Diego Orío will assume the technical direction in 2026 when Javier Martínez de Salinas retires after nearly 30 vintages at the winery
Grupo Bodegas Olarra has initiated a technical transition for its enological future. Diego Orío, an oenologist with a strong track record of over twenty vintages, will assume the group's technical direction in 2026, replacing Javier Martínez de Salinas, who will retire after nearly three decades leading the technical area and marking a key stage in the winery's evolution.
Far from being an immediate departure, the group has opted for a planned and gradual transition: both oenologists will work together for a full year, thus ensuring a natural continuity of the project. "We did not want a substitution, but a serene continuity. We were looking for a technical profile with real long -term commitment, capable of looking beyond a vintage," the Olarra management explained.
Martínez de Salinas, a benchmark in the sector and a key figure since 1998, has been the architect of important technical advancements within the group, from plot selection to the renewal of the barrel stock. “Many things have changed during this time”, he points out. “Before, the same brand was bottled for days. Today, we dissect plots, select areas, introduce constant improvements, and are committed to wines with identity. All of this has been possible thanks to the trust and a team it has been a pleasure to work with”.
For his part, Orío joins after two decades at Bodegas Tobía, bringing a complementary vision and a direct connection to the vineyard. “Here there is soul and identity. It's a great opportunity to join a group like Olarra and do it accompanied by the person who best knows the house”he states. Impressed by the size of the barrel park, he jokes, stating that “the key is to look at it from afar. That way it looks smaller”.
Salinas highlights his successor's closeness to the land and technical capability: “Diego is the type of winemaker who has spent a lot of time in the vineyard. Even more than we did in our early days. In fact, though it might seem strange to some, I've learned many things from him in this short time we've been working together”.
With this movement, the Bodegas Olarra group reaffirms its commitment to a wine model based on serene innovation, respect for technical legacy and a long -term strategic vision.
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