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With sustainability in mind, Bodegas Faustino steps into the future

Bodegas Faustino, the flagship brand of Familia Martínez Zabala, stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine, recognized for its leadership in the Rioja Gran Reserva category. With over 160 years of winemaking heritage, the Martínez Zabala family has built a reputation that stretches across 140 countries, making Faustino I the most international and iconic brand of the company.

This year, Bodegas Faustino, the flagship brand of Familia Martínez Zabala and the leading producer of Rioja Gran Reserva, will celebrate 160 years of winemaking history with the launch of a state-of-the-art, sustainability-focused center, Legado Bodegas Faustino.

Wine rack.Part of the architectural Project Legado Bodegas Faustino. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.

A Legacy of Excellence

Familia Martínez Zabala’s journey began more than a century and a half ago, and today, the family’s fourth generation, led by Lourdes and Carmen Martínez Zabala, is continuing the legacy with an ambitious strategic plan focused on four pillars – vineyards, family, sustainability and innovation – investing heavily in improving the quality of the wines.

With some of the best winemaking facilities in Rioja, Bodegas Faustino combines traditional expertise with cutting-edge technology, crafting wines that have nearly infinite aging potential. This commitment to quality and innovation has solidified the winery’s place in the global market. Faustino I, the crown jewel of the estate, is the world’s leading Rioja Gran Reserva brand, consistently celebrated for its impeccable taste and craftsmanship.

Mythical Vintages. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.

Sustainability, Nature and Innovation in the Vineyard

Bodegas Faustino recently launched Legado Bodegas Faustino, an innovative and sustainable architectural complex created in collaboration with Foster + Partners. This brand new wine tourism project is the brainchild of Lourdes and Carmen Martínez Zabala, and ensures a unique visitor experience that allows guests to immerse themselves in the universe of wine. It will be the setting for curated experiences focused on wine, vineyards, nature and architecture, as well as culture and sustainability.

“With this new project, Legado Bodegas Faustino, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and the environment,” says Lourdes Martínez Zabala. 

A key focus of Legado Bodegas Faustino is sustainability. The entire project is built with a “Planet 1.0” concept, meaning it has a zero-carbon footprint and is 100% energy self-sufficient. To make this possible, high-performance photovoltaic panels were added to the roof of the new building, which generate 70%  times the amount of energy than the building consumes. That energy is then distributed back to the rest of the estate, making the entire winery energy self-sufficient.

Legado Bodegas Faustino. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.

Show-Stopping Accolades for Bodegas Faustino

At the core of Bodegas Faustino’s legacy lies its exceptional collection of Rioja Gran Reserva wines, crafted with precision and care. The winery boasts one of the largest collections of Faustino I Gran Reserva vintages, with some bottles dating back to the second generation of the family. Its global prominence is further affirmed by the winery’s remarkable achievements and reputation.

In 2024, Bodegas Faustino obtained the 19th spot—for the sixth time—on the lauded World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2024 ranking, which is compiled each year by the revered British magazine Drinks International. The estate’s four generations of family experience, coupled with top-tier winemaking facilities, create the backbone for wines with near infinite potential, as well as the brand’s globally recognized image. 

Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.
Faustino I Gran Reserva. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.
Additionally, the estate’s Faustino I 2014 cuvée—the best-selling cuvée in the Rioja Gran Reserva category worldwide—was selected as an Editor’s Choice by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, receiving a show-stopping 95-point score. Bodegas Faustino holds one of the largest number of Faustino I Gran Reserva back vintages available for sale, which have been bottled by the past three generations of the Martínez Zabala family. 
Following Faustino I’s impressive accolades, the estate’s Gran Faustino 2004 —a long-aged Rioja produced only during the best vintages and released after 20 years in the cellar—also received a coveted 96-point score. Crafted from a classic “coupage” of Rioja’s Gran Reserva grapes (Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo), this special wine is made with rigorous and meticulous quality standards. The result, a cohesively structured wine, is a beautiful marriage of history and present day of Bodegas Faustino.To complement these standout Gran Reserva offerings, Faustino V Reserva 2018, produced from grapes grown in the estate’s vineyards in Oyón, Rioja Alavesa, also received critical acclaim. Wine Enthusiast nominated Faustino V as a Best Buy and awarded it an impressive score of 92 points, recognizing its balanced structure and exceptional value.
Faustino Winery Barrel Cellar. Image Courtesy of Bodegas Faustino.

Driving the Faustino Brand Forward

Familia Martínez Zabala hopes that Legado Bodegas Faustino will serve as a powerful driver for the Faustino brand, further enhancing its global presence and reputation. By blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation, the family is ensuring that Bodegas Faustino continues to lead in the world of Rioja wines while setting new standards for sustainability and wine tourism.

In every bottle, in every experience, Bodegas Faustino invites wine lovers to discover the passion, history, and craftsmanship that have made it a leader in the industry for more than 160 years.