La Rioja Alta Winery

La Rioja Alta S.A. is more than a winery—it's a monument to tradition, craftsmanship, and time. Founded in 1890 in Haro’s historic Barrio de la Estación by five families with a shared vision, the winery has remained unwavering in its commitment to producing wines of structure, elegance, and profound aging potential. Over 130 years later, it continues to be one of the few estates in Spain—and indeed, the world—that refuses to bend to trends, instead honouring a style that speaks through decades, not marketing.

Walking into the cellars of La Rioja Alta is like stepping into another era. The scent of fine oak, the silence of slow maturation, the candlelit racking—nothing here is rushed. Every detail is governed by patience and precision. What sets them apart is not just the remarkable quality of their wines, but how they get there. All barrels are made in their own cooperage using American oak selected and seasoned by the team. Wines are aged longer than required by law—sometimes over ten years—and always undergo traditional ‘trasiega’ racking by hand, a practice nearly extinct elsewhere.

The result? Wines that are both timeless and distinctive. Their Gran Reserva 890 is arguably Spain’s greatest aging wine, produced only in truly exceptional vintages and evolving gracefully over decades. Gran Reserva 904 offers a more refined, red-fruited expression, while Viña Ardanza—first released in 1942—is a beloved classic that balances freshness with Rioja’s characteristic spice and savour. Even their more accessible Viña Alberdi shows the same attention to detail, offering a vibrant entry into the world of long-aged Rioja.

But beyond the bottles, La Rioja Alta S.A. carries stories. This is a winery that paused production during Spain’s Civil War and resumed with even greater purpose. One that invested in innovation not through modern gadgets, but through knowledge, vineyards, and people. One that owns 700 hectares of prime Rioja Alta vineyards, each parcel carefully studied and harvested to deliver consistency and nuance year after year.

Visiting the estate is unforgettable. Haro’s wine station district is a UNESCO-protected treasure, and La Rioja Alta’s bodega sits at its heart—weathered stone walls, cavernous cellars, and a quiet pride in doing things the old way, the right way.

At Edka Wines, we’re proud to bring you wines from La Rioja Alta S.A. because we believe in wine that speaks to something deeper. Each bottle here is not just fermented grape juice—it’s a living archive of craftsmanship, humility, and Spanish heritage. To open a bottle is to open a story—one written in oak, time, and quiet brilliance.

Region: Rioja Alta, Spain

Founded: 1890

Signature Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha