Conde de los Andes

Summary:

• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Location: Ollauri (Rioja Alta)
• Founded: Winery established 1896; cellars date to 16th century
• Owners: The Murua family
• Acquired: 2014 (restoration project led by Javier Murua)
• Cellars: Historic underground “Calados de los Gallegos”
• Library Wines: 400,000 bottles, vintages dating back to 1892
• Classification: Historic Rioja producer
• Wine Style: Traditional, age-worthy Rioja with depth, structure, and heritage character
• Legacy: One of Rioja’s most historic cellars; global recognition since the 20th century

Conde de los Andes is one of the most historic names in Rioja, rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition in the village of Ollauri. The winery was formally established in 1896, but its remarkable underground cellars date back to the 16th century, when they were first carved into the hills as wine caves. Expanded in the 17th century, these galleries—known as the “Calados de los Gallegos”—are considered both an architectural landmark and an early example of geological engineering.

By the mid-20th century, the estate had gained international recognition, attracting wine enthusiasts from around the world, including notable visitors such as Ernest Hemingway. The Conde de los Andes label was introduced in the 1960s to showcase wines sourced exclusively from vineyards surrounding the estate.

In 2014, the Murua family acquired the property with a vision to restore one of Rioja’s great historic estates. Led by Javier Murua, the family has undertaken an extensive restoration, including the renovation of the winery and the meticulous cataloging and evaluation of more than 400,000 bottles, with vintages dating back to 1892.

Today, Conde de los Andes represents the revival of a historic Rioja icon—where tradition, heritage, and careful restoration converge to bring classic, age-worthy wines back to life for a new generation of wine lovers.