100 Years Living and Breathing Wine
Our Designation of Origin turns 100 years old. And in Rioja, we don’t just make wine—we continue to live and breathe it.
100 Years of Winemaking Excellence
We are celebrating, and this renews our passion for showcasing to the world the greatness and diversity of this land, along with the expertise and authority that a whole century has bestowed upon us.
Our love for this land, combined with our pioneering spirit, drives us to always go one step further, to open new paths, and to create new and better things. Maintaining this character for a whole century is what has made us Spain’s leading Designation of Origin and one of the world’s most renowned wine regions… paving the way for a new century of achievements and milestones.
A Shared
Story
The evolution of Rioja would not have been possible without the people who have accompanied us throughout this century.
From those who have been part of our history to those who are celebrating this milestone with us today, every step reflects the bond between our winemaking tradition and those who have made it their own.
A legacy built together, generation after generation.
Fotos
Campaña Publicitaria - Centenario Rioja
Campaña Publicitaria - Centenario Rioja
Campaña Publicitaria - Centenario Rioja
Campaña Publicitaria - Centenario Rioja
Campaña Publicitaria - Centenario Rioja
Galería de fotos
A century of
winemaking excellence /
1925 - CREATION OF THE FIRST PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN. The Royal Decree of June 6, 1925 approved the creation of the Rioja Protected Designation of Origin, the oldest in Spain.
1928 - FIRST REGULATION OF USE. The first Rioja regulations date from 1928. In addition to the value of the regulation and the importance it gave to the protection of Rioja, it is even prior to the Wine Statute of 1932-1933, which established the recognition and general regulatory regime of the first Protected Designations of Origin.
1974 - CERTIFICATION OF WINE AGING. For the first time, a mandatory guarantee seal from the Regulatory Board is established to distinguish wines aged in barrels.
1980 - PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CATEGORIES AND VINTAGE CONTROL. From the 1980 vintage onwards, the Regulatory Board established the system for categorizing wines according to their aging (joven, crianza, reserva and gran reserva), as well as vintage control, which must be mentioned on the label.
1985 - QUALITATIVE CONTROL. In 1985, the Regulatory Board implemented a rigorous control system for the qualification of all wines produced.
1991 - THE HIGHEST STEP OF THE PYRAMID. The Rioja Protected Designation of Origin is granted "Qualified" status, and new regulations are approved. A new period of commercial expansion, growth of the production structure and modernization of the sector began, with special emphasis on viticulture.
2000 - BOTTLING AT ORIGIN. The requirement for bottling at origin led to a legal challenge in Brussels, arguing that it was contrary to the single market and the free movement of goods. In May 2000 it was determined that it was, given the reputation and goodwill it protected, justified for Rioja.
2005 - THE RIOJA STRATEGIC PLAN 2005-2020. The objective is to promote the stable development of a sector historically affected by periodic crises. In an increasingly globalized and demanding market, innovation is essential to achieve a better positioning and increase the value of wines.
2008-2009 - THE WHITE REVOLUTION. Following the guidelines of the Strategic Plan, the Regulatory Board approved the incorporation of six new varieties to improve the competitiveness of its white wines, giving them greater complexity.
2017 - FOCUS ON ORIGIN AND TERROIR. The Protected Designation of Origin includes the protection of a new product, 'Rioja Quality Sparkling Wines', and creates the new geographical indication 'Viñedo Singular' (Singular Vineyard), which aims to enhance the value of the terroir and recognize its diversity, creating new prestigious references in the Designation. Likewise, alongside the 'Vino de Zona' (Regional Wine) figure, in place since 1998, the 'Municipal Wine' designation is regulated.
2020 - NEW STRATEGIC PLAN. New roadmap for the Protected Designation of Origin, with a focus on generating value and profitability, favoring innovation and collaboration among industry players and contributing to sustainability in all areas.
2023-2025 - PLAN FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN. Establishment, review and reinforcement of a Plan for the Recovery of Balance in the DOCa Rioja, with the optimization of vineyard production control, the intensification of wine quality control, the reduction of the bureaucratic burden on winegrowers and wineries, and the maintenance of investment in promotion.
2025 - BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR ANOTHER 100 YEARS OF HISTORY. This Centenary is just the beginning. Rioja is a successful project, and this milestone gives us encouragement to build for the future.
