winery

Bodegas Escudero

The discovery

Rioja with backbone.

Since 1852, the Escudero family has been cultivating wine in the Rioja region – thriving through honest craftsmanship and passionate sustainability.

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The winery

Four generations, one attitude: authentic Rioja, no frills.

If the term "family winery" can be taken seriously anywhere, it's at Escudero. Since 1852, the estate has been firmly rooted in Grávalos, a small town in the eastern part of the region. What started as a cellar under the family home is now a winery with a radiant reputation – run by four siblings who couldn't be more different but pour the same wine at the table: Jesús, María Ángeles, Amador, and José María.
For the family, tradition is not a museum but a toolbox. At Escudero, there's no cheering for the past; instead, they work towards the future. Old vines, lively soils, concrete tanks in the cellar if it helps with texture – here, experimentation is key, but never for its own sake. The goal: honest wines with clear provenance, unadulterated, long-lasting, and with character.
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano – the classic Rioja craftsmanship is central to the Escudero family. But those who taste carefully will notice: there's more to it. Amador Escudero also sought land in Navarra – not out of boredom, but because grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon can play their own unique game there. This results in wines that don't copy Rioja but expand upon it. What grows through its own strength should not be hindered – this is why the family now cultivates nearly 200 hectares of vineyards with its 4 estates, each with its own focus. No small feat, especially when everything is organic and harvested by hand.

Not organic for the label, but for life

The Escuderos don't greenwash – they simply do it. Sustainability isn't a buzzword here, it's a family affair. In the vineyards, they work as their grandparents did: with respect for the soil, plants, and the rhythm of nature. Rather than relying on chemicals, they prioritize vital soils and intelligent cover cropping. Research meets craftsmanship, intellect meets intuition. Because healthy vines not only make better wines – they also free the mind.
A current sustainability project is the construction of a large solar array to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Responsibility with principles – day after day

At Escudero, responsibility is not just a slogan, but a lived reality. The company's in-house ethics program – their "Código Ético" – is more than a document: it is the internal compass of the business. It's all about clear principles such as transparency, respect, and integrity. For the family, quality also means working fairly, communicating honestly, and valuing every employee. The code not only protects the winery's reputation but also provides backbone in difficult decisions. Whether in the office, in the cellar, or out in the vineyards – at Escudero, the motto is: values are not marketing, but part of every bottle.

With integrity for people, the region, and the future.

For the Escudero family, responsibility does not end in the vineyard. The family winery lives social responsibility as an integral part of its DNA – with a clear ethical compass and a strong commitment to its region. This includes fair working conditions, the promotion of education and culture in rural areas, and active support for local initiatives.

"There are still new worlds to discover – wonders of nature and imagination."

Houses

Siblings

generations

The location

Rioja Oriental.

In the southeast of Rioja, where the hills almost tip into Navarra, lie the vineyards of the Escuderos. Up to 700m high - with cool nights, stony soils, and abundant sunshine. This combination produces wines with power and finesse. Tempranillo & Garnacha thrive here because of the long ripening period - and the deep aromas.