A leading winery in the region since 1944, Bodega San Valero has the longest history in Cariñena, and has benefitted from access to some of the most prominent vineyards in the region for 75 years. 

The winery manages 500 grape growers cultivating over 4,000 hectars of vineyard as active members of the cooperative, where 90% of the vineyards surround the winery facility near the village of Cariñena.

Bodega San Valero focuses on indigenous varieties (Garnacha and Cariñena) which account for 70% of plantings. A long history in the region brings key advantages – some 20% of the Garnacha is classified as “old vines”, ranging from 30 to 100 years, and located at extreme altitudes in very rocky soils.

With its strong temperature contrasts, offers an optimal terroir for the elegant and fruity Garnacha: very dry and hot summers meet cool winters with little rainfall. The vines are planted on the stony soils in Salier and Buscher training. The stone layers can store the required moisture in the soil for a long time. This provides the vines with sufficient water even in the dry summers. During the grape harvest, special attention is paid to destemming the stalks. This prevents tannins from getting into the wine.

During the subsequent mash fermentation (26-28°C), French and American oak barrels are also used, which gives the popular Garnacha additional aroma.

The winery is considered one of the most progressive and sustainable wineries in Cariñena, combining a passion and respect for tradition with the most modern winemaking techniques that Europe has to offer. Sustainability is particularly close to Bodega San Valero's heart. Wherever possible, ecological processes and regional partners are used. For example, the bodega avoids the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers as far as possible and works mainly with regional suppliers to avoid long transport routes and to support the local economy. The members of San Valero are also socially committed: they promote local football and employ people with disabilities.

Cariñena lies in an outstanding geographical location due to its position along the axis connecting the Ebro Valley and the region of Levante. This position turns Cariñena into a true alternative link between the Basque Country and the Community of Valencia.

Its proximity to the French border makes Cariñena an interesting node in the cultural and commercial relationships with Europe.

Cariñena wine region, located in the Ebro River Valley, has an extension of 14.624 hectars of vineyards, distributed amongst 14 municipalities.

Around 1.540 winegrowers look after these vineyards, which constitute the main economic activity of the region.

key facts:

• Bodega San Valero represents around 27% of the entire D.O.P. Cariñena.
• 100% of Production is from own property.
• More than 18.000 French and American oak barrels make it the biggest wine producing facility in Aragón.
• The winery exports wines and cavas to more than 40 countries and the export market represented 70% of the sales.
• The high quality of the wines, organic wines and cavas has been recognised with more than 150 medals or prizes in the last five years.