The wines of Vega Sicilia

Founded in 1864 in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, Vega Sicilia is widely regarded as the country’s most iconic winery. While its early years laid the groundwork for excellence, the modern era of Vega Sicilia truly began with its acquisition by the Álvarez family in 1982.

Under the leadership of Pablo Álvarez, the family introduced a new level of precision, professionalism and long-term vision to the estate. Their stewardship marked a turning point in the winery’s history, as they invested heavily in vineyard management, cellar technology, and rigorous quality control. They maintained the estate’s historic commitment to ageing, with flagship wine Unico often released more than a decade after harvest, but modernised every aspect of production.

The Álvarez family also began an ambitious expansion. In 1991, they founded Alión, a separate winery near Vega Sicilia focused on a more contemporary expression of Ribera del Duero. Later ventures included Pintia in Toro (2001), Macán in Rioja (a joint project with Benjamin de Rothschild in 2009), and Oremus in Tokaj, Hungary, expanding the group’s influence beyond Spain while applying the same exacting standards.

Throughout their stewardship, the family has balanced tradition with innovation, maintaining the mystique and prestige of Vega Sicilia while adapting to the demands of a global fine wine market. The estate’s wines, particularly Unico, Valbuena 5º, and Reserva Especial, remain benchmarks of elegance, longevity, and complexity.

Today, under Pablo Álvarez’s direction, Vega Sicilia continues to be a standard-bearer not only for Ribera del Duero but for Spanish wine as a whole. This is truly a legacy built on vision, patience, and the relentless pursuit of quality.