Protos Rueda Verdejo, Rueda, Spain

Producer

Taking its name from the Greek word for ‘first’, Bodegas Protos is the oldest wine company in Spain’s Ribera del Duero. The winery was founded in 1927 by a group of local winegrowers, who decided to combine their efforts to get the best out of the land. This venture paid off, as they are now internationally recognised for their wines.

Winemaker Marilena Bonilla has been key in developing viticultural techniques at the winery and their guiding philosophy is ‘quality above all’. They have 1,400ha of Tempranillo and Verdejo, planted mostly on south-facing hillsides for optimal sun exposure. These vineyards are watched over by technicians and experts throughout the growing process to ensure the highest quality.

In 2008, they commissioned architect Richard Rogers to design a cellar that combines beautiful architectural form with cutting edge winemaking facilities. Tapping into the growing trend of wine tourism they now welcome over 40,000 wine lovers to their sprawling premises every year.ver