Benito Santos

Benito Santos stands as a pivotal figure in the modern evolution of Albariño and the Rías Baixas D.O., with roots dating back to the 1930s when he worked in his grandfather’s vineyards. A true pioneer, Santos crafted wines in the 1930s that consistently earned accolades at the Fiesta de Albariño in Cambados. His influence played a key role in the establishment of the Rías Baixas D.O. in the 1980s. Today, the winery owns and tends to three vineyards in the Val do Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas—Saiar, Bemil, and Xoan—each situated next to and named after an ancient church. Noteworthy is their commitment to organic farming, a rare feat in the rainy and mildew-prone Rías Baixas region. The winemaking process relies on native yeasts and minimal sulfur, resulting in Benito Santos wines that are characterized by their salty, mineral essence and structured profile. While boasting ample fruit, these wines eschew the overly tropical flavors associated with industrially-produced Albariños. Tasting Benito Santos wines is an invitation to experience the legacy of a visionary winemaker and the unique terroir of Rías Baixas, where tradition, organic practices, and a commitment to authentic flavors converge in every sip.

About the Winemaker

Benito Santos

Benito Santos is a central figure in the modern history of Albariño and the Rías Baixas D.O. He started working in his grandfather’s vineyards in the 1930s, making wine for his bar. These wines consistently won prizes at the annual Fiesta de Albariño in Cambados. In the 1980s, Benito played a crucial role in establishing the Rías Baixas D.O. Today, the current owners cultivate three vineyards in the Val do Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas, each named after a nearby ancient church: Saiar, Bemil, and Xoan. These vineyards are now certified organic, a notable achievement in the humid, mildew-prone climate of Rías Baixas. The winemaking process employs only native yeasts and minimal sulfur.

Benito Santos Winemaker

The Region

Galicia, Spain

Galicia, nestled in the lush greenery of northwest Spain, boasts a burgeoning natural wine scene that embodies the region's rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty. Renowned for its rugged coastline, misty mountains, and emerald valleys, Galicia provides an ideal terroir for cultivating grapes with distinctive character and flavor. Natural winemakers in Galicia embrace traditional methods, eschewing additives and pesticides in favor of organic and biodynamic practices. This commitment to sustainability and authenticity results in wines that express the unique essence of the land, showcasing vibrant acidity, minerality, and a sense of place. From crisp Albariños along the coastal Rías Baixas to robust Mencías in the inland valleys of Ribeira Sacra, Galician natural wines captivate the palate with their purity and complexity, offering a taste of the region's soul in every sip.