Cellar Tours Insight
— Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.
Winery Overview
Welcome to La Pesquera, a historic winery with a rich legacy rooted in the passion and dedication of Alejandro Fernández and his wife Esperanza. Established in 1972, La Pesquera has been at the forefront of winemaking in Ribera del Duero long before the region gained recognition for its exceptional wines.
Housed within a 16th-century lagar and press house, the heart of La Pesquera’s winemaking process resonates with tradition and authenticity. At La Pesquera, the art of winemaking is elevated through the meticulous selection of barriques meticulously crafted by Spain’s finest coopers. These barrels, a harmonious blend of American, Spanish, and French oak, are custom-cured to enhance the flavors and complexities of the wines. Recognizing the land’s potential, Alejandro expanded the vineyards, establishing Viña Alta in 1972 as the first wire-trained vineyard in the region. Today, the La Pesquera group has over 500 acres of mature vineyards, carefully spread across diverse terroirs, contributing to their wines’ unique character and expression.
Central to Alejandro Fernández’s winemaking philosophy is his mastery of the Tempranillo grape variety; known for its challenging nature and rapid maturation, Alejandro’s expertise allows him to craft extraordinary wines exclusively from this exceptional grape. His flagship creation, the world-renowned Tinto Pesquera, undergoes at least 18 months of oak aging, while selected Reservas and Grandes Reservas patiently mature in barrels for 24 months or longer, showcasing the winery’s commitment to excellence.
In addition to the celebrated Tinto Pesquera, Alejandro Fernández has crafted other outstanding wines that showcase his talent and passion. Condado de Haza, Dehesa la Granja (located in Zamora, near Toro), and El Vinculo (situated in Ciudad Real, La Mancha) are all expressions of Alejandro’s winemaking expertise and dedication to producing exceptional wines.
With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.
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