
PHINCA SAN JULIAN
We discovered San Julian in 2015, a historic vineyard on the brink of being lost. It was May, and the vines were still unpruned—a sign that something was amiss. Upon inquiry, we learned the owners were planning to uproot this century-old vineyard to replant on flatter, easier-to-manage land.
San Julian is anything but ordinary. Nestled on a steep ravine, its narrow rows follow the natural contours of the land, making modern mechanized farming impossible. However, with plowhorses, we could care for the vines as they had been tended in a time gone by. Sharing space with over 20 native and fruit trees, this vineyard is teeming with biodiversity—a living memory of how Rioja once was.
Within this tiny half-hectare parcel, we discovered a remarkable diversity of over 10 grape varieties, each contributing to the vineyard’s character. The name San Julian is the historical designation of the area, but when I first saw it—overgrown and full of life—it felt like stepping into a fairy garden. This dreamlike quality inspired the enchanting scene on the wine’s label.
With the last of my life savings, I rescued San Julian, determined to preserve this rare piece of Rioja history. Its breathtaking isolation and untouched surroundings make it the perfect site for biodynamic farming, free from the influence of modern farming practices. San Julian is more than a vineyard; it is a tribute to the past and a celebration of life’s resilience and beauty.