Since 2020, Pazo de La Cuesta, located in Ribas de Sil, has been immersed in a project of renovation and recovery of its historic vineyard and the restoration of the primitive cellar of the sixteenth century. The oldest family winery in Galicia has belonged to the same family since its foundation and it has been Manuel Bellod Álvarez de Lorenzana, who is part of the fourteenth generation, the one in charge of starting this initiative assuming the commitment to return the prestige of yesteryear to the pazo, its vineyard and its wines.
Manuel Bellod is firmly committed to human capital to give life and continuity to this project in which he has been immersed for three years. To this end, Bellod has just signed Jesús Álvarez Otero, a renowned manager and businessman in the wine sector, as general manager of the winery. The incorporation of Jesús Álvarez is joined by the signing, a month and a half ago, of Luis Buitrón as winemaker and technical director, who is also president of the Spanish Federation of Oenology (FEAE).
Manuel Bellod completes, with the Galician executive, the management team of Pazo de La Cuesta. “His national and, above all, international track record is impeccable. He has led projects in integrated vineyards on the east coast of the United States, has led strategies in renowned wine consultancies, and has been the head of two renowned Galician wineries, Crego e Monaguillo and Bodeg Granbazán. I am convinced that Jesús Álvarez is the right person to lead this project and take it to where it deserves to be”, said the owner of the winery.
Jesús Álvarez, with a long experience in the world of wine, has a remarkable academic background, having graduated with a degree in economics and a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from the Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide, Australia. He also holds an Executive MBA from IE and has explored projects linked to wine and its culture in numerous countries around the world.
“Leading a project like the one being developed at Pazo de La Cuesta is a dream for all of us who are dedicated to this field. I have been very fortunate to be able to be part of it, with a very professional and enthusiastic team to return this pazo and its wines to their rightful place. The family and winemaking history behind this initiative is very special and difficult to find in other wineries. The age of the vineyards -some of them pre-phylloxera-, the meticulous viticulture, its impeccable winemaking, and this stunning landscape, make Pazo de La Cuesta a unique place. I feel a deep respect and admiration”, Jesús Álvarez revealed.
