Galician winery Lagar de Fornelos has announced a key leadership transition, naming Olga Verde as its new technical director following the retirement of long-serving winemaker Ángel Suárez. Suárez, who held the position for more than 30 years, leaves behind a legacy of consistency and quality at the Rías Baixas-based estate, part of the La Rioja Alta, S.A. Group.

Verde steps into the role with a wealth of international experience and a deep background in both wine production and business. She will now be responsible for leading the winery’s technical operations, including the production of its celebrated Albariño-based wines. In tandem, Rubén de Castro has been appointed to oversee the estate’s viticulture, managing its extensive vineyard holdings.

Both Verde and de Castro will report to Julio Sáenz, La Rioja Alta’s group technical director, and Roberto Frías, director of viticulture.

A new chapter for Lagar de Fornelos

Olga Verde brings a diverse set of skills to her new position. Holding degrees in agricultural engineering and oenology, along with an MBA, Verde has worked across key wine regions in Spain and abroad, including Chile and New Zealand. Her career has encompassed roles in production and hospitality, including time as a sommelier and her leadership of the Bierzo Enotourism Association.

In her role at Lagar de Fornelos, Verde will guide the production of three core brands. Lagar de Cervera, the flagship Albariño wine, has been a cornerstone of the estate since La Rioja Alta acquired it in 1988. Pazo de Seoane, introduced in 2014, showcases a blend of Albariño and other native white varieties sourced from the O Rosal subregion. Most recently, Lindeiros joined the portfolio in 2024, offering a new expression of the region’s varietal diversity.

Verde’s blend of technical expertise, global perspective, and business insight positions her well to drive innovation while preserving the character and tradition that define Lagar de Fornelos.

Viticultural excellence in Rías Baixas

Rubén de Castro assumes responsibility for the estate’s 106 hectares of vineyards, a mix of mature and recently planted plots. The holdings include 88 hectares in the O Rosal subzone and 18 in O Salnés, both renowned for producing high-quality Albariño.

De Castro, who holds a degree in agricultural engineering and a master’s in plant health, will also focus on the cultivation of native Galician grape varieties beyond Albariño. These include Loureiro, Caiño Blanco, Treixadura, and Godello—part of the winery’s long-term effort to expand and diversify its offerings while championing local terroir.

The winery’s emphasis on native grapes and sustainable vineyard practices aligns with broader regional and global trends, which continue to favour authenticity, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.

Continued guidance from La Rioja Alta Group

The appointments of Verde and de Castro represent a generational shift at Lagar de Fornelos, bringing fresh energy to one of Rías Baixas' most respected estates. Both leaders will work closely with seasoned experts Julio Sáenz and Roberto Frías at the La Rioja Alta Group to ensure a smooth transition.

In its announcement, the group praised Verde and de Castro for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and sense of responsibility. The combination of deep-rooted local tradition and forward-looking leadership is expected to reinforce Lagar de Fornelos’ position in the international wine market.

As the winery enters this new chapter, wine lovers can expect the continuation of the signature elegance and freshness that have made Lagar de Cervera and its sister wines benchmarks in Albariño production—while also watching for new expressions and innovations shaped by the next generation of talent.