Rioja is one of Spain’s best-known wine regions. It is also an important name in international wine markets.
Bodegas Roda is a good example of a Rioja winery building a strong business outside Spain.
Founded in 1987 in Haro, Bodegas Roda focuses on premium Rioja wines. Its wines are now sold in more than 60 countries. Important markets include the United States, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan and Australia.
The winery’s international growth is interesting because Roda is not a mass producer. Its strategy focuses on quality, brand value and carefully selected markets.
A medium-sized Rioja winery
Bodegas Roda works with 120 hectares of vineyards. Around 70 hectares are owned by the winery, while another 50 hectares are managed through agreements with local growers.
The winery produces several premium wines, including RODA, RODA I, RODA SELA and CIRSION.
Published company profiles have previously reported production of around 300,000 bottles per year for its core Rioja wines. The winery has also historically exported around half of its production.
This makes Roda an interesting example of how a medium-sized winery can build an international business without competing mainly on volume.
Japan and other Asian markets
Japan is one of the key Asian markets for Bodegas Roda. The country is listed among the winery’s important international markets.
Roda also has a presence in other Asian markets. Recent trade records show shipments to India and Indonesia, while trade data has also recorded Roda wines going to the Philippines.
These markets offer opportunities for premium Spanish wine. However, each market has different regulations, consumers and distribution systems. Local importers and distributors are therefore important for long-term growth.
The UAE as a regional opportunity
Bodegas Roda also has experience in the Middle East.
The winery entered the Persian Gulf through Dubai in 2007 and later developed its presence in the United Arab Emirates. It also used Spanish food and wine promotion events to introduce its wines to the market.
The UAE can be an interesting market for premium wine because of its international hotel, restaurant and tourism sectors.
Selling Rioja as a premium brand
Roda’s export strategy is not only about selling bottles. It is also about selling the story of Rioja.
The winery’s location in Haro, its vineyards and its focus on premium wines give the brand a clear identity. This can help the wines stand out in competitive international markets.
Its experience shows that a Spanish winery does not need to be a huge producer to build a global presence. Strong positioning, quality and the right international partners can also create growth.
A global future for premium Rioja
Bodegas Roda shows how a Rioja winery can combine a strong local identity with an international strategy.
From Haro, its wines now reach more than 60 countries, including important markets in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
For other Spanish wineries, the lesson is clear: international growth is not only about producing more wine. It is about finding the right markets, building a strong brand and creating long-term relationships with local partners.
For Bodegas Roda, Rioja remains at the heart of the brand. But its market is now truly global.