Zamora Company, the owner of Licor 43, Ramón Bilbao, Mar de Frades, Martin Miller’s Gin, Lolea, and Villa Massa, among other premium wine and spirits brands, has acquired a majority stake in Bodegas Godeval, one of the most prestigious and renowned wineries in the Valdeorras Denomination of Origin. Founded almost 40 years ago, Godeval is considered the pioneer of the godello grape’s resurgence in Galicia and one of the benchmark producers of this variety, with over 50 hectares of its own vineyards located in some of the region’s most distinctive plots.

A strategic commitment to diversity and added value

The transaction, fully financed with the company’s own resources, strengthens Zamora Company’s strategy to consolidate a portfolio of premium white wines with strong international growth potential. Until now, the group has produced white wines from the verdejo and albariño varieties through its wineries Ramón Bilbao (Rueda) and Mar de Frades (Rías Baixas). With Godeval, it adds godello—a native Galician grape currently experiencing strong growth and capable of producing complex, mineral, and long-lived wines.
José María de Santiago, Chairman of Zamora Company, stated: “As a family-owned company, we believe in building long-term value through authentic brands, with soul and roots. Godeval represents all of that: history, quality, and a deep respect for origin. This acquisition allows us to further our commitment to outstanding Spanish wine, alongside a pioneering and emblematic project. Our goal is to support Godeval so that, staying true to its essence and uniqueness, it becomes another success story within Zamora Company’s portfolio of premium wines—just as Ramón Bilbao once did, today the most sold and recognized Spanish wine both in Spain and abroad.”

Continuity and respect for the legacy

Zamora Company will maintain the winery’s current team, which has led the project for more than a decade. Founder Honorato López Isla will remain as a board member; Araceli Fernández will continue as winery director; and Ana Bartolomé will remain as technical director of viticulture and oenology, supported by her father, José Luis Bartolomé. Alongside Horacio Fernández, Araceli’s father and co-founder of the winery, López Isla and Bartolomé were pioneers of modern godello cultivation in Galicia and instrumental in the revival of this emblematic variety.
“It’s a privilege to continue building Godeval’s future with a partner that shares our values,” said Araceli Fernández and Ana Bartolomé. “This alliance will allow us to grow from authenticity, preserving the style and philosophy that have made Godeval a benchmark.”
The group believes that Godeval’s expertise—its deep understanding of the grape, the region, and the crafting of wines with unique personality—will be a source of learning and inspiration for its entire wine division.

Synergies and future development

The incorporation of Godeval opens the door to production, commercial, and marketing synergies within the group. Zamora Company will leverage its international distribution capacity, premium hospitality network, and strong focus on sustainability. Godeval wines will continue to be aimed primarily at premium hospitality and specialized retail channels, both in Spain and in international markets where demand for high-quality Spanish white wines is growing. According to Javier Pijoan, CEO of Zamora Company: “The addition of Godeval complements and strengthens our wine division, opening a new growth path through one of Spain’s most promising and dynamic white grape varieties. Godello has enormous potential to connect with consumers seeking authentic, high-quality wines with regional identity. Moreover, Godeval fits naturally into our working model, bringing synergies with other brands both in national distribution and in international markets.”

A unique winegrowing heritage

With over 50 hectares of estate-owned vineyards spread across 246 small slate-soil plots, Godeval embodies the very essence of the Valdeorras terroir. Its climatic and geological conditions give the wines remarkable freshness, minerality, and aging capacity. The winery currently produces around 150,000 bottles per year, divided among four 100% godello labels—all from its own vineyards: Godeval, Cepas Vellas, Revival, and Godeval 1986. Each one expresses a distinct facet of this magnificent grape variety and meets a specific demand. The wines have received high scores in major national and international wine guides and publications such as Peñín, Decanter, and Wine Spectator. Since its inception, Godeval has practiced sustainable viticulture and moderate-yield farming adapted to the region’s complex topography. The modern, ever-evolving winery generates part of its energy through solar panels and promotes the use of recycled materials and responsible waste management. “Godeval is the perfect complement to our portfolio and to our vision of wine: authenticity of origin, expression of place, and uncompromising quality” said Rodolfo Bastida, Director of Zamora Company’s Wine Division. “Its history and winemaking consistency fit seamlessly within our strategy to build long-term value.”

Brand and enotourism projection

Located in a privileged natural setting in O Barco de Valdeorras, next to the Templar monastery of Xagoaza and close to an ancient Roman road, Godeval plans to strengthen its wine tourism offering to share its history, landscape, and connection with the godello grape. The medium-term goal is to project the winery’s identity and uniqueness to new audiences and markets, while preserving its essence and enhancing its international visibility under the Zamora Company umbrella. “Our intention is not to change what has made Godeval a unique winery, but to maximize its recognition and take its prestige to new horizons,” Bastida concluded.