Location and Landscape
Bernabelevais located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, in the westernmost part of the D.O. Vinos de Madrid, at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos.This is a rugged, high-altitude landscape dominated by granite, pine forests, and steep slopes, forming one of the most distinctive wine environments in central Spain. The vineyards are situated approximately 600 to 830 meters above sea level. The soils are primarily decomposed granite, extremely low in fertility and fast-draining.
Combined with the altitude and a strong temperature variation between day and night, these conditions naturally limit yields and preserve acidity. The winery is integrated into this rural environment rather than separated from it, maintaining a deliberately discreet presence that allows the vineyards and landscape to define the experience.
Origins and Ownership
Dr. Vicente Álvarez-Villamil bought Bernabeleva in 1923. His descendants cared for the vines he planted over the following decades, and the estate remains in the family. Today, it belongs to the Díez Bulnes siblings, including Juan Antonio Díez Bulnes.
The family launched the modern winemaking project in 2006. Alongside caring for the surviving old vines, they began restoring vineyards that had fallen into neglect. They worked with the area’s traditional grape varieties, including Garnacha for red wines and Albillo for whites.
Visit Bernabeleva winery with Madrid Wine Country
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Vineyards, Land, and Grapes
Key characteristics of the vineyards include:
Decomposed granite soils with very low fertility
Altitudes of approximately 600 to 830 meters
Old bush vines with naturally low yields
Continental climate with mountain influence
Strong temperature variation between day and night
Garnacha
Albillo Real
Winemaking Philosophy
Bernabeleva's winemaking philosophy is based on moderation, precision, and respect for vineyard expression. Fermentations are handled with care, extraction is gentle, and maceration times are adapted parcel by parcel. Aging is mainly carried out in neutral French oak barrels and larger formats, selected to frame the wine without dominating it.
Alcohol levels are moderate, oak influence is discreet, and freshness is prioritized. The goal is transparency, allowing the soil, altitude, and vine age to remain legible in the glass.
Wines
Bernabeleva’s range centers on Garnacha reds and Albillo-based whites from San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
Expressions of the Village and the Estate
Navaherreros
Garnacha-led wine combining multiple plots; pure, fresh, and mineral
Camino de Navaherreros
More structured and site-specific, from selected vineyards
Navaherreros Blanco
Albillo Real with texture, tension, and aging potential
Single Vineyard Wines
Carril del Rey
Old-vine Garnacha shaped by granite soils and altitude
Winery Visit
Bernabeleva offers a vineyard-centered wine tourism experience. Visits emphasize the landscape, old vines, and parcel expression rather than architecture or spectacle. Tastings are calm, educational, and by appointment, often including vineyard walks.
Nearby Places
Why it Matters
Bernabeleva played a decisive role in changing how Madrid wines are perceived. It demonstrated that San Martín de Valdeiglesias could produce refined, terroir-driven wines of international relevance based on old vines, granite soils, and moderate winemaking. Today, it stands as one of the key benchmarks of the modern Madrid Wine Region - precise, transparent, and deeply rooted in place, yet sold all over the world.