Bodegas HABLA: Shaping the future of Extremadura

A large vineyard in winter, in front of a winery, a blue building, with a small flock of sheep in the foreground — The Bodegas HABLA winery.

(Image credit: Supplied by Bodegas HABLA)

Published 10 September 2026 In Features

As you leave the Autovía del Suroeste and turn onto the unassuming back road leading to Bodegas HABLA, you pass by enormous cattle, olive trees and wetlands teeming with birdlife, while birds of prey soar overhead. You could easily think you’ve taken a wrong turn as the vines only appear as you drive much deeper into the estate, closer to the winery itself.

This is what makes HABLA so special: it is a modern project that reflects the traditional spirit of Extremadura. Located a couple of hours’ drive southwest of Madrid, and not far from the Portuguese border, the property lies close to the beautiful medieval town of Trujillo. Famous for its conquistadors like Francisco Pizarro, whose statue dominates the main square, the town is a reminder of the wealth and influence of the region throughout history.

A man picking grapes from a wine, wearing a black 'HABLA' cap — Harvest time at Bodegas HABLA.

The essence of Extremadura

Founded in the early 2000s, Bodegas HABLA quickly became a pioneer of modern winemaking in Extremadura, yet its roots lie in the region’s tradition of mixed farming.

The granja or farm consists of 1,100ha of which 190ha are dedicated to vines. On the rest of the property, there are two cortijos (traditional farmhouses) that oversee herds of Cacena cattle – the Iberian breed famous in this part of Spain and Portugal – and stables that are home to Purebred Spanish horses (also known as Andalusian or Pura Raza Española). It is this dedication to holistic farming that also underpins HABLA’s approach to grape growing and winemaking.

Flock of sheep walking through a field of vines in winter — Sheep graze in the vineyards between November and March.

Sustainability: Key to survival

As the sun’s harsh rays permeate the landscape, it becomes clear why HABLA’s vineyards are so abundantly leafy, creating a sea of vibrant green that shimmers in the heat. These vines are now approaching 25 years of age, and the grapes are well protected under layers of foliage, ensuring a slow and balanced ripening.

Grown on poor soils with very little organic matter, the vines are spread over 40 individual parcels, all now farmed with cover crops. And to manage the grass? It’s easy: more than 700 sheep graze peacefully among the rows from November to March.

This forms part of the winery’s commitment to sustainable farming which has included extensive studies of its soils, with a particular focus on bacteria and microorganisms that can be cultivated and replicated to improve soil health. Thousands of trees have also been planted to restore the estate’s ecosystem.

Two completely black bottles of wine, one saying 'No 35' and one saying 'No 36' — HABLA No.35 Cabernet Franc and HABLA No.36 Syrah.

A top-down approach

Since its foundation, HABLA has made excellence central to its philosophy. Reflecting this ambition, it released its flagship wines first, a strategy that put quality ahead of building a more accessible range.

The most sought-after wines are HABLA’s special, numbered editions, like HABLA No.36 2022 and HABLA No.35 2021, which were awarded 93 and 90 points respectively at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards. No.36 shows off the potential of Syrah, one of the most important varieties planted on the estate, while No.35 is made entirely from Cabernet Franc, rare in Spain.

HABLA’s approach to winemaking is focused on finesse without losing the bold expression of the Extremadura terroir. High-quality French oak barrels are used for extended ageing and increasingly, larger sized barrels and foudres. The wines offer impressive elegance and cellaring potential.

Just as its wines will develop further with time, HABLA’s future appears firmly grounded in the resilience of its vines and a sense of stewardship over its land. As the sun sets over the winery and the vineyard is bathed in a red glow, there is a real sense of promise for the vintages and wines to come.