Viña Mein

Viña Meín is one of those wineries that instantly sparks curiosity. Small in scale, but big in story. Tucked away in the green hills of Galicia, wine has been made here for centuries — and you can taste that history in every bottle.

Viña Meín history & location

The estate is located in Leiro, in the heart of Ribeiro, one of Spain’s oldest wine regions. As early as the 12th century, monks from the San Clodio monastery were cultivating vines in this valley. Centuries later, in 1988, Javier Alén breathed new life into the property by replanting the historic vineyards. Today, Viña Meín has grown into a benchmark in Ribeiro, with a strong focus on local grape varieties and authentic wines.

Grape varieties in Ribeiro

The strength of Viña Meín lies in the diversity of its grapes. Treixadura is the leading variety, loved for its fresh and aromatic character. Alongside it are Albariño, Godello, Torrontés, Loureira, Lado, and Albilla. For the reds, they work with native grapes such as Caíño Longo, Sousón, Brancellao, Ferrón, and Caíño Tinto. Together, they create a wide palette of flavors that is unique to Ribeiro.

Terroir and vineyards

The vineyards are spread across small plots in the Avia Valley. The landscape is rugged and hilly, with terraces and steep slopes. The soil is mainly granite and sand, locally known as “sábrego.” The climate plays a crucial role: warm days and cool nights, with temperature differences that can reach up to twenty degrees. This slows down ripening and gives the wines tension and aromatic depth. Each vineyard has its own personality, which shines through in the diversity of the wines.

How the wines are made

At Viña Meín, it’s all about respecting the grape. Harvesting is done by hand, in small crates. Most of the white wines ferment in stainless steel to preserve freshness, while the best plots are aged in large oak barrels and spend months on the lees. This adds depth and complexity, without letting oak dominate. The red wines are traditionally fermented and aged, with a focus on finesse rather than sheer power.

Specialties & facts

What makes Viña Meín stand out is how it blends old traditions with modern techniques. In 2019, the winery joined forces with Pago de Carraovejas, a renowned producer from Ribera del Duero. Since then, there has been more attention to sustainability and precision in the vineyards. Winemaker Laura Montero leads the cellar, with support from French oenologist Dominique Roujou de Boubée. Together, they are putting Ribeiro’s native grapes more firmly on the map.

Order Viña Meín wines online?

Viña Meín wines are available at Grandcruwijnen. They are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, ensuring they remain in perfect condition. If you choose ‘Pick up’ at checkout, you’ll immediately see the discount applied. It’s a simple and reliable way to enjoy these distinctive Ribeiro wines at their best.