KEYFACTS

History

Pago de Vallegarcía began in 1997, when Alfonso Cortina de Alcocer commissioned Dr. Richard Smart, renowned professor of Australian viticulture, to design a vineyard on the Vallegarcía estate. Motivated by his love of the great wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux, Cortina began with 59 acres (24 ha) of primarily French varietals. The reception of the first wines from the estate encouraged Cortina to build his own winery, and on September 14, 2006, King Juan Carlos I inaugurated the new facilities.

Vinification occurs in a minimalist building on the property designed by Martinez Pita. The winery was designed to reflect a respect for the surrounding environment: discreet form, natural materials, and a color palette borrowed from the vineyards allwork together to minimize the visual impact on the landscape.