Familia Martínez Zabala

Bodegas Faustino Named “European Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast

European Winery of the Year

There are honors that transcend awards. Being named “European Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusias, one of the world’s leading wine publications, is one of them. The accolade places Bodegas Faustino, the flagship of Familia Martínez Zabala, among the international elite and marks a historic moment for Rioja and for Spanish wine, once again securing a place of honor on the global stage.

The recognition comes just one week after Legado Bodegas Faustino, the innovative wine tourism project created in collaboration with Foster & Partners, was awarded the 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism by the Great Wine Capitals network in Bordeaux, further reinforcing the exceptional moment the winery is experiencing.

With more than 160 years of history, four generations, and a single vision: to understand wine as a commitment to heritage, innovation and the future. Faustino’s consistency over time is what the Wine Enthusiast jury sought to recognize. Faustino’s journey is that of a winery that has balanced the patience of the vineyard with the long-term vision of leadership. Its flagship wine, Faustino I Gran Reserva, the best-selling Rioja Gran Reserva in the world, has become a universal symbol of elegance, authenticity and consistency. The brand’s constant presence in the Top 15 of The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands (Drinks International) further underscores its enduring success—an achievement built not on luck, but on years of perseverance and craftsmanship.

Present in over 140 countries, Faustino is synonymous with Rioja and international prestige. Its wines, instantly recognizable by their character and iconic label, are today part of the global imagination of Spanish wine. Each vintage encapsulates the philosophy of a family that has made patience, coherence and excellence its way of understanding time. And it is precisely that spirit—excellence as a way of being, not just a goal—that has once again been recognized by one of the world’s most respected voices in wine.

“This recognition is, above all, a tribute to the dedication of all those who have made it possible for Faustino to remain a name associated with respect for the land, craftsmanship and perseverance,” said Lourdes Martínez Zabala, Executive Director of Familia Martínez Zabala. “My father and the generations before us taught us to value and care for what truly matters: origin, authenticity, excellence and the hard work of every person behind each bottle, united by a shared passion. This award belongs to them as well.”

The European Winery of the Year award will be presented on January 26, 2026, in New York City, during the annual Wine Star Awards gala, which will bring together winemakers, distributors, sommeliers, critics and industry leaders from around the world. The celebration will honor the vision and legacy of a family that, through quiet and steadfast dedication, has elevated the name of Rioja and of Spain to the summit of the global wine world.