María José López de Heredia

María José López de Heredia is the fourth generation at the helm of one of Rioja’s most iconic wineries: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia. Born in Haro in 1968, she grew up surrounded by the magic of winemaking. She fondly recalls Sunday visits to the family winery, the sweet aroma of grapes during harvest, and holiday seasons spent capping bottles alongside her father. That early exposure planted the seeds of a lifelong passion.

Though she originally studied Law and Theology at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, María José’s true calling was always the world of wine. She eventually pursued viticulture and enology at the University of La Rioja, graduating in 1993. By 2000, she had stepped up to take the reins of the family business, determined to preserve the legacy of Viña Tondonia while steering it into the future.

Soul and Story

Under her leadership, Viña Tondonia has stayed fiercely loyal to its traditional winemaking methods. María José is a passionate advocate for honoring the past — she believes that sticking to tradition can be a bold act of innovation. In her words, authenticity is the real cutting edge. No flashy trends here, just beautifully crafted wines with soul and story.

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was awarded the prestigious Gueridón de Oro at San Sebastián Gastronomika, a prize that recognizes excellence in wine service and the immersive experience her winery provides to visitors and enthusiasts alike. In 2014 she was inducted into the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.

Outside the winery, María José is a lover of reading, and she deeply values solitude and silence — time to reflect, think, and recharge. These moments of quietude balance the energy she pours into her work.

Looking ahead, María José sees the future of the winery in good hands. She hopes her three daughters — the fifth generation — will continue the family legacy, guided by the same passion, professionalism, and respect that has shaped the López de Heredia name for over a century.

In a world of ever-changing trends, María José López de Heredia stands out for her authenticity, elegance, and devotion to doing things the right way — slowly, carefully, and always with heart.