Biodynamic Vineyards and Holistic endeavors in the mountains of Kripan

IN REVERENCE OF NATURE

ETHOS

Discover clandestine terraces nestled in the auspicious ravines of Rioja Alavesa, Spain, where vineyards harmonize with biodiversity.

Experience the enchantment that unfolds in this magical landscape, where the synergy of environmental consciousness and genuine, sustainable care for the earth takes root.

Our wines are a living testament to the sacred connection we share with nature, embodying the very esssence of this profound relationship.

“Once forgotten, Now reawakened.” 

HOLISTIC APPROACH

We understand the intricate web of connections that come together to craft extraordinary wines.

Our dedication is rooted in harmonizing with nature in its entirety, valuing every aspect as a crucial component of the overall picture.

From harnessing the life forces of the land and nurturing the living organisms in the soil to understanding the microclimate or our vineyards, we prioritize cultivating a thriving ecosystem.

CONSCIOUSLY CRAFTED

Our holistic, multi-generational approach to land stewardship challenges the immediacy of the material world.
Choosing contentment with less, we invest in practices that ensure a vibrant, alive, and resilient land for future generations.
Through Biodynamic Farming and other sustainable practices, we harmonize with interconnected ecosystems.

MY JOURNEY

I’m Melanie Hickman, a North American who followed my heart to Spain, where I invested my life savings to purchase my first vineyard in Rioja Alavesa.

That marked the beginning of my winemaking journey under the name of Etérea Kripan. With a focus on biodynamic viticulture, biodiversity, and eco-conscious practices, I’ve worked to craft wines that intertwine land stewardship with environmental awareness.

Co-creating with my husband, David Sampedro, I make my wines in Bodegas Bhilar, reflecting our shared commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainability. For me, winemaking is about more than just the wine–it’s about fostering a symbiotic relationship with the earth

BALANCED

ESSENCE

In the tapestry of life, we unfold a narrative woven with the harmonius interplay of feminine and masculine energies.

This symbiotic dance mirros the dynamic essence of our wines. The creative expression is inherently feminine – complex, mysterious, delicate, yet boldly captitaving.

Counterbalancing this, the will is distinctly masculine – well-intentioned, luminous, and consistently proposeful. It is in this unified action that balance is achieved, creating wines that embody the equilibrium of both forces, resulting in a sensory journey that resonates with poise and completeness.

TIMECRAFT WINES

In the heart of our winemaking journey lies a commitment to the unhurried.

Our plow horses, gently tilling the land, connect us to the earth in a manner that trancends modern pace.

With respect woven into every act, from the mindful pruning to the hand-pic-king of grapes during harvest, our approach is deliberate and thoughtful.
As the grapes journey into fermentation, they are foot-trodden.

Nothing is rushed – spontaneous fermentation, unfolds naturally, with malolactic transformation following in its own time.

This intuitive attention to nature and the winemaking process results in wines that unfold a narrative of time, care, and artisanal essence.