Wines of Spain Archives

A Historic Milestone for DOCa Rioja: Raquel Pérez Cuevas Becomes First Female President

In a landmark moment coinciding with its centennial, the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council has appointed Raquel Pérez Cuevas as its first female president. Her election, supported by 99% of the council, signals a transformative step in Spain’s most prestigious wine appellation.

Pérez Cuevas brings decades of leadership as CEO of Bodegas Ontañón and former vice-president of Grupo Rioja. Her presidency comes at a time of significant challenges, including market contraction, generational decline in viticulture, and tensions between large and small producers.

She has pledged to foster inclusivity and dialogue across all sectors of Rioja’s wine community, emphasizing unity over uniformity. With a background in agricultural engineering, oenology, and business management, her vision aims to steer Rioja through economic, generational, and institutional renewal.

“This is a new era for Rioja, one rooted in listening, collaboration, and respect for our shared legacy,” Pérez Cuevas affirmed.

Rioja Wine Tourism Surges to €197 Million in 2024

Spain’s most important wine region, DOCa Rioja, witnessed unprecedented growth in wine tourism, setting new records in both visitor numbers and economic impact. According to the annual Wine Tourism Monitor presented by the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, prepared in collaboration with Dinamiza Asesores, presented May 27 2025, the sector generated nearly €200 million, marking a pivotal moment in Rioja’s evolution as a global wine tourism destination.

The Results

In 2024, a total of 912,438 people visited one of the 214 wineries open to wine tourism in the region. This figure represents a 3.54% increase compared to 2023, with positive growth recorded in all three subzones of the designation. Rioja Oriental saw the largest rise in visitors at 10.61%, followed by Rioja Alta with a 4.36% increase. Rioja Alavesa remained stable with a slight growth of 0.82%. The seasonal pattern of tourism persisted, with September and October as the busiest months. August also saw significant visitor numbers, while March experienced a notable surge of 35.78% over the previous year, driven by Easter celebrations. Despite some growth during off-peak months, the data highlights an ongoing need to reduce seasonality.

The report shows that 63.73% of visitors were from Spain, though international demand grew by more than three points to reach 36.27%. Among foreign markets, the United States accounted for 29% of international visitors, followed by the United Kingdom at 17.75% and France at 14.67%. Mexico registered the highest percentage growth among global markets in 2024.

Visitor behaviour data indicates that 80% made reservations for their visits, and 82.37% booked directly without intermediaries. The most common visitor profile was someone interested or enthusiastic about wine (79.27%), followed by passionate wine lovers (69.51%) and food tourists (40.24%).

From the supply side, Rioja wineries offered a broad and diverse range of experiences. Winery tours with tastings and wine sales remain nearly universal services among wineries. Wine and local product tastings, corporate events, and premium experiences are also widely available. Half of the wineries offer dining services upon request, while 14.58% have restaurants open to the public.

Regarding pricing, the average cost for a basic visit with tasting was €22.29, up 7.61% from 2023. Premium visits averaged €40.40, while visits including meals reached €70.21, reflecting a trend toward higher-value offerings.

Wine tourism experiences continue to expand: 61.46% of wineries offer special tastings, and 45.83% provide gastronomic activities such as pairing menus or cooking workshops. Seasonal experiences like grape harvests or grape stomping are available at more than a third of wineries. However, there was a decline in sports-related activities and games such as escape rooms.

Wine tourism events gained prominence in 2024, with more than 60 events hosted at wineries attracting over 30,000 attendees. These included themed tastings, concerts, special pairings, and festivals like Villabuena Wine Fest and Noches de San Lorenzo. Half of the surveyed wineries participated in wine-related events; 40.48% took part in music events; and 21.43% joined gastronomic activities.

Organizationally, 63.83% of wineries have a dedicated wine tourism department staffed by professionals with an average of over nine years of experience. English is spoken at 85.11% of wineries; French at 26.60%; Basque at 13.83%. Surveyed wineries reported a total of 344 direct jobs linked to wine tourism. An additional 65 external collaborators provide services such as guiding or sommelier work.

Profitability was rated positively by 78.48% of wineries; most consider wine tourism already profitable or expect improved results soon. Wineries sold an average of 9.5% of their wine through wine tourism channels; for some, this share exceeded 75%. Nearly all surveyed wineries (97.47%) plan improvements to their tourism projects. Other planned actions include enhancing guided tours, updating promotional materials, staff training, and creating new spaces like shops or tasting areas.

Investment in wine tourism surpassed €3.5 million in 2024—a rise of over 70% from the previous year and more than triple that invested in 2022.

Economically, wine tourism generated €65.74 million for Rioja’s wineries in 2024, a rise of just over six percent from the previous year, with €45.43 million coming from visits and shop sales; €20.3 million from other activities such as events or restaurant services; business events alone contributed more than €2.5 million.

The average spend per visitor in winery shops reached €40.05; basic winery visits averaged €22.29.

Across the entire destination [including spending on accommodation, dining, transport, shopping and other services], the economic impact of wine tourism reached €197.2 million in 2024: an increase of more than €11 million over last year.

The report also profiles visitors: according to a national survey, nearly three-quarters had visited Rioja within the past three years; main travel motivations were interest in wine culture followed by gastronomy and enjoyment of landscape or heritage sites; most traveled as couples or with friends using private cars for both arrival and local travel; average stay was just under three nights with hotels and rural guesthouses preferred; Haro, Logroño and Laguardia were top destinations within Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subzones.

Average daily spending per visitor was estimated at €155, with winery visits as the most popular activity, followed by tastings, paired meals and vineyard walks.

The 2024 Wine Tourism Monitor affirms DOCa Rioja’s stature as a benchmark for sustainable, high-value wine tourism. With continued investment, professional development, and a strong push toward premium and international markets, Rioja is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of enotourism in Europe.

Spain Moves Toward Smaller Vineyards and Premium Wines

Spain’s wine sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, preparing to undergo significant structural and strategic transformations over the next five years. According to the recently published report “Spanish Wine Market Forecasts 2025-2030: Strategic Analysis and Projections” by Vinetur on April 25, the nation’s future in the global wine market will be shaped by a decisive shift towards smaller vineyard holdings, premiumization, and greater international competitiveness.

Spain, currently holding the title of the “world’s largest vineyard area” is expected to see a gradual contraction to approximately 900,000 hectares by 2030. This decline will primarily result from structural consolidation and the abandonment of less economically viable vineyards. Nevertheless, Spain will retain its leadership in vineyard surface area, albeit with a renewed focus on quality over quantity.

The report also highlights increasing production volatility caused by the impacts of climate change, including irregular harvests and variable yields. Despite these fluctuations, Spain’s annual wine production is projected to stabilize at an average of 31 million hectoliters. Wineries are proactively adapting by elevating product value, emphasizing quality improvements to boost average prices across both domestic and export markets.

Export forecasts remain particularly promising. Spanish wine exports are set to reach 21.2 million hectoliters by 2030, with a notable acceleration in value, surpassing €3.5 billion annually. This growth will be driven by strategic shifts toward bottled, organic, and sparkling wines, steering away from bulk wine exports. In a fiercely competitive landscape dominated by France and Italy, Spain’s focus on higher-value segments will be crucial.

Domestically, wine consumption trends present challenges. Household per capita consumption is projected to decline to 6.2 litres annually by 2030, reflecting an aging traditional consumer base and muted engagement from younger demographics. However, the Spanish domestic market’s overall value is forecasted to grow, underpinned by rising price points and a consumer migration toward mid-range and premium wines.

Emerging consumer preferences further illustrate a new market paradigm: the growing demand for organic wines, the surging popularity of low- and non-alcoholic offerings among urban consumers, and the ongoing shift toward e-commerce. Traditional retail channels are expected to lose market share as digital platforms gain traction.

Wine tourism emerges as another key growth pillar. An anticipated increase in winery visits and participation along Spain’s wine routes will diversify revenue streams and enhance brand loyalty, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized wineries that seek to foster deeper consumer connections.

Structurally, the number of active wineries is expected to decline modestly, stabilizing at around 3,780 by the end of the decade. This reflects an industry trend towards consolidation, where scale, operational efficiency, and investment capacity become critical factors for survival and success.

Climate change remains an existential challenge. Spanish viticulture will increasingly rely on sustainable practices, precision agriculture, heat- and drought-tolerant grape varieties, and the exploration of cooler sites at higher altitudes and latitudes to preserve wine quality and regional identity.

Ultimately, Spain’s wine sector is moving toward a lower-volume, higher-value model, prioritizing sustainability, quality, and terroir expression. How effectively the industry adapts to these economic, environmental, and consumer-driven challenges will define its global competitiveness and prestige in the decades ahead.

Source: https://www.vinetur.com

Exclusive Interview with Patricia and María Balbás of Bodegas Balbás – By Liz Palmer

In 2024, Juan José Balbás and Clara de la Fuente entrusted the stewardship of Bodegas Balbás, one of Spain’s most historic wineries, to their daughters, Patricia and María Balbás. This transition marked a significant moment in the winery’s history, as the sisters assumed responsibility as the seventh generation of the Balbás family to lead the enterprise. The origins of Bodegas Balbás trace back to 1777, when Abundio Balbás first began crafting wines from his vineyards. Over the centuries, the winery has maintained its status as a family-owned operation, passing down traditions and expertise through successive generations.

This generational shift coincides with a transformative period for the Ribera del Duero region, which has gained international recognition for its focus on quality and its unique expression of terroir. Within this region lies the “Golden Diamond,” an area renowned for its unparalleled potential to redefine Spanish viticulture. Patricia and María Balbás are resolute in their mission to position Bodegas Balbás as a leader during this pivotal era. Their stewardship encompasses the management of 140 hectares of vineyards, including parcels where some vines are over a century old. These older vines contribute to the complexity and depth of the winery’s offerings.

A defining principle of Bodegas Balbás under the sisters’ leadership is their dedication to authenticity. By cultivating exclusively estate-grown grapes and overseeing every stage of winemaking internally, the Balbás sisters ensure the preservation of the winery’s distinctive character. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and heritage underscores their ambition to honor the family legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern winemaking.

Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Patricia & María Balbás: Our mother is the person who has inspired us the most in the industry. When she joined the wine sector, very few women were involved. Since then, fortunately, there has been significant progress in the integration of women. However, it is thanks to cases like hers that today, both of us have experienced such an easy inclusion.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Patricia & María Balbás: Neither of us has a long career in the wine industry, but in these years, we have faced great challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. That pandemic forced us to develop new strategies and explore new business avenues that we still maintain and support today.

In just a few days, we had to face a complete change in the business structure, move forward in the face of a total shift in the market and society, and that posed a great challenge.

We faced very rapid changes, and one has to be very dynamic to adapt and reinvent oneself.

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Patricia & María Balbás: In 2023, we made a significant investment in the winery aimed at specializing our production processes. We introduced smaller stainless steel tanks, concrete tanks, and 2,500 liters fudres, as well as improved the production flow. This has allowed us to be more meticulous in our production, focus even more on quality, and stay at the forefront of the existing technology in the production processes.

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Patricia & María Balbás: We are fortunate to produce only from our own vineyards. This allows us to control the entire production process, from the origin until each of our bottles leaves our winery. We do not carry out harmful processes for biodiversity in our vineyards and always ensure manual labor to contribute to the development of local communities. On the other hand, we have several processes for the recovery and maintenance of biodiversity in our vineyards, allowing for the proper development of the local fauna and flora.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Patricia & María Balbás: It is true that there is an emerging No Alcohol movement in society. This movement is gaining momentum, and there will come a time of stabilization. What is important is that efforts are focused on preventing the abusive and harmful consumption of alcohol, not penalizing any type of consumption.

As long as it is moderate, the decision to consume or not consume alcohol should be a personal choice and respected.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Patricia & María Balbás: The best way for us to stay up to date is through direct interaction with each of our clients on a daily basis. This allows us to learn about the latest developments in each market and continue evolving alongside them, together.

On the other hand, attending international trade fairs allows us to see the latest trends each year and understand the evolution of each winery; they represent a meeting point for all the companies involved in the sector, from the producer to the final customer, and are an experience worth enjoying every year.

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

Patricia & María Balbás: We would tell them not to be afraid to venture into this great industry. It’s a very rewarding sector, where you learn new things every day, and the potential for growth is limitless. The integration of women is growing, and more and more of us are taking the lead. We are in one of the best moments, and we must take advantage of it.

Bodegas Balbás Website: https://balbas.es/en/

Wine Review: Two Wines from Marqués de Riscal [voted #1 Vineyard in the World]

Marqués de Riscal

Located in the picturesque Basque Country, the Marques De Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain, is a beacon of viticultural excellence. This historic winery, founded in 1858, has recently been voted the #1 vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and received the Best Vineyard in Europe Award. The winery’s commitment to innovation and quality is also evident in every bottle they produce, making it a must-visit destination. You can explore the stunning vineyards, tour the state-of-the-art winery facilities, and indulge in tastings of their award-winning wines.

At the heart of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine stands Hotel Marques De Riscal, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. This hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending modern design with the rich history of the region. With its combination of award-winning wines, luxurious accommodations, and rich cultural experiences, Marques De Riscal is truly a destination that should be on your bucket list!

Website Link: https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en

Wine Reviews

2023 Marques de Riscal Rueda

This organic wine is a testament to Marqués de Riscal’s commitment to quality and innovation. This vibrant white wine, crafted from the Verdejo grape, offers a bouquet of white flowers with hints of grass and fennel. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a well-balanced acidity that makes it a perfect companion for seafood dishes and light salads. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.

90 Points
Liz Palmer

2020 Marques de Riscal Reserva

This Rioja wine is a robust red wine that showcases the depth and complexity of the Tempranillo grape. Aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, this wine exudes rich aromas of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated tannins with a long, persistent finish.

This Rioja Reserva pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

93 Points
Liz Palmer