A Journey Through Rioja: Discovering Baron de Ley’s Winemaking Secrets

At Cafe Soleil, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional wines to share with our guests, and our recent visit to Baron de Ley, one of Rioja’s most prestigious wineries, was nothing short of inspiring. From walking through endless rows of barrels to tasting some of their finest aged wines, we couldn’t wait to bring this experience back to you!

Behind the Scenes: The Art of Winemaking

Our tour was led by Miguel, the commercial director, who shared his vast knowledge with passion and precision. One of the fascinating aspects he explained was the aging process. Baron de Ley houses over 40,000 barrels in their brand-new storage facility, where their Reserva wines rest for up to five years before bottling. The result? Deep, complex flavors that define their signature wines.

Innovation Meets Tradition

During the tour, we also learned about the clarification process—a crucial step in winemaking. Traditionally, wines were clarified using egg whites, but Baron de Ley has switched to a more sustainable and vegan-friendly method using pea and potato proteins. This ensures crystal-clear wines without compromising quality or flavor.

Exclusive Tastings: A Wine Lover’s Dream

Of course, no visit would be complete without a tasting session! One of the most special wines we tried was Siete Viñas, a blend of all the traditional Rioja grape varieties. This wine beautifully balances fruitiness, acidity, and structure, showcasing the very essence of Rioja winemaking.

Another standout was Tres Viñas, a white wine crafted from three distinct grape varieties, offering a crisp yet complex profile that pairs perfectly with seafood and light dishes. And let’s not forget the Reserva wines aged in French foudre barrels, adding a unique depth and texture to each sip.

The Final Press & Sustainable Practices

We also got an up-close look at the pressing process, where the final bits of juice are extracted from the grape skins. Impressively, Baron de Ley sends the remaining grape solids to other alcohol producers, ensuring that nothing goes to waste—a fantastic example of sustainable winemaking!

Why This Matters for Cafe Soleil

Bringing these wines to our customers isn’t just about offering a great glass—it’s about sharing a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Whether you're sipping a Tempranillo on our sunny terrace or exploring new flavors at the bar, you can trust that each bottle has been carefully selected for its excellence.

If you’re as passionate about great wine as we are, stay tuned for more stories and recommendations from our winery visits. And next time you’re at Cafe Soleil, don’t forget to ask for a glass of Rioja magic!

Cheers to great wine and even better experiences!