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May 13 2025
Lucía Fernández Rivera
Leading the Legacy of Ribera del Duero
Lucía Fernández Rivera is a prominent figure in the Spanish wine industry, known for her leadership and dedication to preserving the legacy of Ribera del Duero. As the CEO of Familia Fernández Rivera, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of the family's esteemed wineries, including Tinto Pesquera, Condado de Haza, Dehesa La Granja, and El Vínculo .
Born into a family with a rich winemaking heritage, Lucía's journey into the world of wine was almost inevitable. Her grandparents, Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera, founded Tinto Pesquera in the 1970s, a winery that would go on to become a benchmark for quality in Ribera del Duero. Under their guidance, the winery produced wines that garnered international acclaim, including a 98-point rating from Robert Parker for the 1982 vintage .
"The essence of these 50 years has been to believe in and bet on wine, maintaining consistent, well-done work — something we continue to uphold with enthusiasm, while adapting to the times.”
In 2019, amidst a period of internal family challenges, Lucía spearheaded a significant rebranding of the company from Grupo Pesquera to Familia Fernández Rivera. This strategic move aimed to reflect the family's broader vision and the importance of all their wineries, not just Tinto Pesquera. Lucía emphasized that the change was not a break from the past but a continuation of the family's commitment to quality and tradition.
Respect for Tradition and Openness for Innovation
Lucía's leadership is characterized by a blend of respect for tradition and openness to innovation. She has been instrumental in introducing new winemaking techniques and expanding the family's reach in the global wine market. Her efforts have contributed to the continued success and recognition of Familia Fernández Rivera wines, which are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and expression of the Ribera del Duero terroir.
"The land expresses itself through the wine, and ours tells the story."
Beyond her professional achievements, Lucía is also a mother and a mentor to the next generation of winemakers. Her daughter, Lucía Pascual Fernández, has joined the family business, working alongside her to ensure the legacy of quality and excellence continues.
In recognition of her contributions to the wine industry, Lucía has been featured among the top 25 influential women in Spanish gastronomy by Forbes, highlighting her impact not only in winemaking but also in the broader culinary world.