Etiqueta: Propiedad fraccionaria

  • What Vineyard Ownership Actually Looks Like

    Cómo es realmente la propiedad de un viñedo

    Esta es la parte que más me gusta de ser propietario de un viñedo en Rioja. Madrugar, con las botas llenas de barro, caminar por las hileras antes de que el sol haya podido calentar las piedras del norte de España. La mayoría de los días, sólo estamos las viñas, las montañas cantábricas de Rioja y yo. Sin correos electrónicos, sin llamadas, sólo tiempo para pensar en lo que está ocurriendo con la tierra y con las personas que han depositado su confianza en ella convirtiéndose en propietarios de viñedos aquí.

    ¿Qué significa realmente ser propietario de un viñedo en Rioja?

    Mucha gente llega a Rioja con un sueño. Han probado una botella que les ha hecho reflexionar, quizás viajando por España o compartiendo vino en la mesa de un amigo, y la idea empieza a crecer: ¿y si yo mismo pudiera tener un viñedo en Rioja? ¿Y si pudiera participar en la elaboración de vino en España, aunque sólo fuera una pequeña parcela? Es una idea poderosa. Pero la realidad de ser propietario de un viñedo en España, como he aprendido a lo largo de treinta años, es más sencilla y más rica de lo que la mayoría espera.

    Ser propietario de un viñedo no es cuestión de grandes gestos ni de lujosas revistas. Se trata de botas llenas de barro, manos frías y de entender la tierra parcela por parcela. En febrero, las viñas parecen desnudas, casi sin vida. Pero bajo tus pies, la tierra riojana está muy viva. Si quieres entender cómo funciona realmente ser propietario de un viñedo en Rioja, aquí es donde empieza. Se aprende dónde persisten las heladas, qué hileras se secan primero, cómo cambia la luz de una parcela a otra. No son cosas que se vean en una sala de catas. Son cosas que se aprenden formando parte del viñedo.

    Cómo funciona la propiedad de un viñedo en España de la vendimia a la botella

    La magia de convertirse en propietario de un viñedo tiene lugar en el trabajo silencioso que la mayoría de la gente nunca ve. El invierno es la época de poda. Es cuando decidimos qué parcelas se asignarán a qué miembros, dónde es necesario replantar y cómo cada parcela dará forma a los vinos de Rioja que embotellaremos juntos. Este es el punto de partida de su vino. Las decisiones que se toman aquí, a menudo con los dedos entumecidos y un termo de café, son las que degustará en su copa dos años después. La propiedad de un viñedo no es instantánea. Sigue el ritmo de la vid.

    Por supuesto, la inversión en viñedos en Rioja conlleva desafíos. La naturaleza no funciona según un calendario comercial. Un año llueve a la perfección. Otro, olas de calor que exigen madrugar y una vigilancia constante. Siempre hay realidades prácticas: postes rotos, malas hierbas obstinadas, maquinaria que se niega a cooperar. Cualquiera que esté pensando en poseer un viñedo en España debe entender esta parte. El progreso en viticultura se mide por temporadas, no por días. Pero en la vendimia, cuando se prueba la fruta y se ve cómo toma forma la cosecha, el trabajo y la espera cobran sentido.

    Winemaker inspecting old bush vines in a Rioja vineyard during winter pruning season, part of the CLOS CIEN vineyard ownership experience in Spain.

    Lo que sorprende a muchos nuevos propietarios de viñedos en Rioja es lo rápido que la tierra se convierte en algo personal. Empiezan a hablar de “sus” viñas y “su” parcela. La visitan en primavera para ver los primeros brotes, en verano para recorrer las hileras, en otoño para ayudar a vendimiar las uvas que se convertirán en su vino. La propiedad de un viñedo no es sólo una decisión económica. Es participar en un lugar, en la tradición vitivinícola de Rioja y en una comunidad comprometida con la calidad y la procedencia.

    Si está pensando en ser propietario de un viñedo en Rioja, sepa esto: rara vez es glamuroso y nunca pasivo. Son botas llenas de barro, mañanas frías y un compromiso a largo plazo. Pero también es real. Es ver tu nombre en una botella de Rioja que comenzó como una parcela de viñas y se convirtió en algo que puedes compartir. Para muchos de nuestros socios, poseer un viñedo en España transforma un sueño en algo tangible y duradero.
    Si está considerando seriamente la posibilidad de ser propietario de un viñedo en Rioja, y quiere entender exactamente cómo funciona, de la asignación de parcelas a la participación en la cosecha, nos encantaría acompañarle. Hemos esbozado el proceso completo de incorporación, paso a paso, en nuestra página web Página del proceso CLOS CIEN. Es donde el sueño se convierte en un plan, y donde muchos de nuestros miembros se dieron cuenta por primera vez de que no era sólo una idea, sino algo que podían hacer. 

  • My First Month: Winter Foundations at CLOS CIEN

    Mi primer mes: Fundamentos de invierno en CLOS CIEN

    My First Month as a CLOS CIEN Member

    As a new CLOS CIEN member, I – Elena Ruiz -never realized how much happens in the vineyard before a single grape appears. This January, I got to witness the quiet power of winter dormancy, an experience that changed my understanding of wine from the roots up completely. Not to say that I had any experience with taking care of my own vines before, bear with me.  

    What I Learned About Winter Dormancy 

    I always thought winter was downtime for vineyards. But as part of the CLOS CIEN community, I saw how this is when the real groundwork is laid. Every vine is storing energy, prepping for the season ahead. It’s like watching the vineyard take a deep breath before the rush of spring. 

    Pruning:
    The Vineyard’s Most Important Decision 

    This month, I shadowed the team during pruning, the single most important task in the vineyard. I learned that every cut is a decision about quality, not just quantity.  

    • Yield Control: CLOS CIEN’s careful pruning means fewer grapes, but each one is packed with flavour.  
    • Vine Health: Clean cuts keep the vines healthy for decades. Some vines are over 80 years old!  
    • Structure: The team shapes each vine for the best sun and airflow, using traditional bush vine methods. 

    Understanding the Vine:
    What We’re Looking For 

    Before pruning, I learned how the team identifies the perfect wood to keep. The smooth, reddish-brown one-year-old canes are where this year’s grapes will grow. Each little bump on these canes is a “compound bud” nature’s backup plan. The primary bud is Plan A for grapes, but if it’s lost to frost, there’s a secondary and even a tertiary bud (though those produce less fruit). Skilled pruners make precise, angled cuts above the best buds, focusing the vine’s energy into the most promising fruit. Hopefully I can find the courage to cut my own vines someday, for now I am comfortable just watching the pro’s prune. 

    In the Cellar: Caring for Last Year’s Wine 

    While the vineyard rests, the cellar team is hard at work. I discovered the ritual of “topping up” (relleno) oak barrels to replace wine lost to evaporation the “angels’ share.” This keeps the wine fresh and safe from oxidation. I also learned about malolactic fermentation: a natural process that transforms sharp acids into softer, creamier notes, making the wine smoother and more stable for aging. 

    Laguardia a Town Built on Wine 

    This month, I visited Laguardia, a medieval town in Rioja Alavesa where CLOS CIEN’s roots run deep. Beneath its streets lies a network of hand-dug cellars, called calados, carved out over centuries. These underground caves maintain a perfect, electricity-free environment for aging wine at 13–15°C year-round. Standing in those calados, I felt the weight of tradition and realized that every CLOS CIEN bottle is part of a story much bigger than any single vintage. 

    Why This Matters to Me
    (and you, as a member) 

    Being involved in these decisions gave me a new appreciation for what goes into every bottle. As a member, I’m not just buying wine I’m completely part of the process, learning alongside the best experts and sharing in the results. 

    The CLOS CIEN Difference 

    There’s something special about knowing your wine comes from a place where tradition meets innovation. CLOS CIEN’s team respects the land’s legacy, but they’re always looking for ways to make each vintage better. 

    Looking Ahead 

    Winter is about potential. As a CLOS CIEN member, I can’t wait to see how these early decisions pay off and to share that journey with friends and my fellow members. 

    Want to be the first to read my latest Member Series updates?

    Subscribe now and join the CLOS CIEN community on this journey with me. 

  • La Rioja Grape Varieties – Educational Series (7 of 10)

    Variedades de uva de La Rioja - Serie didáctica (7 de 10)

    THE UNEXPECTED – Sparkling Rioja

    A category that surprised everyone

    When you think of Rioja, sparkling wine probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. For over a century, this region built its reputation on aged reds – Tempranillo-based wines that spend years in American oak barrels before release. Around 93% of Rioja’s plantings are red grapes. Sparkling wine? That was Cava’s territory, or Champagne’s domain.

    Then in 2017, the Consejo Regulador made it official. They created a new category called “Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja” – quality sparkling wines from Rioja. Within this designation sits Gran Añada, which requires the wines to age on their lees for at least 36 months. The same requirement as vintage Champagne.

    This wasn’t a complete surprise to everyone. Some Rioja producers had been making sparkling wines for decades, even over a century in a few cases. Parts of Rioja have long been authorized to produce Cava under Spain’s broader sparkling wine denomination. But this was different – these were distinctly Riojan sparklers with their own identity and regulations.

    What makes Rioja sparklers different

    The method is the same as Champagne and Cava – traditional method, or “método tradicional” in Spanish. The second fermentation happens in the bottle, creating those fine, persistent bubbles. The wines must be hand-harvested (for vintage Gran Añada), undergo second fermentation in bottle, and age on their lees for extended periods. Minimum 15 months for the basic category, 24 months for Reserva, and 36 months for Gran Añada.

    But here’s where it gets interesting: the grapes are different. Champagne uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Cava traditionally relies on Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo – three white varieties you’ve probably never heard of unless you’re deep into Spanish wine.

    Rioja uses its own varieties. All the authorized red and white grapes from the region are permitted: Viura (the workhorse white), Tempranillo Blanco (that 1988 mutation), Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, even Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the mix. For rosé sparklers, at least 25% must be red grapes – Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, or Maturana Tinta.

    This means sparkling Rioja can taste radically different from Champagne or Cava. Some producers make blanc de blancs styles from pure Viura. Others blend multiple varieties. There are even experimental versions using the nearly-extinct indigenous grapes. The toasty, brioche-like notes from lees aging combine with the fresh fruit character of Rioja’s grapes – citrus, green apple, stone fruit, sometimes hazelnut or dried Mediterranean herbs.

    The alcohol must sit between 11-13%, keeping things refreshing. Sweetness levels follow the same categories as Champagne: Brut Nature (0-3 g/l sugar), Extra Brut (0-6 g/l), and Brut (0-12 g/l). Most producers aim for Brut or Extra Brut – dry, food-friendly styles.

    Why is this surprising?

    Rioja’s entire identity revolves around aging. The region’s classification system – Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva – is based on how long wines spend in oak barrels and bottles before release. Some Gran Reservas aren’t released for a decade after harvest. The famous producers hold massive barrel inventories. It’s a region that celebrates patience and tradition.

    Sparkling wine works differently. It’s about freshness, precision, and immediate appeal. The base wines are kept neutral – low alcohol, high acidity, minimal oak influence. Then comes the magic of bottle fermentation and lees aging. It’s a completely different mindset from making age-worthy reds.

    The surprise is that Rioja, famous for doing one thing extraordinarily well, officially embraced something entirely different. And they didn’t just dabble – they created serious regulations, requiring the same extended aging as vintage Champagne for their top tier.

    It signals something important: Rioja isn’t stuck in amber. The region that defined Spanish wine through tradition is now exploring what else its grapes and terroir can do.

    How does it compare?

    Against Champagne: More affordable (significantly), different fruit profile (Mediterranean versus northern French), often less acidic but with similar complexity from lees aging. Champagne’s cool climate creates wines with razor-sharp acidity and austere fruit. Rioja’s warmer conditions produce riper fruit flavors while still maintaining freshness.

    Against Cava: Similar traditional method production, but completely different grapes and terroir. Cava comes primarily from Catalonia’s Penedès region (though it’s produced in other Spanish regions too). The Mediterranean climate is shared, but the grape varieties give Cava its distinctive profile – often crisper, with green apple and almond notes. Sparkling Rioja shows more diversity because it can use the region’s full palette of varieties.

    The real difference? Sparkling Rioja can use Tempranillo – Spain’s most famous red grape – in the blend for rosé versions. This gives some sparklers a character you won’t find anywhere else. Imagine the structure of Tempranillo translated into bubbles.

    The current reality

    Sparkling Rioja remains tiny – a fraction of the region’s production. Most producers still focus on what made them famous: age-worthy reds. But interest is growing. The first single-vineyard sparkling Viñedo Singular was recently approved, combining two of Rioja’s new classifications in one bottle.

    These aren’t wines trying to be Champagne or compete with Cava on price. They’re distinctly Riojan, carrying the region’s personality – its grapes, its terroir, its commitment to quality – into a completely different format. That’s what makes them worth paying attention to.

  • Fractional Vineyard Ownership Spain | Own La Rioja Vines

    Propiedad fraccionaria de viñedos España | Vinos propios de La Rioja

    Own a Piece of a Spanish Vineyard: Fractional Ownership Made Simple

    From 500m² to 2 hectares in La Rioja. Legal title to your land. Professional winemaking. Premium wine from your vines.

    Schedule a Consultation

    WHAT IS FRACTIONAL VINEYARD OWNERSHIP?

    Fractional vineyard ownership gives you membership rights to a specific plot of premium La Rioja vineyard without the complexity of traditional ownership. You receive vineyard allocation rights, annual wine production from your vines, and complete professional stewardship. This is a genuine vineyard membership with dedicated plot allocation, not a wine club or investment fund.

    Unlike wine investment platforms that offer exposure to wine values through fund shares, CLOS CIEN provides actual vineyard allocation rights in La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region, located just 1 hour from Bilbao. You have a dedicated plot producing wine exclusively for you each harvest. Learn more about how vineyard stewardship works.

    How It Works:

    • Choose your vineyard size in La Rioja (500m², 2,000m², or 2 hectares)

    • Receive vineyard allocation rights with dedicated plot assignment

    • Professional team manages all La Rioja viticulture and winemaking

    • Receive premium Rioja wine from your vines annually

    Perfect For:

    • Wine enthusiasts seeking authentic La Rioja vineyard experience

    • Families building generational legacy through Spanish wine assets

    • Businesses wanting premium La Rioja wine for client entertainment

    • Investors seeking alternative assets in Spain’s premier wine region

    WHY CHOOSE CLOS CIEN?

    30 Years La Rioja Expertise

    Founder Brian Thompson has spent three decades building relationships across La Rioja’s top estates. His deep regional knowledge of Spanish wine terroir ensures members access premium La Rioja vineyard plots and world-class winemaking resources.

    World’s Best Sommelier Guidance

    Miguel Ángel Millán, crowned World’s Best Sommelier in 2023, guides members through tasting workshops and blending decisions. His expertise helps you create wines reflecting your personal preferences while maintaining La Rioja quality standards.

    Zero Complexity Model

    Traditional vineyard ownership requires €2M+ capital, full-time management, and deep winemaking knowledge. CLOS CIEN eliminates these barriers. Our stewardship model handles all technical aspects while preserving your genuine ownership rights and decision-making power.

    Premium La Rioja Location

    La Rioja produces Spain’s most prestigious wines with 100+ year aging potential. The region, located just 1 hour from Bilbao, offers 18 Michelin stars within 90 minutes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and direct flights from major European cities. Your vineyard sits in La Rioja, one of the world’s great wine regions producing exceptional tempranillo and Rioja blends.

    100% Visitor Conversion

    Every person who visits the vineyard becomes a member. This perfect conversion rate speaks to the quality of the experience and the authenticity of the ownership model.

    HOW IT WORKS:
    YOUR PATH TO OWNERSHIP

    Step 1: Initial Consultation

    Book a consultation to discuss your goals and preferences. We’ll explain the ownership structure, walk through available plots, and answer your questions about the process.

    Step 2: Vineyard Selection

    Choose from available plots across La Rioja’s premium wine regions. Each vineyard is mapped, soil-tested, and assessed for quality. We provide complete transparency about terroir characteristics and production potential.

    Step 3: Membership Agreement

    Receive vineyard allocation rights with dedicated plot assignment. This is genuine vineyard membership with full allocation rights, not a membership certificate or fund share.

    Step 4: Welcome & Orientation

    Meet the winemaking team, visit your vineyard, and begin your first tasting session with Miguel Ángel Millán. You’ll learn about your vines, the winemaking process, and how to shape your wine’s style.

    Step 5: Annual Wine Production

    Each harvest produces wine exclusively from your vineyard. Bottles are labeled with your plot designation. The wine is yours to drink, gift, age, or sell. You decide.

    MEMBERSHIP TIERS & COMPARISON

    FeatureORIGIN €5,000ESTATE €19,000SINGULAR €170,000
    Vineyard Size500m²2,000m²2 hectares
    Annual Bottles132 bottles528 bottles5,280 bottles
    Ownership Rights✓✓✓
    StewardshipIncludedIncludedIncluded
    Best ForWine enthusiastsFamilies & businessesCommercial investors

    All tiers include professional viticulture and winemaking, tasting workshops with Miguel Ángel Millán, members’ lodge access, harvest participation, and University of La Rioja education programs. Explore each membership in detail: 

    ORIGEN: 500m² vineyard ownership with expert guidance 

    ESTADO: Family and business vineyard investment 

    SINGULAR: Commercial vineyard with 2 hectares 

    INVESTMENT & LIFESTYLE BENEFITS

    Financial Transparency

    Your membership investment covers La Rioja vineyard allocation and lifetime stewardship. There are no ongoing management fees. Premium La Rioja vineyards have appreciated 100%+ since 2014. Your annual wine allocation has retail value ranging from €3,960 to €158,400+ depending on tier.

    How This Differs from Wine Investment Platforms

    Digital platforms like Vinovest and Cult Wine charge 1.9% to 2.75% annually. Over 10 years on a €100,000 investment, you pay €25,000 to €28,000 in fees. CLOS CIEN includes all stewardship in your initial membership with zero ongoing costs. You get actual vineyard allocation rights in La Rioja, not fund shares.

    Wine investment platforms offer financial exposure to wine markets. CLOS CIEN offers genuine Spanish vineyard membership with dedicated plot allocation, hands-on winemaking participation, and La Rioja lifestyle experiences that digital platforms cannot provide. Read our complete analysis: Wine investment platforms vs physical vineyard ownership.

    Lifestyle Value Beyond Returns

    • Visit your La Rioja vineyard anytime (unlimited access to members’ lodge)

    • Participate in harvest and winemaking decisions for your Rioja wine

    • Access 18 Michelin stars within 90 minutes of your vineyard

    • Explore La Rioja wine region, 1 hour from Bilbao

    • Create family legacy through Spanish wine and vineyard assets

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What exactly do I own?

    You own a Club membership that gives you rights to a dedicated plot of premium La Rioja vineyard and a fixed annual quantity of wine made to your preferences. Unlike traditional vineyard ownership with its legal, tax, and operational complexities, CLOS CIEN offers all the benefits (exclusivity, decision-making power, transferability, and legacy potential) without the burdens. Your vineyard allocation is fully personal, transferable, and inheritable during your membership. No capital calls, no hidden liabilities.

    What are the payment terms?

    One-off initiation fee is due in full within 15 days of signing your membership contract. Annual dues are payable between November 1st and 15th each year. Members may choose a monthly payment plan, subject to a 5% monthly convenience fee.

    What’s included in my membership?

    Your membership includes your personal boutique vineyard in La Rioja for the duration of your membership (including yearly maintenance and replanting when needed), guaranteed annual wine production (132 bottles for ORIGIN, 528 bottles for ESTATE, 5,280 bottles for SINGULAR), access to premium winemaking facilities and social spaces by reservation, and expert guidance throughout your winemaking journey.

    Are there ongoing fees?

    Annual dues cover production costs, facility access, vineyard and winery activities, and two years of aging and storage. The Winter Ball Dinner and Harvest Festival celebrations are included in your annual dues. When your bottles are ready for shipment, you’ll be notified. Should you wish to age them further in the cellars, a nominal storage fee would apply.

    Can I sell my membership?

    Yes. Membership is transferable through CLOS CIEN via resignation of the membership and reissuance, minus a transfer fee of 15% of the current initiation fee. The initiation fee is refundable only through Club-managed membership transfer procedures.

    What if I miss a payment?

    A 5% monthly interest charge applies to late payments. Members have up to 60 days to bring their account current. Non-payment beyond this period may result in membership cancellation.

    Can I pass my membership to my children?

    Yes. Upon the death of a member, the membership can be transferred to his or her spouse or, one time, to an immediate family member, subject to the terms of the Membership Plan.

    NEXT STEPS

    Membership is limited across 100 hectares. Once allocated, these vineyards will not become available again.

    Schedule a Consultation

    TRUST & CREDIBILITY

    ✓ Featured in Celebre Magazine

    ✓ Guided by World’s Best Sommelier 2023 (Miguel Ángel Millán)

    ✓ 30 years La Rioja experience (Founder Brian Thompson)

    ✓ 100% conversion rate for vineyard visitors

    ✓ Vineyard allocation rights in La Rioja

    INTERNAL LINKS & FURTHER RESOURCES

    Related Pages

    • Home Page and More Information

    • ORIGIN Membership

    • ESTATE Membership 

    • SINGULAR Membership 

    • How It Works

    • Wine Investment Guide 

  • La Rioja Grape Varieties – Educational Series (6 of 10)

    Variedades de uva de La Rioja - Serie didáctica (6 de 10)

    THE PINK REVOLUTION – Rosado

    From clarete to modern rosé

    Rioja has a long tradition of making pink wines, though the style has evolved dramatically. The original version was called clarete – a field blend of red and white grapes with one to two days of maceration. These could range from dark pink to pale red depending on the vintage and the percentage of red and white grapes used.

    Under current regulations, rosado wines must contain at least 25% of red grapes (Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, or Maturana Tinta). They can include white varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Verdejo, but these cannot be the predominant variety in the blend.

    Modern Rioja rosados often use the sangrado (saignée) technique. This “bleeding off” of juice from red wine tanks results in deeper-colored, richer wines with pronounced strawberry and citrus notes.

    There’s a growing movement toward terroir-driven rosados. Producers are increasingly sourcing grapes from specific sites rather than blending from across the region. High-altitude vineyards (500 meters and above) are particularly sought after for rosado production, as the cooler temperatures help retain freshness and acidity.

    Climate change is making these higher-altitude sites more viable. The highest Rioja vineyards reach around 750-800 meters, where cooler conditions create wines with bright acidity and elegant fruit profiles.os

  • La Rioja Grape Varieties – Educational Series (5 of 10)

    Variedades de uva de La Rioja - Serie didáctica (5 de 10)

    THE INNOVATORS – White Varieties

    La Rioja isn’t just about reds

    Viura accounts for around 69% of white grape plantings in Rioja. It’s also called Macabeo in most of Spain and has been the dominant white variety in the region since the 1970s.

    Viura is vigorous and makes versatile, food-friendly wines with subtle citrus and green apple notes and moderate acidity. The vine undergoes bud break later than many varieties, which helps protect it from spring frosts, though it tends to overproduce. Nearly half of Rioja’s Viura vines are more than 40 years old.

    But Rioja has been bringing back native white varieties. Tempranillo Blanco comes from a natural genetic mutation discovered in 1988 in a single cane of a red Tempranillo vine in an old vineyard in Murillo de Río Leza. It now makes up around 12% of white plantings. It has fruity, intense aromas of bananas, citrus fruit and tropical fruit.

    Maturana Blanca is the oldest grape variety to have a written record in Rioja, being mentioned in a text dating to 1622. It accounts for less than 1% of white plantings. Maturana Blanca wines are greenish yellow, with fruity aromas of apples underscored by grassy notes. It’s exclusive to Rioja.

    Modern additions include Verdejo at around 5%, Chardonnay at around 2%, and Sauvignon Blanc at around 3%. These foreign white varieties cannot be the predominant variety in the final composition of the wine.

    White Rioja can be fresh and young or aged in oak for years, developing complexity that rivals great white Burgundy.

  • La Rioja Grape Varieties – Educational Series (4 of 10)

    Variedades de uva de La Rioja - Serie didáctica (4 de 10)

    THE WORKHORSE – Mazuelo (Cariñena)

    Mazuelo makes up around 2% of La Rioja’s red grape plantings. In most of the wine world, this grape is called Carignan or Cariñena, but in Rioja it goes by Mazuelo.

    Tempranillo-heavy wines from Rioja sometimes include small amounts of Mazuelo to add acidity, color and tannin. The grape has high tannins, high acidity and is relatively full-bodied.

    That toughness is exactly why blenders want it. In less fertile areas, with good soils, old vines and limited production, quality wines can be obtained. Mazuelo needs higher heat to ripen, with late budding and mid-season to late ripening. It’s particularly sensitive to powdery mildew.

    Outside of Catalonia (where it’s more common as Cariñena), Mazuelo is mostly a secondary blending variety in Rioja, though a few producers, such as Marqués de Murrieta, do make varietal examples.

    Most drinkers will never taste a 100% Mazuelo wine. But in every Gran Reserva where it appears, even in small amounts, it’s doing the structural work that allows those wines to age for decades.

  • 23 Regional Wine Podcasts – Curated Wine Podcast Series #4

    23 podcasts regionales sobre vino - Serie de podcasts sobre vino #4

    🗺️ REGIONAL WINE PODCASTS

    Focused on specific wine regions and local wine scenes

    Pour Temecula

    Hosted by: Rick DeLucio & Shannon Cole
    Synopsis: Temecula and Southern California’s only podcast devoted to the local wine, beer, and beverage scene.
    Episodes: 20 | Started: 2025 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Texas Under Vine

    Hosted by: Scott Hall
    Synopsis: Exploring the many vineyards, wine businesses, and wine information found in the great state of Texas.
    Episodes: 70 | Started: 2022 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Zonda Wine Podcast

    Hosted by: Shawn Zylberberg
    Synopsis: The Zonda Wine Podcast brings entertainment to the world of wine with monthly episodes featuring the most influential voices in the industry—glassmakers, sommeliers, critics, Masters of Wine, and more.
    Episodes: 5 | Started: 2025 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Indie Wine Podcast

    Hosted by: Matt Wood
    Synopsis: In depth interviews of smaller California producers and detailed episodes on California wine history.
    Episodes: 85 | Started: 2023 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    We Know Texas Vino

    Hosted by: Will Donohue & Michel Woods
    Synopsis: Podcast about Texas Wineries and Vineyards and education of wine.
    Episodes: 120 | Started: 2023 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Cork Talk

    Hosted by: Tim Atkin
    Synopsis: All things NC wine, mead, cider and more!
    Episodes: 100 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Where Wine Takes You

    Hosted by: Adam Montiel
    Synopsis: Each episode is an intimate journey with owners, winemakers, growers, and personalities as they discuss the places and wines that have shaped the Paso Robles wine region.
    Episodes: 140 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    On The Wine Road Podcast

    Hosted by: Jeff Davis
    Synopsis: Jeff Davis travels throughout California and reaches across the globe to share the stories of the fascinating people who craft the wine we love.
    Episodes: 195 | Started: 2014 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Wine Show Australia

    Hosted by: Simon Nash, Jill Upton & Sam Isherwood
    Synopsis: Simon Nash, Jill Upton and Sam Isherwood interview wine industry personalities and uncover their stories and amazing tales from Australia.
    Episodes: 892 | Started: 2017 | Country: Australia
    Status: Active

    NZ Wine Podcast

    Hosted by: Boris Lamont
    Synopsis: The place to hear great stories from New Zealand winemakers, vineyards owners and others in the industry.
    Episodes: 97 | Started: 2017 | Country: New Zealand
    Status: Active

    UK Wine Show

    Hosted by: Chris Scott & Jane Scott
    Synopsis: Chris Scott and the UK Wine Show is a weekly podcast, exploring the wine scene here in the UK and around the world. Interviews with winemakers, producers, critics, wine bar owners. Almost all the good wine from around the world washes up on these shores.
    Episodes: 822 | Started: 2006 | Country: United Kingdom
    Status: Active

    Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

    Hosted by: Marc Millon
    Synopsis: Discover the world of Italian wines, food, culture and travel with award-winning writer and podcaster Marc Millon.
    Episodes: 210 | Started: 2016 | Country: United Kingdom

    On the Road Edition

    Hosted by: Stevie Kim
    Synopsis: Stevie Kim’s irregular-schedule spin-off of the Italian Wine Podcast takes listeners on 10–20 minute audio field trips to Italy’s top wine regions, combining on-location interviews with vineyard owners, tasting notes, and travel insights.
    Episodes: 188 | Started: 2018 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

    The Spanish Wine Experience

    Hosted by: Luke Darracott & Roque Madrid
    Synopsis: A fun and boozy journey through Spain and its wines.
    Episodes: 191 | Started: 2017 | Country: Spain
    Status: Active

    Drinks Adventures

    Hosted by: James Atikinson
    Synopsis: Wine lover? Craft beer fan? Based in Australia, but globally minded, Drinks Adventures covers all these drinks and more.
    Episodes: 266 | Started: 2018 | Country: Australia
    Status: Active

    The English Wine Diaries

    Hosted by: Rebecca Pitcairn
    Synopsis: From sommeliers to vineyard owners, hoteliers and celebs, discover how a love of wine – particularly that made on British soil – has helped shape guests lives and careers.
    Episodes: 95 | Started: 2021 | Country: United Kingdom
    Status: Active

    This is Texas Wine

    Hosted by: Shelly Wilfong
    Synopsis: Host Shelly Wilfong provides Texas-specific education, information on industry trends, legislative developments, and other important topics that impact the Texas wine industry.
    Episodes: 103 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Wine Road Podcast – The wine when and where of Sonoma County

    Hosted by: Marcy Gordon & Beth Costa
    Synopsis: Meet winemakers and winery owners and get the inside scoop from Sonoma County, CA.
    Episodes: 242 | Started: 2016 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Wine Road’s The Wine, When & Where

    Hosted by: Marcy Gordon & Beth Costa
    Synopsis: The Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma to locals and visitors with tips and news on events, wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and places to stay.
    Episodes: 233 | Started: 2016 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE

    Hosted by: Chuck Cramer
    Synopsis: This podcast will take you ON THE ROAD, on a wine journey with cool guests ranging from experts who work in the business of wine and mates who simply love wine.
    Episodes: 230 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Wine Makers

    Hosted by: Bart Hansen, Sam Coturri & Brian Casey
    Synopsis: Everything about the wine business that you want to know and learn about the winemakers you haven’t heard about before.
    Episodes: 378 | Started: 2017 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Wine Soundtrack USA

    Hosted by: Allison Levine
    Synopsis: WineSoundtrack is the international podcast that tells the story of wine through the voices of its key players: winemakers, oenologists, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
    Episodes: 300 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Italian Wine Podcast Book Club

    Hosted by: Richard Hough
    Synopsis: Monthly podcast series from Verona focusing on all aspects of wine writing.
    Episodes: 17 | Started: 2021 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

  • 11 Business Wine Podcasts – Curated Wine Podcast Series #3

    11 Podcasts de vinos de negocios - Curated Wine Podcast Series #3

     💼 WINE BUSINESS PODCASTS

    For industry professionals, importers, and wine trade

    Sustainable Wine

    Hosted by: Hanna Halmari
    Synopsis: The Sustainable Wine Podcast is the official podcast of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR)—the global coalition driving sustainability in the wine industry.
    Episodes: 220 | Started: 2020 | Country: United Kingdom
    Status: Active

    Asia Wine Market

    Hosted by: Roza Zharmukhambetova
    Synopsis: Explores the rapidly expanding Asian wine industry—examining regional consumer trends, import logistics, and market entry strategies across 20–40 minute interviews with producers, importers, and educators.
    Episodes: 12 | Started: 2025 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

    Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner

    Hosted by: Rotating Hosts
    Synopsis: Each episode features engaging interviews with Italian winemakers, vineyard owners, and industry professionals, moderated by certified Italian Wine Ambassadors.
    Episodes: 197 | Started: 2020 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

    Drinks Insider

    Hosted by: Felicity Carter
    Synopsis: Podcast, newsletter and content consultancy for the drinks trade.
    Episodes: 39 | Started: 2024 | Country: Germany
    Status: Active

    Business of Drinks

    Hosted by: Erica Duecy & Scott Rosenbaum
    Synopsis: Business of Drinks goes behind the bottle, interviewing founders and CEOs of fast-growing drinks companies on what’s resonating in the marketplace right now.
    Episodes: 77 | Started: 2023 | Country: USA
    Status: Active

    Wine Talks

    Hosted by: Paul Kalemkiarian
    Synopsis: All you knew about wine is about to bust wide open….we are going to talk about what really happens in the wine business and I’m taking no prisoners…
    Episodes: 440 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    XChateau

    Hosted by: Peter Yeung & Robert Vernick
    Synopsis: A masterclass on the business of wine: insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends.
    Episodes: 197 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Wine CEO

    Hosted by: Sarah Roth
    Synopsis: Each week certified sommelier Sarah Roth highlights a variety, region, or winemaker to help make wine more fun and approachable for consumers!
    Episodes: 200 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Beyond Organic Wine

    Hosted by: Adam Huss
    Synopsis: Deep discussions about the ecological revolution of wine.
    Episodes: 203 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Bottled in China

    Hosted by: Emilie Steckenborn
    Synopsis: Curious about the latest in the global wine and drink scene? Join Emilie Steckenborn on the Bottled in China Podcast for engaging conversations with thought leaders, exploring the vibrant world of beverages through an Asian lens.
    Episodes: 195 | Started: 2016 | Country: China
    Status: Active

    Next Generation

    Hosted by: Various Hosts
    Synopsis: A weekly Italian Wine Podcast series that spotlights emerging winemaking talent and cutting-edge trends in Italian wine through in-depth interviews and panel discussions.
    Episodes: 131 | Started: 2022 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

  • 33 Entertainment Wine Podcasts – Curated Wine Podcast Series

    33 podcasts de entretenimiento sobre vino - Serie de podcasts sobre vino seleccionados

     🍷 ENTERTAINMENT PODCASTS

    Casual, fun wine conversations for wine lovers

    Wine with Meg + Mel

    Hosted by: Meg Brodtmann (Australia’s first female Master of Wine) & Mel Gilcrist (Master of Sabrage)
    Synopsis: Winner of 2022’s Best Wine Blog & Podcast (Wine Communicators of Australia). The fun + frank podcast which helps you navigate the world of wine. Thorough discussions of varietals and regions, plus hilarious takes on to-dos and not-to-dos at cellar doors.
    Episodes: 168 | Started: 2019 | Country: Australia
    Status: Active
     Links:

    The Wine Pair Podcast

    Hosted by: Joe Mele & Carmela Mele
    Synopsis: A light-hearted, educational podcast designed to make wine accessible and fun for everyone. In each episode, this husband and wife team taste and review three wines under $25 that are reasonably priced and easy to find.
    Episodes: 190 | Started: 2021 | Country: United States
    Recommended by: Decanter Magazine (called “fun, irreverent, chatty, and entertaining”)
     Apple Rating: 4.6/5
    Status: Active
     Links:

    Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

    Hosted by: Janina Doyle (WSET Diploma qualified)
    Synopsis: A fun, insightful podcast where Janina uncorks the stories behind great wines, blending expert tasting, education, and inspiring industry voices. Ideal for anyone starting their wine journey.
    Episodes: 230 | Started: 2019 | Country: United Kingdom
    Recognition: Featured in Decanter Magazine, Radio Times and FeedSpot as the 6th Best UK Wine Making Podcast
    Apple Rating: 4.7/5
    Status: Active
    Links:

    Wine Blast with Susie & Peter

    Hosted by: Susie Barrie & Peter Richards (Married Masters of Wine)
    Synopsis: Wine Blast is a podcast with a difference, a smash-hit show riding high in global charts, hosted by the only married couple of MWs in the world! Their low-key chats are insightful and funny, touching on hot wine tips, wine career advice, and wines broken down by country.
    Episodes: 154 | Started: 2020 | Country: United Kingdom
    Awards: Wine Podcast of the Year (LuxLife 2024), Best Online Wine Communication Platform (UK Enterprise Awards 2024 & 2023)
    Status: Active
    Link: https://susieandpeter.com/wine-blast-podcast/

    Unreserved Wine Talk

    Hosted by: Natalie MacLean
    Synopsis: NY Times recommended podcast featuring candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world with Natalie MacLean, named the World’s Best Drinks Journalist at the World Food Media Awards. Dispels the idea that wine is only for the rich.
    Episodes: 350 | Started: 2018 | Country: Canada
     Apple Rating: 4.6/5
    Status: Active

    Another Bottle Down

    Hosted by: Jessica Dupuy & Mark Rashap
    Synopsis: A podcast from Jessica Dupuy and Mark Rashap with stories, tidbits, and trends in the wine & spirits world.
    Episodes: 170 | Started: 2013 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Somm TV Podcast

    Hosted by: Jason Wise (2x James Beard Award winner)
    Synopsis: If you’re a fan of the SOMM documentary trilogy and SOMM TV, you can’t miss out on this podcast! Jason Wise takes you deep into wine, food, and the stories that surround it. The SOMM TV podcast is simple, it’s about everything.
    Episodes: 300 | Started: 2019 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Got Somme

    Hosted by: Angus O’Loughlin & Carlos Santos MS
    Synopsis: A Master Sommelier and his friend helps to bring wine to life through stories, education and fun!
    Episodes: 150 | Started: 2022 | Country: Australia
    Status: Active

    Chefs & Cellars

    Hosted by: Niels Aarts
    Synopsis: Brings you exclusive interviews with leading Restaurants in the Netherlands. Takes you behind the scenes with some of the most renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and sommeliers in the Netherlands.
    Episodes: 6 | Started: 2024 | Country: Netherlands
    Status: Active

    Sip Sip Hooray!

    Hosted by: Mary Babbitt & Mary Orlin
    Synopsis: In each episode we introduce you to the people behind the wine label and find out things about them you won’t hear or learn anywhere else, and we do deep dives into issues including climate change, sustainability, diversity, and equality.
    Episodes: 112 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Spill the Wine

    Hosted by: Andrea Morris
    Synopsis: Wine is the one beverage that people seem to think they can’t enjoy unless they know something about it, which is quite odd. But have no fear – we are here to help you learn about wine, debunk some myths, and introduce you to the wonderful wines in Canada.
    Episodes: 23 | Started: 2024 | Country: Canada
    Status: Active

    Two Guys Talking Wine

    Hosted by: Michael Pinkus & André Proulx
    Synopsis: Wine Writers @thegrapeguy & @andrewinereview; opinionated and wine fueled content is what you’ll find here.
    Episodes: 383 | Started: 2016 | Country: Canada
    Status: Active

    4 Glasses to Finish

    Hosted by: Dave & Ray
    Synopsis: An accessible wine podcast where knowledge about wine is not a prerequisite, and aims to discuss widely accepted ideas and concepts in the wine world in a way that is palatable for everyone.
    Episodes: 24 | Started: 2023 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Wonderful World of Wine

    Hosted by: Mark Lenzi & Kim Simone
    Synopsis: Hosts Mark Lenzi And Kim Simone Explore All Things Wine With You! Trends, News, Education And So Much More.
    Episodes: 297 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Life Between the Vines

    Hosted by: Ray Fister
    Synopsis: Our goal with Life Between The Vines is to educate and entertain using interviews with winery owners, wine makers and wine lovers of all kinds – not 100 point rating scales.
    Episodes: 540 | Started: 2008 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Reluctant Somm

    Hosted by: Christopher Truitt
    Synopsis: Interviews of all of your favorite beverage and hospitality professionals!
    Episodes: 56 | Started: 2024 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Sip With Nikki

    Hosted by: Nikki Lamberti
    Synopsis: Listen and dive into food, wine, pairings and all things California Wine Country. Weekly episodes are hosted by Nikki Lamberti, a winemaker and wine educator in Sonoma County.
    Episodes: 83 | Started: 2024 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Wine Ghosts

    Hosted by: Maté Vass
    Synopsis: The Wine Ghosts Podcast is about giving voice to passionate professionals in the wine industry. All content has been created with the pure passion of the sommelier behind the site: Máté Vass.
    Episodes: 90 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Wine Centric Show

    Hosted by: Matthew Weiss
    Synopsis: Conversations with the titans of wine, making the world of wine approachable and engaging for enthusiasts at every level.
    Episodes: 21 | Started: 2023 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Drink Something AMAZING!

    Hosted by: Alex Van Amburg & Christi Van Amburg
    Synopsis: The Somm & The Yoga Mom are all about taking the fear out of wine & Education. Pop in the earbuds, Pour yourself a glass & let’s Drink Something AMAZING!
    Country: United States

    Wines We Drink

    Hosted by: Keith Herndon & Charlotte Norsworthy Varnum
    Synopsis: A podcast for wine learners and lovers exploring specific wines each episode and explaining the stories and nuances behind each bottle we drink.
    Episodes: 54 | Started: 2021 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Introvert Wine Podcast

    Hosted by: Xeniya Volosnikova
    Synopsis: Exploring the world of wine one episode at a time from a view point of a sommelier and serial wine traveller.
    Episodes: 16 | Started: 2023 | Country: France, Kazakhstan
    Status: Active

    The Swirl Suite

    Hosted by: Sarita Cheaves, Tanisha Townsend, Glynis Hill, Leslie Frelow
    Synopsis: Hosts Sarita, Tanisha, Leslie and Glynis discuss the black experience in this white, male dominated industry. Covers a wide variety of wine topics with industry pros from a point of view that’s often ignored.
    Episodes: 330 | Started: 2015 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    The Color of Wine

    Hosted by: Sukari Bowman
    Synopsis: This podcast puts the spotlight on people of color in the wine industry.
    Episodes: 87 | Started: 2017 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Wine Times

    Hosted by: Will Lyons & Charlotte Ivers
    Synopsis: Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons shares his love of wine with Sunday Times restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers and a host of special guests.
    Episodes: 64 | Started: 2021 | Country: United Kingdom
    Status: Active

    Some Wine

    Hosted by: Mihaela Cojocaru
    Synopsis: SoMe Wine is the podcast where wine meets strategy — exploring export, marketing, and expert stories from the world of wine.
    Episodes: 49 | Country: Italy
    Languages: Italian, English
    Status: Active

    The Wine Conversation

    Hosted by: Sarah Kemp, John Stimpfig & Elin McCoy
    Synopsis: Created for wine-lovers, this magazine-style podcast explores the fascinating world of wine, full of amazing people and places. Listen in and be part of the wine conversation.
    Episodes: 209 | Started: 2020 | Country: United Kingdom
    Status: Active

    Beats Vines and Life

    Hosted by: MJ Towler (the Black Wine Guy)
    Synopsis: The podcast features wine tasting alongside deep conversations about wine, food, music, and life with interesting guests from various industries.
    Episodes: 219 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Voices

    Hosted by: Cynthia Chaplin
    Synopsis: Focus on DEI in the wine industry, language, education, breaking barriers, mentorship, leadership, allyship.
    Episodes: 191 | Started: 2021 | Country: Italy
    Status: Active

    Wine Access Unfiltered

    Hosted by: Amanda McCrossin
    Synopsis: Wine Access Unfiltered goes deep into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that a great bottle brings about.
    Episodes: 102 | Started: 2020 | Country: United States
    Status: Active

    Read Between the Wines

    Hosted by: Pierre Ferland
    Synopsis: A conversational podcast exploring wine, winemakers, and the stories in the glass for curious drinkers and budding professionals.
    Episodes: 40 | Started: 2018 | Country: United States

    The Wine Podcast

    Hosted by: Jane Anson & Suzanne Mustacich
    Synopsis: A wide-ranging podcast covering the culture and business of wine.
    Episodes: 6 | Started: 2021 | Country: France
    Languages: English, French
    Status: Active

    After Wine School

    Hosted by: Keith Wallace & Alana Zerbe
    Synopsis: “After Wine School” is an informal and fun podcast where wine school instructors discuss all things wine. You’ll hear stories from their classes, tips for wine tasting, and a touch of wine-inspired philosophy.
    Episodes: 25 | Started: 2025 | Country: United States
    Status: Active