Lopez de Heredia

Mercedes López de Heredia

Steward of One of Rioja’s Most Historic Wineries

Mercedes López de Heredia represents the fourth generation of the family behind Bodegas López de Heredia, one of the most historic and respected wineries in Rioja. Founded in 1877 by her great-grandfather Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, the estate remains entirely family-owned and continues to operate with the same philosophy that has defined it for nearly 150 years.

As the winery’s technical director and head winemaker, Mercedes oversees both vineyard management and the meticulous aging program that defines the López de Heredia style. Her work touches every stage of production, from the estate’s historic vineyard sites to the long years the wines spend maturing in barrel and bottle before release.

Her influence has been widely recognized across the wine world. In 2021, Mercedes López de Heredia was named Winemaker of the Year in the Rioja Report by Master of Wine Tim Atkin, one of the most respected annual reviews of the region. The award recognized both her technical skill and her role in preserving one of Rioja’s most distinctive winemaking traditions.

Beyond the cellar, Mercedes has also helped guide the winery’s evolution in thoughtful ways. She played an important role in the development of the striking Viña Tondonia pavilion, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, which has become a modern architectural landmark in Haro while honoring the history of the estate.

At López de Heredia, patience remains central to the philosophy she helps steward. The wines spend years aging in large American oak barrels and additional time resting in bottle before release. That approach gives the wines their renowned character...layered, savory Rioja with freshness, nuance, and the ability to age for decades.

Through Mercedes López de Heredia’s leadership, the estate continues to follow the vision established generations ago: estate vineyards, careful farming, and wines that are released only when they are truly ready. In a region that has evolved rapidly, López de Heredia remains a powerful reminder that tradition, when carefully preserved, can still produce some of Rioja’s most compelling wines. 

If you’ve never experienced López de Heredia, the wines below are a wonderful place to start.