Amada de Salas, 44, is a farmer and winemaker who runs a diversified agricultural business, cultivating cereals, oilseeds, legumes, and, most notably, grapes. Her vineyard spans 87 hectares and is registered under the Cigales Designation of Origin. In addition to growing the grapes, Amada and her family produce and market their wines, maintaining complete control over the quality and winemaking process: from vine to bottle.
Her journey into the business was a natural progression. After completing her university studies, she joined the family winery and expanded her role to include the broader agricultural operations. The estate, rooted in family tradition, has been passed down through five generations—a legacy Amada is proud to continue.
What sets her business apart is a blend of tradition and innovation. “We work with old vineyards”, she explains, “which produce exceptional fruit. And we are located in the Cerrato Palentino, one of Spain’s oldest winemaking regions, where the tradition of Rosé—historically known as Claretes—runs deep.” The winery is housed in a traditional underground cellar, providing optimal conditions for wine ageing and a unique historical setting.
Yet, tradition is only part of the story. Amada is also deeply committed to innovation, both in terms of winemaking and visitor experience. Her team is developing new lines, including wines aged in the natural cellar, and has embraced wine tourism. “We’re offering theatrical tours, wine-paired meals inside the winery, and other immersive experiences”, she says. This dual focus on quality production and value-added tourism gives the winery a competitive edge.
However, life in the rural business world is not without its challenges. Amada highlights the obstacles faced by small rural entrepreneurs, especially women. “We struggle with undervaluation of our products, the weight of bureaucracy, and the need to balance work with family responsibilities”, she explains. Being self-employed in a rural area, she faces the added difficulty of operating within systems that are not always designed to support small-scale or female-led enterprises.
What would help? “We need real, not theoretical, support from public institutions”, she says. “This includes financial incentives, improved infrastructure, reduced bureaucracy, and accessible training and credit. Supporting those of us who choose to remain in and invest in rural areas should be a priority”.
Amanda’s story is one of resilience, heritage, and vision. Her dedication to sustaining and growing her family’s business reflects a broader movement among rural women who are shaping the future of agriculture and rural entrepreneurship in Spain, not just preserving the past, but innovating for the future.