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Raquel Pérez Cuevas Elected President of Rioja DOCa and Interprofessional Organization
In a landmark decision, Raquel Pérez Cuevas has been elected President of both the Rioja Regulatory Council and the Rioja Wine Interprofessional Organization (OIPVR).
Her appointment, voted in with 99% support from the 32-member Plenary, coincides with the DOCa’s centennial year and marks the first time a woman has held the top leadership role.
Pérez Cuevas, President of Grupo Rioja and proprietor of the Ontañón family winery, brings a strategic blend of experience in viticulture, global wine marketing, and executive leadership. She holds degrees in agricultural engineering, oenology, and business management, and is fluent in Spanish, English, and French, positioning her as a global ambassador for Rioja.
In her inauguration speech, Pérez Cuevas emphasized unity, transparency, and shared responsibility among stakeholders. Her administration will focus on restoring internal balance, expanding international demand, and promoting Rioja’s diversity – crucial goals at a time when the appellation is seeing historic levels of recognition and competition.
Her leadership succeeds that of Fernando Ezquerro, who helped drive sustainability and wine tourism initiatives. Ezquerro now steps into the role of First Vice President of the OIPVR, joining a leadership team that reflects continuity and collaborative progress.
As the region enters its second century, Pérez Cuevas’s presidency signals a strategic push for relevance and excellence across both domestic and export markets.
