Berarte Viñedos y Bodegas — Attraction in Villabuena de Álava/Eskuernaga

Berarte Viñedos y Bodegas is a family owned winery located in Villabuena de Álava, Rioja Alavesa, in the heart of the D.O.C. They are the third generation operating the family vineyards and winery. They own 14 hectares of vineyards and make HIGH quality wines.

José Antonio Berrueco, handed over the management responsibility of the vineyards and winery to his three children in 2012. Inmaculada (inma) Berrueco, the oldest daughter is the one responsible for the day-to-day activities while being supported by her family.

Inma was our host for a tasting and a delightful tour. Outside on the veranda, we enjoyed a beautiful day overlooking their vineyards. Our tasting began with White Wine Semi-Sweet. It is 100% Viura which is the La Rioja white wine grape. The bottle was from the 2013 harvest and at 12% alcohol it was a delightful wine. On the nose, lightly floral, with definite ripen fruit aromas On the palate, smooth and silky, with VERY DISTINCTIVE flavors of peach, mango and pineapple. Because of the semi sweet approach taken, this example of Viura grape did not suffer from the bitter and dry mouth found with virtually all other Viuras we tasted at 24 other wineries. Outstanding wine at an outstanding price.

Moving to the reds, we tasted the Joven (young) and the Crianza. Later during the tour, we sampled the Reserva from the storage tank. Each of the reds were fruit forward and totally in a "ready-to-drink" condition with the Crianza and Reserva having more ageing potential. We loved these wines and they were definitely in the top 3 of wines we drank during our travels.

Inma showed us all the production capacity improvements that are a result of their expansion plans. The wines are available in Europe and can be shipped directly from the winery to the US. We wish the Berrueco family success in the future as they are the example to follow in the world of La Rioja where unfortunately the MEGABUSINESS and ENOTOURISM of the big guys seeking only sales has started to adversely affect the local industry and degrade the quality...

We arranged a visit through our hotel and the owner was exceptionally passionate in explaining her family business and sharing her wines. Well...

Pequeña bodega , dirigida y trabajada por una gran enóloga ‘ Inma’ con una devociopor sus vinos y un conocimiento que la sale por los poros. Controla el campo , las administraciones , personal y del vino lo hace todo. En un pueblo con más de 40 bodegas está esta es sin duda la mejor Comprar y disfrutar con amigos para que conozcan estos vinos y los incorporen a sus bodegas Gracias por el...