🏷️ Vino de Pago

Vino de Pago is a Spanish category for wine from a single estate. The word “pago” means a plot of land. For this name the vineyard must have a special climate and soil that set it apart from its neighbours, and the wine must be made only from the estate’s own grapes.

The category was introduced in Spain in 2003. It is the top step of the Spanish system. It belongs to the protected designations of origin, like DO, but the area is smaller and the rules stricter. The first estate to receive the name was Dominio de Valdepusa.

To gain the status, the owner must show that wine from the plot has long been distinctive and keeps its style. Control is strict. The wine is bottled at the estate itself.

Vino de Pago belongs to Spanish wine and stands next to ordinary DOs and to the term “viñedo singular”, which also refers to a single plot. There are few such wines, and they are valued for their individuality. Alcohol is for adults.