our team
PAUL HOBBS
Partner/Winemaker
Paul Hobbs is a world-renowned winemaker. In 2013, Forbes Magazine referred to Hobbs as “The Steve Jobs of Wine”. He has been twice named “Wine Personality of the Year” by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate. Over his 40+ year career, Hobbs has received more than ten 100-point scores across his portfolio—a rare feat that places him in the top echelon of the world’s winemakers.
Regarded as an international visionary for his accomplishments in the vineyard and winery, Hobbs combines his childhood roots on the family farm in Western New York with an innovative scientific approach to refine the art of winemaking. He is recognized across the globe for breaking with tradition and forging new paths in the pursuit of excellence; both in stewardship of the land, and the crafting of wines that represent the purist concept of place – leading the way in the early 90’s as a pioneer of site-specific, vineyard designate wines. Robert Parker notes that “Paul Hobbs is like a good truffle-hunting dog when it comes to finding great vineyards.”
Today, Hobbs is owner and vintner for seven wineries around the world: Paul Hobbs and Crossbarn (California), Hillick & Hobbs (Finger Lakes, New York), Viña Cobos (Mendoza, Argentina), Crocus (Cahors, France), Yacoubian-Hobbs (Vayots Dzor, Armenia), and Alvaredos-Hobbs (Galicia, Spain).
Cecilia fernández
general manager/ Winemaker
Cecilia Fernández has been a key member of the Alvaredos-Hobbs project since its founding in 2017. Initially intending to pursue a career in marine sciences, she began her academic journey with a degree in Biology. However, time spent working in the Valdeorras DO sparked her interest in viticulture, leading her to change focus and earn a degree in Oenology at the University of La Rioja.
In La Rioja, she participated in a research & development project with Descendientes de J. Palacios for two years, deepening her knowledge of the production of high-quality Mencía. Returning to Galicia, she spent eight years at Bodega Rafael Palacios, where she was responsible for oenology as well as vineyard management and cellar operations. Following her roles with this prestigious producer, she founded her own laboratory and worked as a winemaking consultant in a number of wine regions throughout Spain.
In 2017, Cecilia met Antonio Lopez Fernandez, who invited her to join his nascent winery at Alvaredos. By the end of that year, his partnership with Paul Hobbs had been formalized, and the small team began work on the inaugural vintage of Alvaredos-Hobbs the following year.
Cecilia’s extensive winemaking experience, attention to detail, and deep understanding of Ribeira Sacra’s unique terroir allow her to craft wines at Alvaredos-Hobbs that capture the authenticity and distinct character of the region, with a focus on minimal intervention, and fully expressing the potential of each vineyard.
alba lópez
assistant winemaker
Alba López is a dedicated and dynamic winemaker whose insatiable curiosity and passion for the craft drive her pursuit of excellence. With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Valladolid, Alba's career has taken her around the globe, from her first vintage in Bordeaux to winemaking adventures in Argentina, South Africa, Piedmont, Tuscany, and her native Spain. Her versatility and hands-on experience in both the vineyard and cellar have shaped her holistic approach to winemaking.
After an inspiring conversation with Paul Hobbs, Alba returned to Galicia, where she now serves as assistant winemaker at Alvaredos-Hobbs. Her role extends beyond the cellar, as she also contributes to marketing and sales, showcasing her commitment to sharing the story of Alvaredos-Hobbs wines. Eager to learn and continuously refine her craft, Alba combines her deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking perspective.
gustavo méndez &
miguel nogueira
vineyard team
Miguel Nogueira (left) and Gustavo Méndez (right) are entrusted with the meticulous care and cultivation of our vineyards, ensuring the highest standards of precision and attention to detail.
Miguel joined Alvaredos-Hobbs in 2022, and his skills with machinery and expertise in vineyard tasks quickly made him the manager of our vineyards. A local from a neighboring village to Alvaredos, he brings valuable knowledge of the area.
Gustavo joined the vineyard team in 2023. With a solid background in viticulture, gained through his training and internships at the Centro de Formación y Experimentación Agroforestal de Guísamo in northern Galicia, Gustavo is known for his tenacity and dedication, particularly in the more delicate manual tasks of the vineyard.