Celebrating 100 Years of Rioja
Discover a century of evolution that makes Rioja Spain’s Finest.
100 Years of Living and Breathing Wine
Explore key moments in Rioja’s history, from tradition to innovation.
200 BC
A Historical Region
In what is now the DOCa Rioja region, ancient Romans left the first-known traces of winemaking in Rioja, eventually inspiring those who came after them to grow vines and craft the area’s key commodity.
LEARN MORE1800
Rioja’s Winemaking Techniques Evolve
Rioja winemakers embrace advanced winemaking techniques in France. Pioneers such as Baldomero Espartero and Manuel Quintano lay the groundwork for modern Rioja wines.
LEARN MORE1925
The Birth of Spain’s First Designation of Origin
On June 6, 1925, a Royal Decree established the Rioja Designation of Origin (DO), making it the first and oldest in Spain.
LEARN MORE1928
The First Regulatory Framework
The first Rioja regulations were introduced in 1928, providing crucial protections for the region’s wines. This regulation even predated the 1932-1933 Wine Statute, which later formalized the legal framework for Spain’s Denominations of Origin.
LEARN MORE1980
Classification by Aging & Vintage Control
When the 1980s arrived, even more care went into the quality of Rioja wines. Additional quality assurances were introduced, including certifying vintage and aging classifications.
LEARN MORE1985
Strengthening Quality Control
The Regulatory Council implemented a rigorous classification system to ensure consistent quality across all Rioja wines.
LEARN MORE1991
Achieving “Calificada” Status
Rioja became Spain’s first Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa), signifying the highest quality standard. This milestone ushered in a new era of commercial expansion, structural growth, and modernization, particularly in viticulture.
LEARN MORE2008 – 2009
The White Wine Revolution
In line with its strategic plan, the Regulatory Council approved six new grape varieties to enhance the complexity and competitiveness of Rioja’s white wines.
LEARN MORE2017
Celebrating Terroir & Origin
Rioja introduced new classifications and regulations for its wines to further highlight the truly unique diversity of its regions.
LEARN MORE2020
A New Roadmap for the Denomination
This updated strategy emphasized value creation, profitability, innovation, and collaboration while reinforcing sustainability in all aspects of production.
LEARN MORE2023 – 2025
Restoring Balance in the DOCa Rioja
A comprehensive plan was launched to optimize vineyard production control, strengthen quality controls, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and increase marketing funds. Sustainability becomes a top priority for Rioja.
LEARN MORE2025
Building on 100 Years of Excellence
This centennial is just the beginning. Rioja’s legacy of success propels us forward as we continue shaping the future of Spanish wine.
LEARN MOREA Legacy in Every Glass
A passion passed down through generations, carried with pride, shaping the way we act, speak, share, and live.
Wine is our way of life—our identity and our craft. In Rioja, it is everything. For a century, we have dedicated ourselves to it, body and soul, upholding the highest standards as an official Designation of Origin since 1925.