Bodegas Vina Magana is a 247-acre estate in the Navarra DO, just northeast of Rioja. It was founded in 1970 by Juan Magana, whose dream and vision of creating a new, different and surprising wine using Bordeaux varietals was not permitted by the Spanish government. He found a nursery that sold vines to famous chateaus in St. Emilion and Pomerol, most notably to Chateau Petrus. He bought Merlot cuttings and smuggled them over the Pyrenees Mountains. The first vineyard of Merlot thus planted,, his first vintage was made seven years later in 1976.

The Magana family owns 250 acres of vineyard land on the limestone plateau located in the town of Barillas. Over the years, Juan’s bodega has become a reference point for quality in the region and, over 35 years, has established itself as an institution in Navarra. Today, Juan shares winemaking responsibilities with his son Diego.