The origins of the family
Solana de Ramírez
Our roots go down in Ábalos and the Sonsierra for ever and ever.
This is our history. The members of what today is Bodegas Solana de Ramírez throughout the centuries, of the history of the Sonsierra and that of our town Ábalos.
We bring you closer to the past so that you can know our origins.
Between 1063-1094
How our history begins
Our beginnings
Going back in the history of our town there are stories that tell of King Sancho Ramirez, King of Aragon and Navarre (1063-1094), the links he had with the village of San Felix de Abalos, at that time, the Sonsierra of Navarre (now La Rioja).
11th century
Paternal origins
Origin of the surname “Ramírez de la piscina”
In the XI century the infant Don Ramiro Sanchez, son of the king of Navarre Don Sancho Garcia de Peñalem, lost the kingdom and seeing himself disinherited after the premature death of his father, formed part of the first crusade, going on to the conquest of the Holy Land, in the year 1099 they took the city of Jerusalem by the part of the Piscina Probática. In memory of this and of having found a Holy Image of Our Lady, he ordered the construction of the church of Santa Maria de la Piscina from the beginning of the 12th century in Romanesque style (very close to Abalos, now restored). From the construction of this basilica was created a royal motto, whose members met annually in August to venerate the Blessed Virgin, today this tradition is still preserved. As a consequence of this history, the descendants of Don Ramiro added “de la Piscina” to their surname, hence the origin of our paternal surname “Ramírez de la Piscina”.
12th Century
Maternal origins
Origin of the surname “Ruy de Ábalos”
On the maternal side, the surname Ruy de Ábalos is of very ancient origin. It is believed to descend from a Gothic family of the same name that came to Spain after the fall of the Roman Empire. This family settled in the village of San Félix de Ábalos, where they became natives and landowners. The first lord of this lineage was Guillermo Avalon, a descendant of the royal house of England during the reign of Sancho Abarca. In the 12th century, his descendants donated all their possessions in the village of San Félix de Ábalos to the monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, including its Romanesque church (now restored). Part of the population of San Félix eventually settled in what is today the village of Ábalos. One of the most notable figures of this lineage was Ruy López Dávalos, Constable of Castile, from whom the Marquises of Pescara and del Vasto descend. Other members of the family moved to Viana, Aragon, and Andalusia, where they stood out in the service of the kings as brave and valiant knights.
20th Century
New Plantations
Early 20th Century
At the end of the 19th century, many of the vineyards of our ancestors were lost due to phylloxera, a disease that dried out the vines and caused a major collapse in the winegrowing sector. In the early 20th century, our grandparents began planting new vineyards using rootstocks that were more resistant to this type of disease. During this period, the traditional “guardaviñas” were built—small stone shelters in the vineyards where our ancestors could take refuge from the weather while keeping watch over the newly grafted vines. Once again, they began producing high-quality wines in the old cellar, which at the time were awarded diplomas and recognition in Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Madrid.
Since 1920
Legacy
Grandparents of the current generation
Vicente Ramírez de la Piscina Martínez and Augusta María del Pilar Ruiz Díez, grandparents of the current generation, were grape growers and winemakers in the village of Ábalos (La Rioja) since 1920.
From them and our ancestors, we have inherited countless stories and memories that they wished to pass on, so that we may continue to share their legacy from generation to generation
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Mid-20th Century
New Discoveries
Remains from the Roman Era
In the mid-20th century, remains of what appeared to be a Roman-era wine press were discovered in the old winery—an ancient “trujal” dated to the 2nd century. These findings included a sandstone grape press, counterweights, and channels used for guiding the wine, all carved from local stone.
Since 1985
"Bodegas Solana de Ramírez Ruiz" Winery
Our Winery
In 1985, the company “Bodegas Solana de Ramírez Ruiz” was founded by three siblings and winegrowers: Vicente, Romualdo, and Francisco Javier Ramírez de la Piscina Ruiz. “Solana” is the name of a family vineyard located in a privileged position with excellent sun exposure, producing high-quality wines. “Ramírez Ruiz” are the family surnames.
Currently
"Solana de Ramírez Ruiz" Winery
The Winery
At the beginning of the 21st century, the winery and its vineyards were significantly improved, combining new technologies with the most traditional and artisanal methods of crafting great Rioja wines. The winery includes independent areas for winemaking, underground cellars for aging in new French, American, and Navarrese oak barrels, underground bottle racks and niches, a restaurant for groups, and a tasting room – wine shop.