Cristiano Ronaldo, Glenn Close, and former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler have one thing in common: they are members of Membresía la Tenada by Valduero, a private wine club in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region. Considered one of the world’s most exclusive wine memberships, the club includes a distinguished roster of acclaimed chefs, Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, and bestselling author Ken Follett, among others.
Founded in 2004 with just 10 members, the club has grown steadily to around 300 members. The allure lies not only in the exclusivity of the club but also in the exceptional experience it offers. While high-end American wineries are known for offering top-tier VIP services, Bodegas Valduero is one of the few European operations catering to a similar elite clientele. Membership benefits include 20 complimentary dinners for up to 20 people at Valduero’s private restaurant, personalized tours of the winery, and wine tastings with the owners.
To join, prospective members must purchase a barrel of one of Valduero’s exceptional wines, which range from red blends to Tempranillos that age for up to eight years. Prices for a barrel start at around $7,200 and can go as high as $20,000. Once the wine is ready, it is bottled in 300 standard bottles or larger formats, all custom-labeled and delivered directly to the member’s cellar. The winery prides itself on the personalized service that enhances the intimate and bespoke nature of the experience.
“Our goal is to provide a personalized service for each of our members,” says Carolina García Viadero, co-owner of Valduero, alongside her sister Yolanda, the winery’s winemaker and technical director. “Our focus is not on exclusivity through wealth, but rather on delivering excellence.”
The personal touch extends beyond the wine itself. When members visit the winery, they are guided through a network of underground tunnels and caves that house 3,500 oak barrels. At the end of the tunnel, a hallway leads to the hilltop restaurant. Tradition dictates that new members sign the top of their barrel, which is then affixed with a brass plaque bearing their name.
Beyond the tunnels lies La Tenada, a rustic yet elegant private dining space named after the Spanish term for “sheepcote,” reflecting the area’s agricultural history. Inside, the menu curated by Yolanda showcases local specialties like free-range lamb, which pairs perfectly with Valduero’s award-winning Tempranillo and Albillo Mayor wines. For members unable to gather 20 guests for a meal at the winery, Valduero offers intimate dinners for up to five at top restaurants in Madrid, including Charrúa, Tatel, and Ten con Ten.
Despite the luxurious setting and services, the wines themselves are what truly captivate members. Glenn Close, who was introduced to Valduero through a mutual friend, became an admirer after her first visit. She shared with Robb Report, “As I said to the sisters: ‘May my art age and endure as elegantly as your wines.’” Nobel Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa also expressed his admiration, calling it an honor to be an associate member and praising the winery for preserving the grand tradition of wine—”a fundamental pillar and inspiration of Western culture.”
As the club continues to attract a prestigious clientele, Valduero’s meticulous approach to wine and personalized service remains at the heart of its success.
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