Name: Amor López
Occupation & Company: Founder, C.E.O. & Oenologist at Erupión Winery

Tell us about your current role

As the owner and founder of Erupción Winery, located in Lanzarote, I´m in charge multiple tasks to ensure the success and quality of our wines.

• Viticulturist: I oversee all aspects of grape cultivation, from selecting the right grape varieties to cultivating and managing the vineyards. This includes monitoring soil health, focusing on organic and manual practices and grape harvesting
• Oenologist: I am responsible for the winemaking process from grape to bottle. This involves overseeing fermentation, ageing, blending, and bottling processes to ensure that our wines meet our high standards of quality and taste.
• Sales: I handle the sales and marketing strategies for Erupción Winery. This includes developing relationships with distributors, retailers, and customers to promote our wines and increase sales. I also manage the online presence of the winery through social media, website management, and other digital marketing channels.
• Founder: As the founder of Erupcion Winery, I am deeply involved in setting the overall vision and direction of the company. This includes making strategic decisions about product development, expansion plans, and long-term goals for the business.

Our history and wine culture are less known compared to other famous wine regions, yet our excellence and prestigious vineyards shine through. My work is dedicated to highlighting not only the richness of our story but also the challenges inherent in winemaking. I aim to showcase the meticulous craftsmanship and profound connection to the volcanic land, illustrating the intricate process behind each bottle.

I would like to inspire new local winemakers, both women and men, to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in the industry. Overall, my role at Erupción Winery is multifaceted, requiring a combination of technical expertise in viticulture and oenology, as well as strong business acumen and leadership skills to drive the success of our artisanal wines.

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How did you first get into the drinks industry?

My journey into the drinks industry began with a childhood deeply intertwined with fieldwork, vineyards, and the art of winemaking. As I grew, I pursued studies in biology and oenology, all while lending a hand in my family’s annual grape harvests. It was this lifelong passion that eventually propelled me to fully commit to my own venture: Erupción Winery. Located on the picturesque island of Lanzarote, Erupción Winery is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of our family’s generations-long dedication to vineyard management and artisanal wine production. With three successful vintages bearing our name, we continue to pour our expertise and passion into every bottle we produce.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

What I love most about working in the industry is my deep connection to every aspect of my job, particularly the vineyard. Here, I feel a vital connection to the land, witnessing firsthand how the entire grapevine cycle is a natural phenomenon. From the way it expresses itself in each stage to the moment of harvest and the careful selection for crafting these highly personal, unique artisanal wines, everything is in harmony with the exceptional raw material.

We’re meeting up for a drink after work – what are you having?

When meeting up for a drink after work, I would opt for a meticulously crafted red wine that embodies richness, complexity, and structure. I’m drawn to wines with deep flavours of ripe fruits, nuanced spices, and earthy undertones, as they offer a truly immersive and satisfying drinking experience. Whether it’s a bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, a velvety Merlot from Bordeaux, or a robust Syrah from the Rhône Valley, I crave a wine that tells a story with each sip, leaving a lasting impression long after the glass is empty.

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass?

If I could only indulge in one drink for the remainder of my days, it would undoubtedly be a meticulously crafted and sophisticated red wine. My heart leans towards the timeless allure of a well-aged Bordeaux blend, known for its complexity, elegance, and depth of character. There’s something enchanting about the harmonious marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and other noble varietals, carefully blended to perfection.

Each sip of a Bordeaux blend is like a journey through the vineyards of France, with layers of rich dark fruits, velvety tannins, and subtle hints of oak and spice unfolding on the palate. It’s a wine that evolves gracefully over time, rewarding patience and appreciation with every glass. So, if I were limited to just one libation for the rest of my life, I would choose to savour the timeless beauty of a well-aged Bordeaux blend, a true masterpiece of the wine world.

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It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?

On a Saturday night, my restaurant choice would reflect my passion for fine dining and exceptional wine experiences. I would seek out a renowned establishment celebrated not only for its delectable local cuisine but also for its extensive and carefully curated wine selection.

Ideally, I’d opt for a restaurant nestled in a charming setting, exuding warmth and intimacy. Picture a cosy bistro with soft lighting, rustic décor, and perhaps a crackling fireplace, creating the perfect ambience for a memorable evening. As I peruse the menu, I’m drawn to dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the region’s culinary prowess and seasonal delights. Each bite promises to be a symphony of flavours, expertly paired with wines that elevate the dining experience to new heights.

Moreover, I’m eager to explore the restaurant’s wine list, which boasts an impressive array of varietals from both established and emerging wine regions. From crisp whites to bold reds, each bottle tells a story of terroir and craftsmanship, inviting me to embark on a sensory journey through the world of wine.

To top it off, live music softly fills the air, adding an extra layer of charm and enchantment to the evening. Whether it’s a soulful jazz band or a talented acoustic guitarist, the music sets the perfect backdrop for lively conversation and shared moments of joy.

In essence, my ideal Saturday night restaurant is more than just a place to dine; it’s a sanctuary where exquisite food, exceptional wine, and delightful company come together to create unforgettable memories.

Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drink destination you’d love to visit?

Exploring the world of French wines is a captivating journey into centuries of tradition, terroir, and excellence. France stands as one of the most esteemed wine-producing countries globally, renowned for its diverse array of wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and styles.

The most memorable experience of your career?

Each day is a challenge, but undoubtedly, it was the beginning when I decided to create this personal project, Erupción. The challenges and constant changes, the uncertainty in the project, waiting times, calls to suppliers, undertaking construction work, restructuring the winery, and planning my first harvest, until finally, everything resulted in my first wines, ‘Milagro de Magmasia’ and ‘Luz de Obsidiana’ in 2022 where each glass offers a glimpse into the unique essence of its terroir and the passion of me as a winemaker. It’s an exploration that rewards curiosity and reverence for the time-honoured traditions that have made Lanzarote wines the benchmark of excellence in the world of wine.

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One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?

One thing I’d like to see more of in the drinks industry is the establishment of enotecas or vinotecas that serve as hubs for sharing experiences, contributing to knowledge dissemination, and delving deeper into the world of wines and other beverages.

Enotecas or vinotecas are more than just places to purchase wine; they’re cultural centres
where enthusiasts can gather to learn, taste, and explore. These establishments could offer not only an extensive selection of wines but also educational events such as tastings, workshops, and seminars conducted by experts in the field.

By providing a space for enthusiasts to come together, ask questions, and expand their understanding of wines, enotecas can help foster a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and diversity within the industry. Additionally, they can serve as platforms for promoting lesser-known producers and regions, thereby enriching the overall landscape of the drinks industry.

Any particular women you admire in the industry?

One particular woman I greatly admire in the industry, particularly in the field of oenology, is the late Isabel Mijares. She was a pioneering figure in Spain, known for her remarkable career and contributions to the world of wine.

Isabel Mijares was one of the first women to make significant strides in oenology in Spain. Her journey began at a time when the wine industry was predominantly male-dominated, and women faced considerable challenges in establishing themselves as professionals in the field. Despite these obstacles, Mijares demonstrated exceptional talent, determination, and passion for winemaking, paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.

Throughout her career, Isabel Mijares achieved numerous milestones and accomplishments. She played a pivotal role in elevating the quality and reputation of Spanish wines through her innovative approaches to winemaking and her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her expertise and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Spanish wine landscape and garnering international recognition for the country’s wines.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry?

The advice I would give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry is that they must have determination and confidence when embarking on this challenge. It is essential to be fully committed to the chosen path and have confidence in one’s own skills and abilities to overcome any obstacles that may arise along the way.

Furthermore, it is crucial to approach the work with passion and love. The beverage industry, whether it’s winemaking, distillation, mixology, or any other area, is demanding and requires a high level of dedication and commitment. However, when working from a place of passion, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow and learn, and every achievement feels even more rewarding.

It is also important to be willing to learn and continuously educate oneself. The beverage industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and emerging techniques emerging all the time. Staying updated and being open to new ideas and perspectives is essential for long-term success in this field.

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