Contino

Contino, the first Rioja château, was founded in 1973 by CVNE and the owners of the 62-hectare estate in Rioja Alavesa. The history of the property dates back to the 16th century and is reflected in its name. The "contino" was the officer in charge of a 100-strong contingent of soldiers who guarded the royal family "de continuo" (continuously) since the time of the Catholic Kings.  Legend has it that Saint Gregory, the patron saint of vineyards, passed through this very estate in Rioja, hence he appears in the logo of this winery, and lends his name to some of the plots now planted with vines.



The wine produced on this property is fruity and elegant, and represents the best of traditional Rioja. It is produced using a custom harvesting system where only grapes from the vineyards surrounding the old manor house are used. A record is kept of which of the various plots they came from. The perfect combination of soils, the Atlantic-Mediterranean climate and the highly refined technique have made Contino a benchmark wine in Spain and abroad, more than 30 years after its first vintage.