Name: María Amezola Downes
Occupation & Company: Owner at Bodegas Amezola de la Mora

Tell us about your current role?

My sister and I are the current owners of this small chateâu in La Rioja, Bodegas Amezola de la Mora. My sister is in charge of the vineyards and winemaking and I am more in charge of the management of the business. However, anyone involved in small and medium-sized businesses, and more specifically in family businesses, will know that in the end in these types of companies, we do a bit of everything.

How did you first get into the drinks industry?

My sister and I grew up among vineyards. The family winery belonged to my great-great-grandfather who founded it in 1816. We are the 5th generation. When I was 7 years old I remember playing among the vineyards with my sister, and even helping to graft some of the vines. As teenagers, we both worked in the winery helping in the warehouse or bottling the wine to earn our pay. We also got to travel with our parents to national and international wine fairs. You could say that both my sister and I have “breathed wine” since we were little.

On a professional level, I started working in the winery at the beginning of 2006. My father unfortunately passed away in a traffic accident in 1999. My sister and I were 17 and 18 years old respectively. We became the youngest winemakers in Spain. My mother, who was a housewife, was in charge of leading the winery until we both finished our university studies and were ready to join the Bodega. We were eager to gain experience in the industry outside the family business but it was not an option. My mother was old and it was time for her to retire so we needed to step in.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I would highlight 3 things;
The first thing is the personal relationships you are exposed to. You are constantly interacting with all kinds of people, inside and outside the organisation. In your home market and abroad. In the countryside and in the city. Suppliers and customers. It is an incomparable personal enrichment.

The second thing is that it is a very dynamic and diverse sector. It is constantly evolving and it is influenced by many variables, from climate to regulation, trends, technology, knowledge, etc. You have to be always on the move, hence you don’t have time to get bored!

Finally, wine goes beyond the product itself. It is heritage, it is a way of life, it is a culture, and values that transcend the product itself. It is not about producing and selling screws. It gives everything a special meaning.

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

99% of the time I will choose wine, of course… though I am not a one-wine person, I must say. I am always varying between different regions and between reds and whites. I like to try new references whenever I can.

The other 1% I have to admit that I will order a beer… after a long day of wine tasting, a change of palate is necessary.

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

Our Iñigo Amezola red wine. It is not only because it is a wine of my style, with a fruity and elegant cut, but also because of what it evokes in me when I drink it. It brings me back to my roots, to my land and my family.

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

It depends on my mood and the company. Madrid, the city where I live, is a real luxury for that. The gastronomic offer is incredible both in quantity and quality. I have my 9-10 favourites, which I always go back to from time to time, but as in everything else, I also like to discover new places. I look for restaurants that have 2 conditions: a good wine list and a reference from a friend. I enjoy everything; Michelin stars, or top restaurants of course, but also informal restaurants with personality.

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

Being born into the family I was born into has given me the privilege of being able to taste many types of wine and visit many wine regions. However, I have yet to go to South Africa; I am particularly looking forward to visiting Stellenboch.

What was the most memorable experience of your career?

My best experience is a 100% personal one. When we arrived at the winery, my sister and I were advised to pull up the white vineyard we had because it was the trend in La Rioja. At just 23 and 24 years old, Cristina and I had a clear idea; we wanted to produce one of the best white wines in Rioja. So, against all the trends in the sector, we stayed with our Viura and ended up making the first vintage of our new Iñigo Amezola Blanco in 2008. Today it is one of the most renowned barrel-fermented wines in our region and our personal pride.

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

Well, I am happy to see there is a general trend in the drink industry of consumers currently focusing on quality over quantity. I can see that not only in wine but in other beverages too ( eg. Beer). Personalisation is also part of this trend, I think, tailored to specific needs and this aligns also with the increase in e-commerce and direct sales.

Any particular women you admire in the industry?

There are many talented and inspiring women making significant contributions to the wine industry. Just to name three I would say;

• Jancis Robinson has made substantial contributions to wine education and is a strong advocate for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the wine world.
• María Vargas, winemaker of Marqués de Murrieta, has played a crucial role in producing high-quality wines that reflect her passion for the craft and commitment to excellence in our region of Rioja.
• Our mother, Cristina Downes, who who was widowed with two young daughters, but fought to establish Bodegas Amezola as a respected and sought-after winery in the industry.

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

I am not very good at giving advice… I would say be passionate and persistent. Persevere through challenges (they will surely come), and stay committed to your goals. A strong work ethic and enthusiasm may lead you forward.

Bodegas Amézola de la Mora wines are available in Ireland through Boutique Wines.

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