The bodega was founded in 1945 and is one of the oldest wineries in the Utiel-Requena region. The family business – led by Félix in the third generation – focuses on high-quality viticulture centred on the indigenous Bobal grape, as well as Merlot, Malbec and other international varieties. The family estate is one of the few Spanish bodegas permitted to carry the Vino de Pago designation – a quality seal for smaller wineries that produce outstanding wines and meet various additional criteria.
The vineyards lie at 800 meters above sea level near the mouth of the Estenas River at the foot of the Sierra del Remedio. The vines are trained en vaso (bush-trained) and spread across calcareous clay soils. The Mediterranean climate with hot summers is moderated by the cooling Solano wind, which, together with the cool night temperatures, helps preserve the grapes’ acidity.
Félix Martínez, owner and winemaker of Vera de Estenas, continues the family tradition in the third generation. His philosophy combines the essence of traditional winemaking with modern techniques to create wines that reflect both the terroir and the personality of the region. Félix is a tireless advocate of authenticity and sustainability and has dedicated himself to unlocking the full potential of Utiel-Requena’s grape varieties and soils at the highest level.
Alongside the indigenous Bobal grape, Vera de Estenas also cultivates international varieties such as Merlot and Malbec. The wines of Vera de Estenas embody the link between tradition and innovation. Félix Martínez focuses on sustainable viticulture and minimally invasive methods in the cellar to highlight the purity of the grapes and the uniqueness of the terroir. His goal is to produce wines with personality, appreciated both locally and internationally.
Location & Soils
Location and soils The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 700 to 900 metres above sea level, ensuring cool nights and an extended ripening period. The soils are a blend of limestone and sandy loam, ideal for producing balanced and complex wines.
Grapes
Vines Vera de Estenas works with a wide range of grape varieties, including indigenous varieties such as Bobal, as well as international grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Climate
Climate The Mediterranean climate with continental influence creates large temperature differences between day and night, promoting optimal ripening of the grapes.
Winemaking at Vera de Estenas combines traditional methods with cutting-edge technology. Grapes are harvested and selected by hand. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts is often part of the process, while ageing takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks, amphorae, and oak barrels. Each grape variety and each plot is vinified separately to preserve the unique character of the terroir and the grapes.
In 2013, Vera de Estenas received the designation Vino de Pago, the highest quality status for Spanish wineries. This recognition honors the estate’s unique microclimate and the consistently high quality of its wines.
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