Bodegas Ismael Arroyo S.L. is a family winery located in the town of Sotillo de la Ribera, in the heart of Ribera del Duero.
The winery was founded in 1979, before Ribera del Duero was a Denominación de Origen. And it’s thanks to the dedication of Ismael and a small number of local winemakers that the DO was eventually founded in 1982.
The tradition of winemaking has been passed down from generation to generation in Ismael Arroyo's family for 400 years. And history is on clear display in the winery’s exceptional barrel cellar. Dating back to the 16th century, this “cathedral of wine” covers 1200 square metres of underground galleries excavated in rock and being carved out of stone. Further proof of the family's dedication to winemaking.
Having such an exceptional cellar means that the Arroyo family can age their wines in optimum conditions - at a constant temperature of 11-12ºC. throughout the year, and free from vibrations, noise and light. The wines are aged in 225 litre American and French oak barrels and then spend time resting in the bottle until they are ready for market, ensuring that all Valsotillo wines reach the customer in perfect condition.