Bodegas Franco-Españolas: Charting a Century-Long Journey of Spanish Winemaking Excellence

Bodegas Franco-Españolas, a historic winery, was established in 1890 as a testament to the union between France and Spain during a significant period in Rioja’s winemaking history. The French sought refuge in the region after their vineyards were devastated by the phylloxera disease, leading Frederick Anglade Saurat, a Bordeaux native, to found Bodegas Franco-Españolas. The winery’s iconic wines, Diamante and Estilo Borgoña, were born from the first harvest in 1891. Over time, Rioja Bordón replaced Estilo Borgoña, and in 2017, the wine was redesigned as Bordón.

In 1920, the French sold their shares, and Bodegas Franco-Españolas became wholly Spanish. The winery gained recognition when King Alfonso XIII visited in 1903 and 1925, followed by a visit from the esteemed writer Ernest Hemingway in 1956. The end of the Prohibition Law in the US in 1933 and the revival of the Regulatory Council in 1953 contributed to the boost in exports of Rioja wines. Bodegas Franco-Españolas expanded its presence in major European cities and even reached Caracas, Buenos Aires, Havana, and New York.

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In 1984, Marcos Eguizábal acquired Bodegas Franco-Españolas, marking a new chapter in its history. The winery celebrated its first centenary in 1990, and in subsequent years, the Diamante and Rioja Bordón wines underwent image renewals. The winery received the prestigious “The Best of” award for Wine Tourism in the category of Innovative Experiences in 2013. The Eguizábal family, now in its third generation, assumed ownership with Borja Eguizábal leading the winery in 2016.

Located on the banks of the Ebro River, Bodegas Franco-Españolas has been a witness to the history of Logroño. Under the Eguizábal family’s stewardship, the winery has become a reference point for wine tourism in La Rioja, offering diverse and engaging experiences. As one of the oldest Designations of Origin in Spain, Rioja wines have been protected since the late 19th century. The Rioja Designation of Origin was officially recognised on June 6, 1925, reflecting the region’s commitment to safeguarding its identity.

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Since 1991, Rioja wines have been protected by the first Qualified Designation of Origin in Spain. Stringent regulations dictate the production area’s demarcation, authorized grape varieties, maximum yields, production techniques, and aging requirements. The Regulatory Board ensures the quality, authenticity, and promotion of Rioja wines. 

Rioja stands among the leading Designations of Origin worldwide, guaranteeing the highest standards and stipulating bottling at the source for all its wines. The board’s rigorous control regulations have instilled confidence in consumers and solidified Rioja’s position as a market leader.

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Bodegas Franco-Españolas has also prioritized sustainability. An energy audit led to the implementation of measures to enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste emissions. The winery installed a solar power generation plant for on-site consumption and embarked on an eco-design program, aiming to reduce bottle weight and utilize 100% recyclable materials for labeling and packaging.

With its rich history, commitment to quality, and sustainable practices, Bodegas Franco-Españolas continues to leave its mark on the world of wine, embodying the enduring spirit of Franco-Spanish collaboration in the heart of Rioja.