Bodegas y Viñedos Garay

Bodegas y Viñedos Garay is a boutique, family-run winery located in the historic wine-growing village of La Palma del Condado in Huelva, Andalusia. Founded by Mario Garay and Ana González Díaz, the project began as a personal dream that grew into a committed mission: to preserve the traditional viticulture of the Condado region and produce wines that express authenticity, purity, and a deep sense of place.

The story of Garay started with the purchase of a modest vineyard of about half a hectare, home to roughly 1,500 old vines—many of them more than half a century old. These venerable plants, trained in the traditional “en vaso” bush-vine style, form the foundation of the winery’s identity. Every vine is tended by hand, and the yearly cycle of pruning, canopy work, and harvesting is carried out without mechanization. This artisanal approach reflects the family’s belief that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard and that respect for the land is paramount.

Garay works primarily with the native white variety Zalema, a grape historically rooted in the Condado de Huelva region. In the hands of the winery, Zalema is reimagined and elevated through careful vineyard stewardship and natural winemaking techniques. Some cuvées incorporate other local varieties, such as Listán del Condado, but always within a philosophy of minimal intervention.

Inside the winery, Garay follows a strict natural winemaking approach. Fermentations occur spontaneously with wild yeasts present on the grape skins and in the cellar environment. No commercial yeasts, clarifying agents, acid adjustments, or sweetening agents are used. The wines undergo neither filtration nor clarification, and no sulfites are added at any stage. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the grape and allow each vintage to communicate its own character. The result is a collection of honest, vibrant, and expressive wines that capture the essence of their terroir.

Beyond crafting wine, Bodegas Garay is also dedicated to sharing its philosophy with visitors. The winery offers intimate enotourism experiences, including guided tastings, vineyard walks, and cellar visits. Guests are welcomed into the heart of the project, gaining firsthand insight into the family’s methods and their passion for natural, ecological winemaking.

Today, Bodegas y Viñedos Garay stands as one of the most distinctive small wineries in Andalusia—a champion of sustainable viticulture, a steward of local grape varieties, and a producer of wines that embrace truth, simplicity, and craftsmanship. Every bottle reflects the land, the people, and the quiet dedication that gave life to this remarkable winery.