Producer profile: Lustau

Region: Jerez, Andalucia
Founded: 1896
Owners: Luis Caballero Group
Vineyard holdings: 100+
Winemaker: Sergio Martínez

In the majestic, historic cellars of Lustau, 10,000 sherry casks hold elixirs of soon-to-be-bottled magic. Overseeing their journey is Sergio Martínez, head winemaker at one of Spain's most celebrated sherry bodegas. Its seductive mix of deep heritage, serious ambition and an appetite for innovation has kept Lustau in the premier division of Spanish wineries, despite an undeniably challenging global market.

Yet the company's origin story is far from grandiose. Founded in 1896 by Don José Ruiz-Berdejo y Veyán, it began life as an almacenista - a stockholder selling wines to sherry exporters. In the 1940s, Ruiz-Berdejo's son-in-law expanded the bodega's installations in Jerez, following his marriage to María Ruiz-Berdejo y Alberti. By the 1950s, Lustau had become a respected shipper, producing a broad selection of fortified wines.

The latter part of the 20th century brought further – mostly positive – change. Managing director Rafael Balao spearheaded a quality revolution, sharpening the firm's focus on fine, boutique sherries. Meanwhile, in 1990 the winery joined the family-owned Luis Caballero Group, gaining the resources – both human and financial – to extend its reach worldwide. In 2001 Lustau relocated to its current "cathedral" winery on Calle Arcos in Jerez; uniquely, it also matures wines in all three corners of the sherry triangle.

Today, Martínez oversees an eclectic portfolio of more than 40 wines, from flor-scented finos to vintage añadas, single casks, and six certified "Very Rare Old Sherries" (VROS). Of course, sommeliers inevitably gravitate towards the En Rama releases – wines drawn straight from the cask with minimal filtration. Yet honouring tradition is not Lustau's only driving force. In recent years, it has broadened its appeal with a trio of sherry vermouths: dry, rosé, and red. Designed to tap into the aperitif and cocktail market, they have opened the door for a new generation of consumers, positioning sherry as both versatile and on-trend.

Global in outlook and contemporary in its marketing, exports account for a large share of Lustau's business. The UK and US remain cornerstone markets, while investment in China continues apace. Steeped in history and yet unafraid to innovate, this exceptional producer is committed to expansion, stronger digital engagement and ongoing education. In September, Lustau was named Spain's most awarded winery at the International Wine Challenge gala dinner, securing four trophies and 13 gold medals across its range. With more than a century of history and an eye firmly on the future, Lustau embodies the resilience and creativity that define Spanish viticulture today.

Q&A: Federico Sanchez-Pece Salmeron, brand ambassador, Lustau



As exports make up a large share of Lustau's business, what are the biggest growth markets right now, and how do you adapt your styles or portfolio to different consumer preferences in those markets?

Lustau has several consolidated markets, such us the USA and UK. We are now working in countries where sherry is still something new, like China.

Fortunately, we produce a very wide assortment of wines from across the Sherry triangle - Jerez, El Puerto and Sanlúcar- so we can offer a wine for every palate. On top of that, we have an amazing portfolio of Sherry Vermouths, from a dry style to a sweeter red.

How has Lustau responded to changing demand trends — for example interest in premium, aged, single-cask, or rare styles?

Our range of sherries includes over forty references, including Añadas (vintage sherries), single casks, six VORS and En Rama wines, drawn straight from the cask. Therefore we offer from great-quality wines at reasonable prices to outstanding sherries whose value for money is incomparable.

Looking forward over the next five years, what are Lustau's strategic priorities?

New product development, geographical expansion, preserving terroir, and further digital engagement have been on our minds for some time. Probably a mix of all of these will guide our way forward.