The News
Vintae, led by CEO Richi Arambarri, has signed a Restructuring Plan to safeguard Bodegas Riojanas, a century-old winery group in Logroño, Spain. The plan aims to preserve the legacy of Rioja's wine heritage and restore the prestige of Bodegas Riojanas' brands. The announcement was made on May 18, 2026.
On May 18 2026, Vintae announced it would acquire a controlling 90 % stake in the historic Rioja winery Bodegas Riojanas, which had been grappling with more than €26 million of debt before restructuring. The deal follows a write‑off that left the group with €12 million of liability and a fresh working‑capital line.
For distributors, the move signals a shift from a highly leveraged balance sheet to one that has cut half its original debt burden—an improvement that could reduce cash‑flow risk for partners who rely on predictable inventory. The acquisition also brings Bodegas Riojanas’ flagship labels—Vina Albina, Monte Real and Puerta Vieja—into Vintae’s distribution network.
Bar managers can frame the brand as a blend of heritage and sustainability: Vintae’s mission spans 15 Denominaciones de Origen and 38 grape varieties, giving it the breadth to support Rioja wines that honor legacy while embracing modern stewardship. The practical upside will depend on how quickly the restructured estate stabilises its operations; any lag in production could expose distributors to supply disruptions.
The Spanish wine market itself is tightening: exports fell 3.2 % in 2025, a trend that underscores the importance of resilient supply chains for Rioja producers seeking international markets. While Vintae’s broader network—now including subsidiaries in Toro and Rueda—offers potential cross‑DO distribution efficiencies, those gains will hinge on maintaining the distinct brand equity that made Bodegas Riojanas a standout listing.
Ultimately, the acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies: Vintae expands its footprint in Spain’s flagship wine region while taking a decisive step to safeguard a century‑old legacy. The true test will be whether the combined entity can translate this financial turnaround into steady supply and sustained market presence.
Original Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
VINTAE PRESENTS RESTRUCTURING PLAN TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE OF BODEGAS RIOJANAS
Vintae has signed a Restructuring Plan aimed at safeguarding the future of the historic winery group Bodegas Riojanas.
May 18, 2026. (Logroño, La Rioja, Spain) Richi Arambarri, CEO and founder of Compañía de Vinos Vintae, the family-owned Spanish company behind wine projects such as Hacienda Lopez de Haro, Vinedos El Pacto, Matsu, Bardos, Le Naturel, and Pandemonium, stated that the company's main motivation for the investment is “to preserve Rioja's heritage, a legacy that cannot be lost and for which we must take responsibility, both as people from Rioja and as winemakers.”
“Rioja is going through a period of transformation and uncertainty, but we are fully aware of the historical importance of a century-old winery group such as Bodegas Riojanas, one of the founding names of Rioja, with renowned brands that helped place the region on the international wine map,” stressed the CEO.
Arambarri explained that “this is a commitment to our land; it is about honoring and preserving the legacy we have inherited from Rioja and its history.”
“Vintae is a young company,” he adds, “and taking on the responsibility of a century-old winery group is both an honor and a major challenge. We firmly believe we can help restore the prestige and strength that the winery and its brands have represented for decades.”
Bodegas Riojanas includes historic and internationally recognised brands such as Vina Albina, Monte Real, and Puerta Vieja, among others, all deeply linked to the history and development of Rioja. Vintae’s Restructuring Plan was completed in conjunction with financial institutions involved in the process. Aimed at safeguarding the future of Bodegas Riojanas, Vintae has acquired 90% of Bodegas Riojanas’ share capital.
Vintae is a company with two decades of remarkable growth, defined by its innovative and forward-thinking approach. For Arambarri, “integrating Bodegas Riojanas into the Vintae universe and structure will be a demanding but deeply exciting journey.”
In recent years, Vintae has successfully consolidated its brands both in Spain and internationally. At the same time, its wines have earned significant global recognition, supported by outstanding scores from the industry's leading guides, critics, and competitions. They produce wines from 15 different Spanish DOs and grow some 38 different grape varieties across Spain. Sustainability and dedication to the traditional winemaking style of each region remain at the core of Vintae’s mission.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Bodegas Riojanas Encuentra Comprador Vintae Adquiere El 90
- Vintae Comprara Bodegas Riojanas Tras Llegar Acuerdo 20260516133016 Nt
- Vintae Rescata Historica Bodegas Riojanas 90 Firma Cenicero 1 13226416
Source: BevNET