In the northwestern corner of Spain, the Ribeira Sacra region is known for its special winemaking tradition called “heroic viticulture.” Local winegrowers, along with Moldovan workers, carefully pick grapes from steep, terraced hillsides that overlook deep valleys. This traditional method is essential for creating the region’s prized wines, such as the aromatic varieties Mencia, Godello, and Loureira. Ribeira Sacra is notable for its many medieval churches and monasteries, as well as its mineral-rich slate soil and cool climate, which help improve the quality of the wines. Fernando Gonzalez, who owns the Algueira winery in Doade, explained that this winemaking method is deeply connected to human effort, describing it as both heroic but also dramatic, requiring a strong personal commitment from everyone involved.

The wine industry in this region almost disappeared in the early 20th century because of a pest called Phylloxera, which damaged many vineyards and caused poverty and mass emigration. However, after the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, the government began giving financial support to farmers to help restore the surviving vineyards. This effort has successfully revived Ribeira Sacra’s wine industry, which now receives international recognition. British-Spanish wine writer Harold Heckle noted that the wines from this region have important cultural and historical value, attracting wealthy wine enthusiasts who appreciate both the flavors and the rich heritage behind the product.