Spain: Viña Tondonia

Viña Tondonia was founded in 1877 by the López de Heredia family. The winery is located in the small town of Haro in the La Rioja region of Spain. Viña Tondonia considers itself the “last of the Mohicans” when it comes to traditional wine-making methods. Currently, the winery is run by three siblings – the third generation of the López de Heredia family – who call themselves “vine-makers” rather than wine-makers, because they believe that the essential work of good wine-making happens in the vineyards. Everything after that is secondary. At no point in its history has the winery ever used a grape produced by another region.

The winery's buildings maintain an authentic, historic feel, in keeping with the wine-making methods.

The modern, glass-paneled tasting room is a departure from the traditional architecture of the winery.

In the fermentation room, the filters are made from sticks that come from the grapevines.

The fermentation room temperature is controlled by the windows, not by using any special contraptions on the vats.

The wine cellar was built in 1890.

The cellar contains 12,900 Bordelais barrique barrels.

American oak is used to make the wine barrels in the winery's own cooperage.

The wood from old, damaged barrels is burned for the fire that is used to make the new barrels.

The cooperage is also a showcase for antique tools.

The wine is aged in barrels that add flavour from older wines, not from the oak itself.

"Comportas" are the tall, bucket-shaped containers used for collecting grapes during harvest.

Enjoying a chat with our knowledgeable tour guide, Elvira.

The wines made by Viña Tondonia reflect the strong mineral content of the terroir.

3 floors of the wine cellar are devoted to storing bottles of Grand Reserva.

Spider webs can be seen all over the wine cellar. The spiders are welcome guests, as they prevent moths from damaging the corks.

The tasting room, like the rest of the winery, is a beautiful antique showcase.

Jeremy takes notes during the tasting.

Viña Tondonia produces 7 vintages.

The names of the wines are the names of the various vineyards.