If there’s anything that defines Spain’s R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, it’s the idea that out of the ashes arise opportunities for innovation and re-birth.

It was the mid eighteenth century when the phylloxera outbreak destroyed the majority of Europe’s wine-producing grapes. The French weren’t going to take that situation sitting down. So, off they went to Spain looking for new grape varieties. Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta was a young student in the art of winemaking at the time, and he jumped at the chance to learn from these visiting experts.

Fast forward several decades, and we find that Don Rafael has fallen in love with the town of Haro, widely considered to be the capital of the region of Rioja Alta. It’s there amidst the combination of soil and climate ideal for making world famous wines that he built a new life for himself. Circa 1877, he designed and began construction of an expansive winery, López de Heredia bodega. This winery, still family owned and run, is “the oldest in Haro and one of the first three bodegas in the Rioja region.”

Tradition has a firm grip on this fourth generation of the López de Heredia family; but don’t let that fool you. From the beginning, each generation has kept one eye on the future. The family continues to expand its production (still solely using grapes sourced from its own vineyards) of high quality wine, and extend its reach far beyond European borders. Haven’t tried López de Heredia wines, yet? Don’t hesitate any longer. You’ll find them to be very tasty indeed.