Alejandro López Appointed New Winemkaer and Technical Director of Bodegas Beronia

Alejandro López takes the helm at one of the world’s most sustainable wineries, succeeding Matías Calleja, who served as Winemaker and Technical Director  of Bodegas Beronia for an impressive 42 years

Ollauri, October 7, 2024 – Alejandro López has been named Winemaker and Technical Director of Bodegas Beronia, a Riojan Winery imported to the United States by González Byass USA. In 2018, López was recognized as one of Decanter’s Top 10 Emerging Spanish Winemakers, heralded as a “key figure and leader in the new generation of winemakers who are driving trends in Spain." Now, he brings his expertise to Beronia, a renowned Rioja Alta winery, celebrated globally for its commitment to sustainability.

López holds degrees in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of La Rioja and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Navarra. He began his career advising winemakers and grape growers on organic farming practices. After over two decades of working in wineries across Chile, Italy, and the USA, he returned to Rioja, where he continued to excel as a winemaker at Bodegas Bilbainas and La Rioja Alta, two prominent wineries in Rioja Alavesa and Haro.

As the new leader of Bodegas Beronia, López is set to guide the winery through its next chapter in a journey that has already spanned more than 50 years. “We will stay true to our roots and traditions while embracing new challenges that help us refine our vineyard classification and continue producing wines that authentically express our terroir,” says López.

Alejandro succeeds Matías Calleja, the iconic winemaker, who leaves a lasting legacy after more than four decades of crafting wines from the heart of La Rioja, always with a meticulous eye for detail. A forward-thinker, Calleja pioneered the use of new technology and maintained a strong market focus, leading to countless awards for Beronia. His tenure was defined by his unwavering dedication to sustainability, always striving to “leave a better, more sustainable world for future generations.”

With this leadership change, López is committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence—the foundational pillars of Beronia wines. He will tackle new challenges and carry forward the legacy of a winery that crafts wines “born among friends to be enjoyed with friends.” As López puts it, “Our team faces the exciting task of creating wines that resonate with consumers, speak their language, offer a gastronomic profile, and tell stories that elevate the experience.”

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About Bodegas Beronia

Bodegas Beronia is located in Ollauri, in the Rioja Alta region of Spain. Its name refers to the ancient term “Beronia,” the area we now know as La Rioja. The winery's philosophy rests on three key principles: the quality of its wines, respect for the environment, and a commitment to advancing oenological research—all while preserving the essence of La Rioja.

Founded in 1973 by a group of friends with a shared passion for gastronomy and wine, Beronia quickly gained prominence for its Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, crafted in the most traditional Rioja style. In 1982, Bodegas Beronia became part of the González Byass family. Today, the winery is known for its unmistakable ‘Beronia style,’ producing top-quality Crianzas, Reservas, and Gran Reservas, as well as unique offerings such as the Beronia Varietals Collection, Vareia ‘Singular Vineyard,’ 198 Barrels, and Beronia III a.c.

About González Byass USA

González Byass USA is a leading national importer and marketer of an outstanding portfolio of wines and spirits from the Gonzalez Byass family's estates in Spain, Chile and Mexico, and in addition is the exclusive importer of a thoughtfully curated portfolio of distinctive wines from Argentina, Austria, France, Italy and Portugal. Guided by a mission to build and cultivate brands that are the best representations of their regions with a focus on environmental responsibility, González Byass USA recently expanded its wine portfolio by merging with Carolina Wine Brands. González Byass USA is a subsidiary of the historic Gonzalez Byass, one of Spain’s most recognized wine producers worldwide.

 González Byass was founded in 1835 by Manuel Maria González in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, dedicated to the production of fine Sherries and brandies. Now in the hands of the fifth generation, González Byass comprises fourteen family-owned estates in Spain, Chile and Mexico, where the family strives to produce quality focused wines and spirits anchored by terroir driven viticulture and a commitment to preserving the natural environment for the generations to come.

The González Byass USA wine portfolio includes, from Argentina: Finca El Origen; from Austria: Domäne Wachau; from Chile: Viña Casablanca, Neyen de Apalta, Ochagavia, Primus, Ritual, Santa Carolina, Viñedos Orgánicos Veramonte; from France: Château Saint-Roch; from Italy: Conte Brandolini D’Adda, Caldora, Cantine Cellaro, Tenuta Garetto, Gianni Gagliardo, Villa M, Il Poggiolo, Le Ragose, Vigneti del Salento, Cantine Spinelli, Vesevo; from Mexico: Chateau Domecq; from Portugal: Alves de Sousa; from Spain: Bodegas Beronia, Blecua, Dominio Fournier, González Byass Sherries, Harveys Sherries, La Copa Vermouth, Pazos de Lusco, Tio Pepe, Secastilla, Vilarnau.

The González Byass USA spirits portfolio includes Azteca de Oro Brandy, Cantera Verde Gin, Don Pedro Brandy, Fundador Brandy, Lepanto Brandy, The London Nº1 Gin, Nomad Outland Whisky, Presidente Brandy.