Vega Sicilia Winery Guide

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Last updated: November 22, 2023

Winery Overview

Discover the extraordinary allure of Vega Sicilia, the iconic estate nestled in the heart of Ribera del Duero. Renowned wine expert Serena Sutcliffe, Master of Wine, describes Vega Sicilia’s flagship wine, Unico, as the stuff legends are made of. With a rich history spanning over a century and a half, Vega Sicilia has been shaped by five passionate owners who have left an indelible mark on its destiny.

In 1864, Don Eloy de Lecanda embarked on a winemaking journey inspired by Bordeaux on the Pago de la Vega Santa Cecilia y Carrascal estate. However, he soon discovered that Ribera del Duero’s native grape, Tinto Fino (also known as Tempranillo), thrived exceptionally in its terroir. The combination of schistous base soil covered by a chalky subsoil and the region’s elevated altitude ranging from 600 to 700 meters above sea level creates the ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The cool nights following hot days and an extended ripening season bestow upon the wines a remarkable quality that sets them apart. The Herrero family took over the reins in 1900, guiding the winery through half a century of success, followed by the company Prodes SA from 1950 to 1964.

However, it was during the ownership of Hans Newmann from 1964 to 1982 that Vega Sicilia experienced a glorious period, producing a dazzling array of exquisite wines. Notably, 1982 was a momentous year for Vega Sicilia and Ribera del Duero, as the Alvarez family acquired the estate, coinciding with Ribera del Duero being granted Denominación de Origen status, solidifying its prestige.

Today, under the stewardship of the Alvarez family, Bodegas Vega Sicilia proudly oversees approximately 1,000 hectares of land, with 250 hectares dedicated to meticulously maintained vineyards. The remarkable Unico and Valbuena 5 Año wines, the epitome of Vega Sicilia’s craftsmanship, are painstakingly crafted from carefully selected grapes of the highest quality, sourced from decades-old vines. The Valbuena vines have an average age of around 25 years, while the vines used for Unico have gracefully matured for an impressive 45 years.