Bodegas Izadi

Bodegas Izadi is a family-run winery in Villabuena, Rioja Alavesa, owned and operated by Lalo Antón alongside his relatives. Founded in 1987 by Lalo's father Gonzalo Antón, the estate was built on a commitment to producing modern, perfumed wines that express their terroir honestly whilst remaining food-friendly. What sets Izadi apart is the dual focus: alongside the winery, the family runs Zaldiaran, a Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Vitoria, ensuring every bottle is conceived with the table in mind. This restaurant connection means the wines are genuinely tested against demanding culinary standards.

About Bodegas Izadi

Izadi sits at 400–600 metres elevation in the highest part of Rioja Alavesa, within a triangle formed by the villages of Villabuena, Samaniego and Abalos. This altitude creates a dramatic temperature swing of up to 20°C between day and night, which encourages the development of aromatic compounds in the grapes—a direct benefit to wine complexity and fragrance.

The estate controls 178 hectares of owned vineyards, plus an additional 108 hectares under lease. Critically, all vines—whether owned or leased—average 45 years in age, with many ranging from 30 to 100 years old. These are Tempranillo-dominated vineyards planted in distinctive white calcareous soils and traditionally bush-trained for optimal sun exposure. This old-vine philosophy underpins the depth and character found in every bottle.

The winery itself occupies a steep slope with 50 metres of vertical drop, allowing gravity-flow production. This design minimises the need for mechanical pumping, which can stress and damage wine. The result is gentler handling from harvest to barrel—a detail that accumulates into noticeable refinement in the final wine.

Sustainability matters here. Winemaking is rooted in respect for the vineyard and region, not just commercial efficiency.

Izadi's approach to white wine production is particularly distinctive. Each is vinified separately before blending, with only Viura and Malvasía aged in French oak. This multi-varietal method creates complexity and freshness in equal measure.

The flagship red, Rioja Reserva, is made exclusively from hand-picked grapes from 30–40-year-old vines. It spends 16 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, then two further years in bottle to meet Reserva classification. The result balances lively red and black fruit with toast and spice, delivering remarkable complexity at a measured price point.

Bodegas Izadi Wines in Our Collection

It showcases all six indigenous varieties and is the wine to choose when you want freshness with substance—ideal for seafood or light poultry.

This is the wine for roasted meats, aged cheeses and serious dinner occasions.

These secondary labels maintain the family's quality standards whilst offering approachable entry points into the Izadi philosophy.

Food Pairing

Izadi wines are conceived for the table. The whites excel with seafood, shellfish and lightly prepared fish, or with salads and goat's cheese. The Reserva red suits roasted lamb, beef stew, grilled mushrooms and cured meats. The rosé complements charcuterie, gazpacho and summer grilled vegetables. The Negra Larrosa pairs beautifully with chorizo, aged manchego and braised dishes. Every style reflects the restaurant heritage: these are wines that want food alongside them.

Why does Izadi's elevation matter?

The 400–600 metre altitude in Rioja Alavesa creates a 20°C temperature swing between day and night, encouraging aromatic grape development and wine complexity.

What makes the old vines important?

Izadi's vines average 45 years old, ranging to 100 years. Old vines produce concentrated, complex fruit and form the backbone of the flagship Reserva.

How does the family restaurant influence the wines?

Lalo Antón's family runs Michelin-starred Zaldiaran in Vitoria. Every wine is tested against restaurant standards, ensuring they genuinely complement food.

Who makes Bodegas Izadi wines?

Lalo Antón and his relatives own and operate Bodegas Izadi, a family-run winery founded in 1987 by Lalo's father Gonzalo Antón in Villabuena, Rioja Alavesa.

What style of wine does Bodegas Izadi make?

Izadi makes modern, terroir-driven Rioja reds and whites from old vines. Reds are savory and classic (Reserva scored 90); whites are buttery and complex (scored 91), vinified separately then blended for freshness and depth.

How much does Bodegas Izadi wine cost?

Izadi wines range between £13.90 and £19.95. Entry-level Larrosa selections start around £14–£16; flagship Reserva and premium Selección sit at £19–£20.