Rioja is Spains best known and most important region for quality wines. It is sub-divided into three areas, of which Rioja Alta is regarded as producing the finest wines. Tempranillo is the most important grape grown here and its red wines dominate, though there is plenty interest and quality in the white and rosé young 'Joven' wines.

Bodegas Vallemayor, based at Fuenmayor in the Rioja Alta, is a close-knit family Bodega producing an impressive range dedicated to quality and value. Their 55 ha estate, growing predominantly Tempranillo, is owned by the Perez Foncea family. The winery, built in 1984, combines modern technology and traditional methods - utilising stainless steel tanks for fermentation and ageing in oak casks: 1,200 225ltr French that are replaced after six years and 1,800 American ones that are refurbished and refilled for a further two years use after the six.

Bodegas Consejo de la Alta was formed in 1990 by a consortium of grape growing families and local businessmen; effectively the amalgamation of two prestigious old established estates in the area - Cenicero and El Cortijo. The town of Cenicero was chosen for the new winery, being in the heart of Riojas best sub-region, Rioja Alta.The company has 120 ha of vineyards, the vines are an average 25 years in age with some being over 40 years old. Surrounded by wild plum trees they are tended with eco-friendly principles of integrated agriculture and preventive treatments and include 50 acres of organic vines. The state of the art winery was built in 1992 and features some of the most modern technology in Rioja including temperature controlled stain-less steel vats. The winery has developed a unique over-pumping system to extract maximum colour and body from the juice.

Lopez de Heredia is the most traditional of the Rioja Bodegas and has been based in Haro, capital of la Rioja Alta, since 1877. The Tondonia vineyard, the jewel in its crown, covers over 100 ha and was first planted in 1913-14. The style is ultra classical with both the traditional Gravonia and Tondonia oak-aged whites and reds long-lived. Oak plays an important role in the quality and style of the wines; all wines are fermented and matured in wood. The Bodega has 72 different oak vats, diversely sourced and having capacities from 60 to 640 hectolitres. Heredia also has its own cooperage where five craftsmen are employed to renew worn out casks and produce new barrels, part of the 15,000 used to mature the wines in the underground cellars.