Elena Adell, Elena Suarez and Irene Pérez Gutiérrez - names you don't want to forget....
All born in Logroño, these powerhouse women have come together to embark on a magical wine journey at Campo Viejo in the Rioja region of Spain. Together they are testing the boundaries of traditional winemaking practices and producing memorable wines that are unique, innovative and full of excitement.
Their office, the Campo Viejo winery, sits amongst the breathtaking landscape of Rioja, architecturally designed and surrounded by vines - a place few would complain of having to go on a Monday morning. Cleverly designed to conceal most of it's bulk beneath the ground, it is home to innovation, craft and a seriously impressive barrel hall. And with world leading facilities, it's a team of 3 proud, passionate and forward-thinking women who are paving the way to greatness.
After 25 years as Chief Winemaker at Bodegas Campo Viejo, Elena Adell concludes her exceptional career with the company and welcomes Ignacio Lopez. Elena leaves a magnificent legacy behind as part of the Bodegas Campo Viejo story, both as a person and as a professional. She won various awards throughout her career, attesting to her importance and influence both within the company and on the world wine scene.
Evidence of this is her nomination as “Personality of the Year” in the seventh edition of the International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain, as well as being named one of the most influential people in the international wine sector by Decanter Magazine.
With over 20 years experience in the wine making industry, Elena Adell is one to watch out for. Having been influenced into the wine industry from her family, studying Agricultural Science at university, she knew the wine industry was for her. In her own words, “It was virtually inevitable that I would end up with vines and wines”.
Joining the Campo Viejo team in 1998, she was on a mission to create wines with big personality. “I believe wine is something to be enjoyed with company. It’s an essential part of celebrations, when you want to share a joyful occasion or a quiet dinner with friends. My aim is to make wines that add a special touch to any occasion, wines that make you feel like drinking another glass.”
As of late, Elena has concluded her exceptional career with the team however she is leaving a great legacy of work. Since her time at Campo Viejo, over the course of these 25 years, Campo Viejo has undergone remarkable global expansion to become recognized as the #1 Rioja brand in the world and one of the world’s leading producers of Rioja wine.
Born in and raised in Logroño in the La Rioja region, Irene studied Pharmacy at the University of Salamanca. After graduating she decided to follow her true passion, the ever-evolving world of wine, so she went back to studying Oenology at the University of La Rioja. Part way through this degree she completed her final project in Bodegas Campo Viejo which inspired her even more. After gaining 5 years of experience with producers throughout the wider Rioja region, Irene returned to the Campo Viejo fold in 2016.
Born in Logroño and with a passion for winemaking, Elena Suárez received a degree in Superior Laboratory Technology as well as Oenology at the University of La Rioja in 2017. As a highly motivated individual, Elena joined the Bodegas Campo Viejo team supporting the harvest season while continuing to study. Solidifying her place in the Campo Viejo winemaking team, she became a permanent member in 2019.