LA CULTURA TRAIL CENTRAL

Bodega Cuatro Vientos is a working winery that produces renowned wine brands and has a museum, restaurant, guided tours, and shop or rising above 23C, to avoid the vinegar effect. Commercial producers have tried and tested processes. Even then, they achieve a slightly different taste every year, because the grapes vary.

LOCATED at 1,150m on the Sierra de Contraviesa, near the village of Murtas, the Bodega Cuatro Vientos is an unmissable destination on the Ruta del Vino (wine route).

It nestles on the GR-5202, overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

With 30 hectares of its own vineyards, and 10 shared hectares, producing grapes over the centuries, Bodega Cuatro Vientos is the perfect place to learn about wine production, taste wine, and enjoy a restaurant meal.

A working bodega, Cuatro Viento produces the Mallafolla, 4V and Marquis de la Contraviesa brands, famed locally for their palatable taste.

In the museum, you can see countless objects related to wine making traditions, with many interesting antiquities. Modern audio-visual presentations explain the process, “the soul of the cellar”, in English, German and Spanish. It’s an unforgettable experience for groups.

In 2014, Francico García Carrión of Haza del Lino decided to reform his old family winery. He says: “I decided to improve the quality of our wine, as the grapes from our area have exceptional quality. I renovated the

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building, where we made wine with my father and grandfather. I built a stainless-steel area for making the wines and another area for storing barrels.

This was to make high-quality reds, some young wines and other wines aged with barrels. I kept almost everything my father and grandfather used, to see if it would work. In 2021, we carried out further improvements.”

According to Francico, his fermentation process occurs over six days.

The Crianza is then kept in wooden barrels, the rest in aluminium. For wine to be labelled as a Crianza, it must be aged for two years, with a minimum of one year in an oak barrel and another year in the bottle before it’s sold.

What’s up with white?

Surprisingly, white wine produced in the Alpujarra is hard to find – because of a lack of demand, say the locals. Traditionally, red and rose varieties have been the strong preference. Fortunately, both Cuatro Vientos and Haza del Lino produce good whites, with their in-house labels. The Haza del Lino white proved to be fruity, dry and delicious. “White and sparkling wines are increasingly in demand in the area,” says Francico García Carrión. Whatever vino proves your favourite, you won’t want to miss the ‘wine route’ and bodega tours during your next visit to ‘South of Granada’.

The wine museum also features private rooms with small wine cellars. If you invest in 48 bottles, and keep them there, you can invite friends for hospitality in the cosy alcoves.

The impressive 1,200m venue can also be hired for events, accommodating 400 guests. It combines a traditional atmosphere with the latest AV facilities, making it suitable for meetings, conferences, family gatherings, and large receptions. As well as exploring the museum, guests can stroll in the grounds.

An interesting feature is the separate agro-agriculture museum, which contains items related to farming the land.

During your visit, don’t forget to taste and buy the famous wines! There are three distinct brands: Mallafolla – launched in late 2012, this comes as Crianza Red, Red and Rosé. All bottles have the “PDO Vinos de Granada” quality seal.

4V – also from 2012, this comes in the varieties of Red Barrel, Red, Rosé, and White.

Marques de la Contraviesa – an emblematic brand, created in 1995. Under the seal of “Quality Wines from Granada, Contraviesa-Alpujarra”, it incorporates: Aging, White, Pink, Unaged Red, as well as Selection Josefina and Quality Sparkling Wine.

How To Book

To arrange your group tour, or book the restaurant, call +34 630 236 244.

Opening times may vary by season: it is vital to call first.

For more information and to see the online shop - visit www.bodegacuatrovientos.es

Finca Cuatro Vientos SL. Carretera de Murtas Km 7, Murtas 18490 La Contraviesa - Alpujarra - Granada - España Tfnos. 958 956 958 - 630 236 244