The Liébana distillery Sierra del Oso has carried out a series of investments to expand and update its winery, with the aim of positioning itself in the region's wine market. Among its main future projects is the production of the first white wine protected by the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Vino de la Tierra de Liébana.
To advance in this direction, the firm has incorporated new varieties into its vineyards, such as Albarín and Godello, which are added to others already cultivated on the farm, such as Tempranillo and Mencía.
This family business, traditionally linked to the artisanal distillation of pomace brandy, has strengthened its commitment to wine in recent years, in response to changes in consumption habits and the growing interest in products linked to high-level gastronomic and tourist experiences.
The Minister of Rural Development, María Jesús Susinos, visited the Sierra del Oso facilities in Ojedo (Cillorigo de Liébana) this Wednesday, where she highlighted its capacity to "keep alive a trade closely linked to the identity of Liébana," while "incorporating new technologies, expanding its activity, and opening new development opportunities linked to the wine sector and wine tourism."
In the press release issued after the visit, Susinos emphasized that "companies like Sierra del Oso demonstrate that it is possible to preserve our roots and, at the same time, innovate to adapt to new times," and highlighted that they are "an example of how tradition can become a competitive advantage that generates wealth, employment, and opportunities in rural areas."
Likewise, the minister pointed out that these types of initiatives "reflect the potential of the Cantabrian agri-food sector to grow through innovation, quality, and the link between production, tourism, and territory."
Investments and modernization of the winery
The company has carried out actions to expand and modernize its winery, incorporate new fermentation tanks, optimize bottling and labeling lines, digitize production processes, and adapt the facilities in order to enhance wine tourism activities, all within the framework of the LEADER program.
Among the investments made, the renovation of the vineyards, the adaptation of terraces to facilitate mechanized agricultural work, and the acquisition of new machinery stand out, including a tractor intended to improve activities related to sustainable wine tourism.
Within the call for aid for investment projects in transformation and commercialization of products corresponding to 2024, Sierra del Oso has an approved investment of 68,497 euros, with a public subsidy of 23,974 euros, the execution of which will extend until 2027.
To these measures is added the application submitted to the 2025 aid call, currently in the processing phase, which contemplates new items to continue modernizing the facilities and expanding the company's commercial offer.
Currently, the distillery produces an approximate annual average of 100,000 bottles of pomace brandy and 50,000 of wine, volumes that may vary depending on the conditions of each harvest.
The activity of Sierra del Oso supports eight direct jobs linked to the winery and distillery, to which are added the positions generated through its points of sale and distribution network.