Many Years of Tense Discussions Make Way for a Pact
In 1925, after many years of tense discussions, wineries and grape growers in the Rioja region decided to create a series of rules to protect and defend the origin of their grapes and wine. It was, in the words of professor José Luis Gómez Urdáñez, “un pacto entre desiguales” (a pact between unequals) because going forward, grape farmers in Rioja would only be able to sell their grapes to the wineries in the region.
The regulations governing the agreement were not officially created until 1928 but the pact itself will be celebrated throughout 2025 to commemorate the centennial.
The theme of the program of activities carried out this year is “Rioja desde 1925: 100 años viviendo el vino” (Rioja since 1925, 100 years of living wine”).
More than Thirty Activities Worldwide
The program of events begins with a tasting tutored by Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros during the Barcelona Wine Week (February 3-5). Throughout the year, more than thirty activities featuring tastings and seminars in Spain and in the UK, China, Switzerland, Mexico, Germany and the United States will commemorate one hundred years of the development of Rioja and its place as the premier Protected Designation of Origin in Spain.
The highlight of the centennial year activities will take place on June 5 at Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta with a summit conference of Spanish industry leaders, a commemorative event at the Haro Train Station District, and a gala dinner and social event at Marqués de Riscal at which people who have played an important role in the PDO Rioja will be honored.
The activities organized for the centennial celebration can be seen here.
The Council has created specific imagery for the Centennial, using “Rioja” and “100” highlighted in gold.
The budget for the centennial celebration is 1.000.000 euros.
Regulatory Council General Manager José Luis :Lapuente and President Fernando Ezquerro Toast to Rioja’s 100 Year Anniversary
Text and photos: Tom Perry, Inside Rioja