Europe is full of storied wine-growing regions, but some are elevated above the rest — literally. Rioja is a landlocked, sundrenched region in Northern Spain nestled by the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda to the south. It’s known for cultivating Tempranillo and other varietals prized for structure and tannins. For almost a century, the area has been home to Ramón Bilbao, Spain’s leading Rioja label and a five-time recipient of “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” award by Drinks International.
In the heart of the Rioja Alta, Ramón Bilbao sources grapes from over 2,500 curated acres of vineyards and has a reputation for bold, innovative, and versatile blends. Wine connoisseurs reach for the label’s accessible varietals for everyday festivities or its limited-production, old-vine 100 percent Tempranillo blends aged in French oak for special occasions. But beyond its reputation for taste and quality, Ramón Bilbao is known for honoring the best of Rioja — while looking to the future for inspiration.
Meet Ramón Bilbao
The label’s namesake, Ramón Bilbao Murga, was born in 1876 during the infamous phylloxera plague, which sent the continent’s wine producers searching for new and underdeveloped regions. Many discovered an oasis in Rioja, and it’s even rumored that King Alfonso XIII, after a visit, was so impressed that he replaced the French vino of the royal household with Riojan blends. This spirit of innovation inspired Ramón Bilbao to open a bodega in 1924, and the family played
