HISTORY
Tradition, territory and wine through the centuries
OUR HISTORY
20 milestones that mark the history of Valdepeñas wines
The history of Valdepeñas wines has been deeply linked to its territory since ancient times. Over the centuries, vine cultivation and winemaking have shaped the region’s landscape, economy and social life, becoming one of its defining features.
From the earliest archaeological evidence to the consolidation of the Designation of Origin, wine has been a driving force for development, an object of commercial exchange and a shared cultural element passed down through generations. This historical journey helps to explain how Valdepeñas has become a benchmark in winemaking, the result of tradition, dedication and constant adaptation to the changes of each era.
EXPLORE OUR HISTORY
A history shaped by vine and wine
Ancient Times
4th–1st centuries BC
Middle Ages
8th–13th centuries
Early Modern Period
15th–18th centuries
Contemporary Period
19th–21st centuries
Early evidence
The earliest evidence of vine growing and winemaking in Valdepeñas, documented at Cerro de las Cabezas.
The Reconquest
The Reconquest revived vineyards and made wine the region’s main source of wealth.
Growth of winemaking
16th–18th centuries: vineyards grew and wine drove the economy.
Designation of Origin
The Designation of Origin marks the modern stage of Valdepeñas wines today worldwide.
A journey through the history of wine in Valdepeñas
The origins of wine in Valdepeñas
The earliest evidence of vine growing and winemaking in Valdepeñas dates back to between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, as demonstrated by the discovery of grape seeds, amphorae and tools at the Cerro de las Cabezas Archaeological Park.
From the Roman world to the Middle Ages
During the Roman period, vineyards gained importance, as evidenced by the funerary stele of Lucio Acinippo and the existence of operating wineries between the 1st and 4th centuries. Following the Muslim invasion, vine cultivation declined, although its use continued in food-related and ecclesiastical contexts.
The Reconquest and the expansion of vineyards
From the 12th and 13th centuries onwards, the Reconquest enabled the resumption of vineyard cultivation. Military Orders and Christian monarchs redistributed the land, granting a plot of vineyard to each new settler and consolidating wine as the region’s main source of wealth until the 16th century.
From modern growth to the Designation of Origin
From the 16th century onwards, wine became firmly established as an economic driving force, with significant growth in vineyard area and production. The arrival of the railway, the commercial expansion of the 19th century and the recognition of the Designation of Origin in 1932 marked the beginning of the contemporary winemaking era.
More than two thousand years of winemaking history
Since ancient times, vine growing and winemaking have been present in the territory of Valdepeñas, gradually becoming its main source of wealth. From the 16th century onwards, population growth, vineyard expansion and access to the Madrid market consolidated wine production.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the trade of Valdepeñas wines became firmly established and expanded to other regions of Spain and overseas territories. Improvements in communications, increased production and urban growth further reinforced the role of wine as a key economic and social driving force in the municipality.
16th Century
The transfer of the capital to Madrid boosted the wine market. Philip II recognised vine growing and winemaking as the main source of wealth, leading to significant vineyard expansion.
18th–19th Centuries
Wine trade expanded both within and beyond Spain. The Ensenada Cadastre reflects high levels of production, and the arrival of the railway opened up new markets.
20th Century
The Wine Exhibition, the creation of the Oenological Station and the recognition of the Designation of Origin in 1932 marked a key stage for the sector.
Present Day
The organisation of the sector, the establishment of the CRDO and the creation of the Interprofessional Association consolidate the present and future of Valdepeñas wines.