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.