serves as their Winemaker and from their Estate centenary vines she is crafting a limited edition line of wines that has gained a bit of a cult following called Harenna. Harenna, meaning “sand” in Spanish is a tribute to the sandy soils in which the historic vines are planted.

Bodegas José Pariente

The dream of Bodegas José Pariente, one of the region’s most emblematic wineries, began in 1997 when Victoria Pariente, José’s daughter decided to craft a wine to honor her father who had recently passed away. In 1998, the entrepreneurial spirit of Victoria, inspired the winemaker to build a winery bearing the name of her father and the rest is history. Today Victoria’s daughter, Martina, serves as the Sales Director and Winemaker while her son Ignacio is the Export Manager. Here you can find some beautiful examples of the region’s signature grapes, Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, including a sweet wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes called José Pariente Apasionado which is a must-try.

Yllera Bodegas y Viñedos

A project that began before the appellation of Rueda was founded, Bodegas Yllera is the vision of brothers Pepe and Jesús Yllera. The winery has one of the most beautifully preserved underground cellar cave systems in the region and perhaps the world. The project is now run by brothers Marcos and Carlos Yllera. If you visit them make sure to try their Meraldis wines and if available the wines from their Ribera del Duero sister winery Bodega VivaltuS. If in Rueda a visit to Yllera and its underground cellars is a must-do. 

If Spain is on your wine destinations bucket list we suggest you make Rueda one of your stops.