Adega Saiñas was established in 1992 by first-generation viticulturist Javier Fernandez, a pioneering figure in what was then an emerging and largely unrecognized wine region. His vineyard work predates the official designation of the Ribeira Sacra Denominación de Origen in 1996 and contributed meaningfully to the region’s early qualitative development. Fernandez was deeply committed to the viticultural potential of old vines cultivated in distinct terroirs throughout the area and was among the first producers to depart from bulk wine production in favor of site-specific viticulture and single-vineyard bottlings.

Tragically, his visionary mission was cut far too short when he passed away suddenly in 2019. It was then that his daughter, Saleta—who had spent her childhood helping with harvests but had since left the vineyards to pursue her own career in thermosolar power returned to the family estate alongside her husband, Jorge, following years of international work in the energy sector. Together, they committed themselves to preserving the viticultural legacy established by Saleta’s father while deepening their technical and practical engagement with winemaking.

And while both Saleta and Jorge are trained electrical engineers, a background that informs their methodical and analytical approach to vineyard management and cellar work, they were not trained winemakers, but they were greats students. Having transitioned away from careers in thermosolar power, they now had the great responsibility to oversee the family’s estate vineyards located throughout the village of Espasantes in northwestern Spain, and needed to learn fast. Please welcome a dear La Luz friend Luis Seabra to the dance floor.

Luis Seabra, a professor of oenology and a widely respected figure in contemporary Iberian winemaking, has mentored numerous students throughout his academic and professional career. Among them, Jorge and Saleta distinguished themselves through an exceptional level of technical precision, intellectual engagement, and commitment to viticultural rigor, and most impressively: jaw dropping vineyards. Luis agreed to help them carry on their legacy and joined Saiñas as the official winemaker in 2021.

With the Fernandez family’s historic vineyards, the meticulous stewardship of Saleta and Jorge, and the expert guidance of Luis Seabra, Adega Saiñas now produces wines of such singular quality and expression that they are quickly finding their voice on the international stage.