Spain

Bodegas Negon

“A wine with soul”

This winemaking method falls under the macroarea of Sustainability, within the category of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation, with the following measures:

Traditional winemaking; vineyard restoration; sustainable viticulture; biodiversity conservation; organic farming practices; soil health improvement; terroir respect; ecological balance; local heritage preservation; enotourism; environmental stewardship; regenerative agriculture; water conservation; natural grape growing; ecological wine production.

Introduction

For the Negro and González family (Bogega Negón), the adoption of regenerative farming practices responds to a deep motivation that goes beyond simple production. As organic winegrowers, their link with the land is a priceless heritage passed down from generation to generation. Their work is not just an economic activity, but a way of life based on respect and harmonious coexistence with the natural environment.

This holistic approach reinforces the relationship between man and nature, where both are mutually sustaining. For them, commitment to this vision is a manifestation of love for the land, an act of conservation and respect that translates into quality products with a unique essence.

The Farm

Their wines reflect the winemaking history of the Riaza Valley, inherited from the grandparents of the current generation. For Víctor Negro, oenologist and current manager, the family is the pillar of the project, along with friends, professionals and nature. Their winemaking tradition is based on observation, respect and care for the terroir, promoting regenerative practices. They use natural methods to maintain ecological balance and ensure sustainability. The new generation honours its essence with love, patience and technical knowledge. They are producing signature wines where nature and history are the main protagonists. They have restored the 19th century underground cellar to age their most emblematic wines. They have also recovered vineyards of indigenous grape varieties that had fallen into oblivion. These grapes were essential in the past, but have been pushed out by the market economy.

The Location

Bodega Negón’s vineyards and winery are located in Haza, a medieval village just 6 km from Fuentecén (Burgos), in the prestigious Ribera del Duero region. This area along the Duero River is renowned throughout the world for its quality wines. Its landscape is made up of rolling hills, plateaus and river valleys, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 900 metres. The continental climate, with hot summers and harsh winters, enhances the concentration of aromas and flavours in the grapes. The soils vary from limestone and clay to sand and gravel, adding complexity to the wines. Haza, in the Riaza Valley, has a rich biodiversity of vineyards, oak woods and cereal fields. The Duero River regulates the climate and provides essential water. The Ribera del Duero D.O. is home to some of Spain’s most prestigious wineries, renowned for their Tempranillo wines with great structure and ageing potential.

Agricultural regeneration objectives

Victor Negro believes that the methods brought to agriculture by the industrial revolution are no longer valid. “We are destroying the natural environment and exploiting natural resources to the limit” . Victor describes the paths that led him to make a direct commitment to regenerative and ecological agriculture in his vineyards: “The excess of agricultural inputs creates a junkie system in the plants. When we kill the grass, we kill the soil, we change the genetics of the plants. We lose our best tool, the micro-organisms, ” he explains. The micro-organisms are responsible for converting the organic matter in the soil into food, because the plant “doesn’t eat just anything”. It is nature’s mechanism for feeding it in a sustainable, balanced and proportionate way. Looking back to their ancestors, the current managers of the winery have replanted the vineyards with native varieties and renovated the family’s 19th century underground cellar to house the barrels and bottles of their wines.

Best Practice Focus

In the family, biodynamics is seen as a way of life. “It helps the winemaker to rethink his approach, to gain a deeper understanding of the vines, their function and their environment, and to better connect with the land and nature. Conventional farming exposes plants to excess mineral salts, causing water stress and increasing their water requirements. “They become hypersensitive to climatic conditions. This leads to excessive leaf and fruit growth, which attracts harmful insects. Chemical treatments eliminate both pests and beneficials, disrupting the ecosystem. “With each cycle, the system deteriorates further, making the plants more dependent on farmers and inputs.”

At Bodega Negón, grass grows naturally in the vineyards under expert supervision. “Now our soil encourages micro-organisms and increases its resistance. When it rains, the microporous channels created by the grass store water, a vital resource in times of drought.

Financial aspects of regenerative measure implementation

Víctor Negro believes that simple techniques based on the three M’ s – organic matter, micro-organisms and minerals – will lead to more sustainable fields. “Critics of regenerative agriculture argue that we need to increase production to feed the world’ s growing population. However, numerous studies show that organic farming can match conventional agriculture in terms of yield, while providing better quality.

So why isn ‘t it the dominant trend? “Our numbers are growing, but we need to build consumer confidence and the media has a key role to play in this. These projects aren ‘t just the work of a few dreamers leaving crops to nature. They are sound techniques, backed up by research. It is possible to work in harmony with nature without compromising scientific rigour” .

Advantages and disadvantages of no-till and cover cropping

Enhanced Soil Health and Biodiversity: biodynamic practices improve soil fertility by fostering microorganisms, increasing resilience, and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

High-Quality Wines: the natural balance in the vineyard enhances grape quality, leading to wines with greater depth, complexity, and terroir expression, often valued in premium markets.

Environmental Sustainability: by avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting self-sustaining ecosystems, biodynamic viticulture reduces environmental impact and conserves resources like water and soil.

Labor-Intensive and Time-Consuming: requires meticulous vineyard management, such as lunar cycle-based interventions and organic compost preparations, increasing labor costs.

Lower Short-Term Yields: compared to conventional methods, biodynamic vineyards may produce lower yields initially as the ecosystem rebalances, impacting profitability.

Market and Consumer Skepticism: despite scientific backing, some consumers and winemakers remain skeptical of biodynamics, limiting widespread adoption and market trust.

Learning points

Understanding of traditional winemaking techniques.

Knowledge of sustainable viticulture and ecological practices.

Awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation in vineyards.

Insight into terroir and its impact on wine quality.

Knowledge of vineyard restoration and preserving local heritage.

Ability to implement organic farming practices.

Expertise in soil health management and sustainable grape cultivation.

Skills in enotourism to engage and educate visitors.

Competence in environmental stewardship and ecological balance in viticulture.

References/Bibliography

Contact details

Address

C/Diego Arias de Miranda, 42 – 09315 Fuentecén, Burgos, Spain.

Phone

Víctor Negro: +34 676 59 68 83