December always invites us to do the same thing. To slow down a little, to listen to the silence of the sleeping vineyard, and to look back calmly. Not to make endless lists, but to truly understand what has happened. What has changed. What has remained. And what, almost without noticing, we have been building throughout the year.
At Bodegas Ostatu, our year-end reflections are never loud. We are far more interested in processes than in headlines. Perhaps because wine has taught us that what really matters almost always happens slowly.
This year, the winery has continued to evolve, staying true to our belief in innovation without disruption. New concrete tanks have arrived, bringing precision and calm to the winemaking process, along with an oval French oak foudre that has already become part of the winery landscape. They are new tools, yes, but designed for the same purpose as always: to listen more closely to the wine, to respect the character of the vineyard, and to give each fermentation the time it needs.
It has also been a year of adding people. On the commercial side, Raúl joined as our representative for Madrid and the southern region, supporting Gonzalo and Mariasun. His arrival has helped us be a little more present, to share who we are with closeness and authenticity—exactly how we believe lasting relationships are built.
In the winery, Gilmer has joined the winemaking team, bringing something truly valuable: a sense of calm. Alongside his technical knowledge, he has that practical, hands-on ability to fix things when you least expect it—something especially appreciated during harvest, sometimes even more than any manual. His arrival has strengthened the team already formed by Iñigo and Aitor and has made daily work flow more smoothly.
As always, the vineyard has set the pace. We continue moving forward in the process of organic certification. Caring for the land, observing more, and intervening less. Committing to respectful viticulture in Rioja Alavesa is not a trend for us; it is a responsibility we take on with conviction.
Sharing projects with Subsierra and Futuro Viñador has reminded us of something essential: when work is done with respect and curiosity, everyone learns. Collaboration does not dilute identity—it strengthens it. It allows us to look toward the future with greater perspective and to position our brands in a place that is honest, open, and conscious.
And while all of this is happening, the next generation continues to grow around the winery. Without speeches or fixed plans, but present nonetheless. In the questions they ask, in their visits to the vineyard, in that natural way of being part of it all. Watching them grow here is a quiet form of continuity, a reminder that this project goes far beyond any single year.
If one thing defines this December, it is a sense of coherence. Of continuing to move forward without losing our roots. Of keeping alive the essence of a family winery that believes in time, in people, and in wine as a true reflection of the place it comes from.
This is how we close the year. With gratitude. With our feet firmly on the ground in Rioja Alavesa and our eyes set on what lies ahead. Unhurried. As always.
Sáenz de Samaniego Berganzo family.
