The Rueda Denomination of Origin was recognized on 12 January 1980 by order of the Ministry of Agriculture, being the first in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, after several years working for the protection of its autochthonous variety: Verdejo.

It has very favourable natural conditions for the production of high quality wines, being an area which specializes in the production of white wines of wide international recognition. It is situated between 700 and 800 metres above sea level with high plains which undergo long cold winters, short springs with late frosts and very hot, dry summers with occasional storms. The big temperature difference between day and night is also the secret of the balance between the sugar the grape gains with the sun and the acidity it maintains in the coolness of the nights.

It is located in the central sector of the depression formed by the River Duero, forming a plateau with gentle relief and slopes subject to the Atlantic winds. Extensive alluvial and diluvial terraces on the banks of the Duero and its tributaries, Trabancos, Zapardiel and Adaja. Brown, easily tilled, calcium and magnesium rich, stony soil with good aeration and drainage and limestone outcrops at the peaks of the undulations.

Permeable and healthy, its texture ranges from sandy-loamy to loamy.

The pH of the soil ranges from 7 to 8. The surface of this geological substrate has evolved into brown soils over stony, allochthonous deposits, giving rise to the typical “gravelly” land which hosts the best vineyards of the Rueda Denomination of Origin.

The different varieties of grapes grown are irregularly distributed across the different municipalities making up the Rueda Denomination of Origin. These varieties are Verdejo, Viura, Sauvignon Blanc and Palomino.