María Vargas

A Visionary Oenologist Redefining Spanish Wine

María Vargas is not just a oenologist; she's a trailblazer in the Spanish wine industry. As the Technical Director of Marqués de Murrieta in Rioja and Pazo de Barrantes in Rías Baixas, she has been instrumental in transforming these historic wineries into global icons of quality and innovation.

Born in Haro in 1971, María's journey into winemaking began early. After completing her studies in agronomy and enology, she joined Marqués de Murrieta in 1996. At just 25 years old, she was entrusted with the technical direction of the winery, a testament to her talent and vision. Under her leadership, the winery has embraced a philosophy that blends tradition with modernity, focusing on elegance, balance, and sustainability.

“I believe that wines are all about balance. Balance later becomes elegance. A wine can be more or less fruity, but it must never lack harmony.” - María Vargas to Bodeboca

María's commitment to excellence has garnered international acclaim. In 2021, she was named the Best Winemaker in the World at the Women in Wine & Spirits Awards held in China. This prestigious recognition highlights her significant contributions to the industry and the global reputation of Spanish wines. Notably, her work on Castillo Ygay Tinto 2010 earned it the title of Best Wine in the World by Wine Spectator in 2020.

Her philosophy is straightforward yet profound: "To make a wine, there's only one secret... the best grapes." This emphasis on quality raw materials is evident in every bottle produced under her guidance. María believes that understanding the vineyard is crucial, but equally important is understanding the consumer. The fact that their wines often sell out before the next vintage is a clear indicator that they've succeeded in this balance.

"Each harvest and each wine are something new — it’s pure magic.”- María Vargas to El Español

Beyond her technical expertise, María is a forward-thinker. She recognizes the importance of digitalization and innovation in the wine sector, particularly in areas like sustainability and new sales channels. At Marqués de Murrieta, she has overseen the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance quality control and anticipate potential challenges in the winemaking process.

In a world where wine has long spoken in a man’s voice, María Vargas is rewriting the narrative — and doing it with style. Her rise isn't just inspiring, it's a bold statement for every woman with a dream and a vineyard in her heart. With a blend of passion, precision, and an eye always on the future, María is not only shaping exquisite wines — she's helping Spanish winemaking sparkle brighter than ever on the global stage.