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History


Since 1890
Renovated tradition

O ur family winemaking tradition dates back to the nineteenth century, when Mr. Manuel Hurtado took over the family farm until Jesus, one of his children, returned from Africa for having been called up to the War of the Rif, with destination Larache.

With vineyards in several villages in Rioja Alta as Huercanos, Medrano and Entrena. The first Winery built underground, in Entrena, in the Barrio de Las Bodegas. In those early years, the wine was destined for local consumption in bulk, production volumes were limited.

N owadays it is the fourth generation that with a new life philosophy continues with the family winemaking tradition.

Taking care and preserving its own vineyards in Rioja and in Tierra de Castilla. But always with the same enthusiasm from the beginning and the duty of work well done.

H aving vineyards as unique and low production as ours, but with unbeatable vineyard quality, the fourth generation decides to start trading their own wine brands. Until now, the wine was made for sale in bulk for larger Rioja wineries. The fifth generation with their enthusiasm and youth decides to collaborate in this project.

Bodegas Irekua is led by a family used to the value of a job well done and remembers Benito and Maria with gratitude and love for their effort supporting their family and preserving their legacy.

The knowledge other cultures and live new experiences outside of Spain, had made Benito and Maria pioneers of their time in the 70s.

That philosophy to know beyond the borders was the one that impregnated their three daughters. Although it was the little one, Maria, the most adventurous and travelling of the three sisters, who together with Juan Carlos made the decision to continue with the family wine tradition. In fact, Juan Carlos and Maria met in the heart of the Sahara, Algeria.

"Benito and Maria let us the courage and love for the land and the daily and honest effort always has its reward. They gave us the love for life, their faith in tomorrow, their special way to trust and give without expecting anything in return."

" Everybody was welcome to the winery, where people who passed by were offered a greeting and a glass of wine with something to eat, as the door was always open. A magnificent human quality and a touching way of life".

Gelmer Wines's motto

Ecology, Environment and Sustainability