1987
Mar de Frades is founded by a Galician entrepreneur in the heart of Val do Salnés.
Born in 1987, yet we’ve somehow always been here. We’re the time that stops when you gaze at the ocean, we’re the interval between sunshine and rain, the distance measured in grains of sand, the reflection of the sun on the sea, a seagull on the wind.
This is our story
Galicia, Rías Baixas, Mar de Frades
Galicia is identity, daydreams, tradition and roots. Land of legends, the scent of wet grass, the green of its fields and the blue of its steep, winding coastline. Here, at the westernmost point of this region, lies the Rías Baixas D.O.
In all its wonderful diversity, the Rías Baixas are a paradise for winegrowing. The terroir is what gives the local grapes and wines their identity. Its oceanic climate is mild and damp, with very high rainfall. The sandy soil lies upon granite mother rock. And in this little corner of the earth, between trellised vines, our wines are born, bursting with salinity, minerality and acidity.
A winery emerging from the granite
Located at the heart of the Salnés valley, Mar de Frades is one of region’s the most emblematic wineries. Elevated above the granite peak of a small hill, the winery overlooks the famous Ría de Arousa river, known worldwide for its scenery, fishing and gastronomic tradition. Always surrounded by stunning views, the winery’s modern facilities, which boast the most advanced means, are where we produce the wines from our first-rate vineyards.
Our enologist, Paula Fandiño
“Here we have access to exceptional vines and grapes, extraordinary scenery, and a rich wine culture. But there is one other essential resource: our team of professionals at Mar de Frades.”
Paula heads the staff at the Mar de Frades winery as manager and enologist, renovating the energy and character of her wines with each vintage. For her, there are no secrets in producing great wines. Graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela, she has been managing Mar de Frades since 2007. Years of work, innovation, and knowledge of the terroir and its capacities, have led her to become one of the most renowned experts in Albariño. In 2016, the British magazine Drinks Business ranked her among Spain’s top ten most influential women enologists.
A vineyard that is committed to the terroir.
Mar de Frades cultivates its own vineyards in the Salnés valley, as well as in Ribeira do Ulla since 2016, which is the northernmost inner subregion of the whole Denomination of Origin. We have 60 ha of our own land, while also collaborating with 200 small independent winegrowers. Across all the vineyards, we work meticulously and passionately with the vines, taking care of the surroundings and the soil, with the aim of obtaining wines that boast maximum expressiveness, balance and purity.
Atlantic winegrowing and enology
The essence of our winery is inspired by the diversity of the Atlantic, its boundless strength, enormous beauty, and fresh, saline aroma. Our goal is to capture all its character, personality and style in everything that we do.
Similarly, we adapt our winegrowing methods to the unique conditions of the Atlantic surroundings, taking into account factors such as humidity and the sea winds. We use special vine training systems and manual work for the precise management of the vines, seeking to produce grapes of exceptional quality that reflect the spirit of the Atlantic.