Faustino Wins Gold at Rioja Masters

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016 has been awarded a Gold Medal at the Rioja Masters 2024, a prestigious competition organized by The Drinks Business magazine. The announcement was made on November 21, 2024, in Oyón, Álava. This recognition came after a blind tasting conducted by a distinguished panel of judges, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, wine journalists, and senior buyers.

The accolade highlights the excellence of Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016, produced by Bodegas Faustino, part of Familia Martínez Zabala. The winery's chief winemaker, Juan José Díez, was also recognized among the world's best by The Master Winemaker 100, an elite guide published by The Drinks Business. Díez's inclusion in the guide was primarily due to his work on Faustino I Gran Reserva 2014, which previously earned a rare Master Medal, requiring unanimous approval from all jury members.

In 2024, Faustino I celebrates its 60th anniversary as a global leader in the export of Rioja's most prestigious category of wines. With a presence in over 140 countries, it remains the world's best-selling Rioja Gran Reserva. This year, Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016 also received numerous accolades, including 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, a Gold Medal and Best of Show Rioja Gran Reserva at the Summer Tasting 2024 by Mundus Vini, and a Grand Bacchus Oro for its 2015 vintage. Additionally, prominent wine critic James Suckling awarded 94 points to Faustino I Gran Reserva 2014, with Decanter's World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge (IWC) giving the same score.

Bodegas Faustino, known for its iconic branding and slogan "There Are Faces You Never Forget," prides itself on being a top global wine brand. It is recognized for its quality and image, earning a place among the world's 20 most admired wine brands.

The winery recently launched Legado Bodegas Faustino, an ambitious wine tourism project designed in collaboration with Foster & Partners. Opened to the public on October 31, 2024, in Oyón, Rioja Alavesa, the project integrates wine, nature, architecture, culture, and sustainability. Visitors can explore the winery's extensive facilities, which house over 60,000 barrels and nine million bottles, and delve into its 160-year legacy of premium winemaking.

The initiative includes exclusive wine tastings and culinary experiences at the Wine Bar, where select Faustino wines are paired with seasonal tapas crafted by Mahercooks, a catering service led by renowned chef Enrique Martínez. This gastronomic offering emphasizes sustainability, creativity, and the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, aligning with the values of Familia Martínez Zabala.