Álvaro Palacios Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most respected and celebrated winemakers. His legendary wine L'Ermita put DO Priorato on the world map. Producing acclaimed wines from three Spanish regions, he is recognized as a major figure in modern European viticulture. Experience Álvaro Palacios was born into a prestigious winemaking family in Rioja, Spain. After training in Bordeaux, he chose to forgo the security of working at his family's Palacios Remondo estate to start his Priorat winery. Álvaro worked with neighboring winemakers to establish the first sub-DO in Catalonia through what was called the "Gratallops Project." His L'Ermita wine was introduced in 1995 to global accolades, placing Priorat and Palacios firmly on the world map. Now with estates in Priorat, Bierzo, and Rioja, Álvaro Palacios is considered one of the most prolific and important winemakers in modern European viticulture. Education Álvaro Palacios studied enology in Bordeaux and apprenticed with winemaker Jean Pierre Moueix at the famed Château Petrus. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.