Bernardo Estévez came into winemaking after having worked as a mechanic in the large city of Vigo on the Spanish west coast. He moved to Arnoia, a small town in southern Ribeiro close to the Portuguese border in 2009 to pursue making wine full time. Now, Bernardo farms 3ha of vines in five areas of Ribeiro – all by him self. The work is organic and biodynamic, applying treatments and infusions that he makes at home.

His new line of wines are named “Chánselus” – “chans” means soil in Castellano, and “lus” meaning light. Therefore “Chans e Lus” denotes “soil and light” which Bernardo feels are the main contributors to the quality of his wine. By utilizing a mix of old-fashioned and modern winegrowing methods, Bernardo and a few others are responsible for the revitalization of artisanal Ribeiro winegrowing.

This is truly a one-man-band. The work in the vineyards is immaculate, and Bernardo is quickly becoming a producer that other Spanish winemakers revere.