Photo exhibition "Landscape, Riojan culture and vineyards in Rioja Alta"

From last 2sd September to 15th we have in Bodegas Santalba an awsome picture exhibition about the  "Landscape, Riojan culture and vineyards in Rioja Alta' by Rafael López-Monné.

This exhibition will be present in different places and establishment member of Rioja Alta Route and it is also a perfect excuse to come and visit our winery located in hearth of this wine region, Gimileo. Remember that you should book your visit before and you can do it by phone (+34) 941 304 231 or send an email to santalba@santalba.com

Book your wine tour!

Flowering in the vineyards

When the warm weather finally arrived in early June, tempranillo vineyards bloomed and this is one of the most important moments during the vine period. Good weather and climate conditions are critical for quality and quantity. The flowering will be decisive to limite the number of grapes per bunch and the production of each vineyard.

Flowers are very small, light and like the other flowers, really weak. This part of the vine is the most delicated part of the plant and that is why we should be alert and following the blooming process.

Vinegrowers also have to prevent the posible diseases and make treatments to prevent bacterias and fungus. There are a lot of different kinds of products to prevent but in each moment we have to choose the best for the vine and in this case, the flower.

BRONZE MEDAL IN INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE

Last May took place the XXX edition of International Wine Challenge, one of the most important wine congress. In this annual competition, judges evaluate the wines with blind tastings and valued the variety character, region and harvest.

This year, the judges from all around the world, including prestigious Masters of Wine, tasted wines from 50 different countries. After the tastings, they gave the traditional awards from this competition.

Our wine Ermita de San Felices Crianza 2010 received the Bronze medal. For us, it is a huge honor and we really appreciate your mentions and greetings. This give us special energy to continue doing well and trying to improve everyday. Thanks for your support!

SILVER MEDAL TO VIÑA HERMOSA RESERVA

The last edition of Challenge International du Vin, celebrated in Bordeaux (France) and considers one of the most traditional Challenge of wine, our Viña Hermosa Reserva 2008 has been awarded with a SILVER medal.

This year more than 750 judges have tasted at least 4.000 different wines from 35 countries around the world.

We only have to say congratulations to our fantastic team and of course to our superb wine Viña Hermosa Reserva 2008 who add one more award!

If you want to read more about have a look to the tasting notes.

Custom your wine label for wedding gifts

Are you looking for your own label in this special day? Santalba can custom your label with your names, date or just your photo! Make this day the most memorable day in your life and create your personal label.

Enjoy all our wine range whites and rosés for cocktail and the best Crianzas, Reservas or Gran Reserva from Rioja with your own label.

Also you have different sizes 1,5l, 0,75l, 0,375l, 0,187l ..... because may be you want to enjoy the wine during the event or also give a present to your guests. You can decide what you want for your wedding day!

For further information send an email to santalba@santalba.com or ask on +34 941 304 231.

On Easter Holidays visit Santalba

During these days off, for sure you will have some days to visit Rioja and enjoy our beautiful landscapes and Easter traditions.

Panoramic view of Rioja landscape

                          

Rioja is a region full of plans and tours to do, so you can not miss this opportunity to know our place. Of course, you can discover our gastronomy, amazing food and dishes which you could pair with wonderfull wines from the DOCa. Rioja.

Also, you can visit wineries and learn something else about our traditions and roots and our know how to elaborate Rioja wine. Bodegas Santalba will be open for wine tours in the following dates and hours:

- 17th Thursday: Visit winery and vineyards 10:30 & 12:30

- 18th Friday: Visit winery and vineyards 11:30

- 19th Saturday: Visit winery and vineyards 11:30

- 20th Sunday: Visit winery and vineyards 12:00

- 21st Monday: Visit winery and vineyards 12:00


* Also, if you book it, taste of wines is available.

The rest of the days, the winery will be open during the day from 10:00 to 18:00. If you want to visit us, please, confirm your tour before you come sending an email to santalba@santalba.com or booking your visit on +34 941 304 231.

Rioja, a Designation with a long history and tradition

Rioja, our region, is a Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O.C. Qualified designation of origin) with a huge variety of climates and relief, so that is why it is divided into three different subregions called:

-         Rioja Alta

-         Rioja Baja

-         Rioja Alavesa

Where winelovers will find different varieties and wine styles. Bodegas Santalba is located in Gimileo, heart of Rioja Alta.

Rioja Wine from the D.O.C. is identify because of its special labels which are numbered and each winery will have a limited number of them, depends on the grapes its harvest. Here you have some history about Rioja:

1787: The Real Economic Society of Cosecheros de Rioja is created to increase the wine market and vines cultivation.

1790: The first assembly is celebrated by the Real Economic Society of Cosecheros de Rioja.

1878: The first commission against the phylloxera is celebrated.

1892: The “Estación de Viticultura y Enología” in Haro is founded to control the wine quality.

1902: A new law to define the origin of Rioja wines is created.

1926: The Consejo Regulador is created to control as a supreme organism.

1991: The Designation of Origin starts to be Qualified "Rioja".

The best choice is if you visit us in Rioja and Bodegas Santalba, where we will show you the most beautiful landscapes, curiosities and rules we must follow to elaborate our specials Rioja wines, and you will have the marvelous possibility to taste some wine.