Ossian celebrates the unveiling of its new winery at an event with media and industry professionals

More than twelve years ago, Alma Carraovejas joined the Ossian Vides y Vinos project in Nieva. This week marked a new milestone: the official unveiling of the new winery. In doing so, Alma Carraovejas continues to reaffirm its commitment to rural life, in a village rich with identity and history.

When the group became involved in the project back in 2013, there were barely four hectares of vineyards. Today, there are 120—70 of them made up of very old vines, and 50 newly planted using massal selections from those historic plants. These young vines now contribute to Ossian’s village wine, Quintaluna, ensuring the preservation and continuity of Nieva’s viticultural heritage and its surrounding areas.

As Pedro Ruiz, CEO of Alma Carraovejas, highlighted during the event:

“The life cycle of this project, just like our own as individuals, has evolved since we first arrived. We’re very proud of what we’ve been building over the years, and we want to continue creating value and fostering growth.”

A celebration to present Ossian’s new winery

Although the sky threatened rain, the event unfolded under perfect conditions. Guests were welcomed in Ossian’s central square, surrounded by six buildings designed for specific functions, evoking the essence of a small Castilian village. Speakers included José María Ruiz, founder of Restaurante José María and Pago de Carraovejas; Pedro Ruiz, CEO of Alma Carraovejas; and Mario Esteban, CEO of Mumu Berries, a Segovian company that took part in the event.

A historic tasting of Ossian’s past vintages

For the occasion, the grape reception building was transformed into a grand tasting hall that hosted a historic vertical tasting of 18 Ossian vintages—from the 2024 vintage (to be released in 2026) back to 2009. Led by Pedro Ruiz along with Almudena Calvo and Javier Blasco, the winery’s technical directors, this tasting—featuring over 1,600 glasses arranged across 14 tables—offered a remarkable journey through the winery’s evolution. It was a truly special moment, complete with a few surprises, and served as a tribute to the work of the technical and viticultural teams over the years.

Among century-old vines

After the tasting, guests toured Nieva’s century-old vineyards, divided into three groups with stops at emblematic plots. The first was the El Pozo vineyard, offering privileged views over the region. The second stop showcased the mosaic of small plots of fine sandy soils that define Ossian, with a visit to El Prado de las Viñas. The third and final stop was Peña Aguda—the crown jewel—home to vines over 220 years old, rooted in a vein of slate and the origin of Ossian’s Capitel wine. These pre-phylloxera vines, preserved thanks to the area’s sandy soils, represent a truly unique legacy in Spain.

Ossian’s New Winery in Nieva

After visiting the vineyards, guests returned to tour the rest of the buildings that make up the winery. The innovative complex blends Segovia’s winemaking tradition with a modern, sustainable approach—while preserving the essence of its three wines: Quintaluna, Ossian, and Capitel.

Built on the same site as the former facility, the new winery was conceived out of a deep respect for the genius loci—the unique spirit of Nieva and its surroundings. It represents an ambitious and exceptional investment in a rural setting: a cutting-edge winery of impressive scale in a village of fewer than 260 inhabitants. Beyond its architectural presence, it strengthens Nieva’s social and economic fabric and highlights the value of the land that sustains it.

Throughout the construction process, every architectural decision was guided by the desire to engage in dialogue with the landscape, honoring the visual and environmental identity of the area. The semi-underground buildings, covered with vegetation, blend seamlessly into the serene backdrop of Segovia’s pine forests.

A Closing Celebration with the Flavors of Segovia

The event concluded with a cocktail reception prepared by Restaurante Ambivium—holder of a Michelin star and part of the Alma Carraovejas family—featuring products and ingredients from Segovia as a tribute to the region and its roots. The day was enlivened by the traditional music of Grupo Mayalde, bringing rhythm and authenticity to a celebration that united wine, land, and friendship. It was an occasion that celebrated not only the opening of Ossian’s new winery but also Alma Carraovejas’ enduring commitment to the land and to the culture of wine.