Winemaker Hacienda El Ternero

Rioja Alta, Spain

A look behind the story of 'Hacienda El Ternero'

Hacienda El Ternero is a historic boutique winery located in a unique enclave in the province of Burgos, on the edge of Rioja Alta, one of the most prestigious subregions of the D.O.Ca. Rioja. The estate has a long history dating back to 1077, when it served as an agricultural property for the monastery of Santa María de Herrera.

Today, Hacienda El Ternero is a remarkable winery because it is administratively located in Castile and León, yet it is still allowed to produce wines under the protected designation of origin D.O.Ca. Rioja. This makes it a unique exception within the region.

The estate covers approximately 250 hectares, of which around 120 hectares are vineyards. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 650 to 700 meters, which is higher than the average in Rioja. This elevation provides cooler nights and a longer ripening period for the grapes, allowing the wines to retain their freshness, aromatic finesse and structure.

With its unique location, rich history and artisanal approach, Hacienda El Ternero is considered one of the most distinctive and characterful bodegas in Rioja — a true discovery for lovers of elegant, terroir-driven wines.

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Why you really want to have 'Hacienda El Ternero' at home:

Unlike many traditional Rioja producers, Hacienda El Ternero mainly uses French oak barrels, which provide more subtle oak influences and a more refined wine style.

The family winery combines modern techniques with respect for tradition and uses natural fertilizers and manual harvesting to guarantee the quality of the grapes.

The vineyards are located at an altitude of 650 to 700 meters in Rioja Alta, creating cooler conditions. This gives the wines greater freshness, elegance and aromatic complexity.

The vineyards of Hacienda El Ternero

The Climate

Hacienda El Ternero is located in Rioja Alta at an altitude of approximately 650 to 700 meters, where the climate is a combination of Atlantic and continental influences. The relatively cool temperatures and the difference between warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with freshness, elegance and aromatic complexity.

The Terroir

The vineyards are planted on limestone-rich clay and limestone soils, known for their good drainage and low nutrient levels. This forces the vines to root deeply, contributing to minerality, structure and finesse in the wines. This combination of soil, altitude and location gives the wines of Hacienda El Ternero their unique character within Rioja.

Viticulture in Rioja

The viticulture of Hacienda El Ternero takes place in the prestigious subregion of Rioja Alta, an area known for its elegant and refined wines. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of around 650 to 700 meters, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop a perfect balance between ripe fruit and fresh acidity.

In the cellar, the wines are usually aged in French oak barrels, which provide subtle oak influences and greater elegance in the wine. Thanks to this combination of high-altitude vineyards, limestone-rich soils and careful vinification, Hacienda El Ternero produces Rioja wines with structure, finesse and excellent ageing potential.

Atmospheric images of
Hacienda El Ternero