Marqués de Murrieta, as Rioja’s pioneering winery (1852), hosted the 'Grandes Marcas Españolas' meeting as part of the events celebrating the Centenary of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa Rioja), under the honorary presidency of His Majesty King Felipe VI.

The winery was the setting for this exceptional gathering, which brought together representatives from some of Spain’s leading internationally renowned brands in a meeting that highlighted the excellence, tradition, and innovation that define the business fabric of our country. Throughout the day, key topics were addressed such as the global positioning of Spanish brands, the importance of sustainability, and the creation of value through identity and cultural heritage. The forum included participation from prominent figures from the business, institutional, and wine sectors.

Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, president of Marqués de Murrieta and host of the event, emphasized Rioja’s significance as a symbol of quality and international recognition, and marked the centenary as “a turning point for all of us to begin working together toward the next hundred years for this designation.”

The centenary celebration also included various events at wineries in towns such as Haro and Elciego.

The Origins of Rioja

The origin of Marqués de Murrieta is also the origin of Rioja. In 1852, Don Luciano Murrieta, applying the knowledge he acquired in Bordeaux, produced the first fine wine of Rioja, striving for the highest quality with the intention of creating a wine that would stand the test of time. Seventy-three years later, in 1925, the Rioja DOCa was officially established — Spain’s oldest Designation of Origin.