Discover the local treasure of Estepona’s underwater winery

In the port of Estepona, you’ll find a truly unique winery – a winery below the water. Escaramujo Wines, Spain’s first undersea bodega is putting Estepona’s sun and beaches on the map.

Escaramujo‘s bottles are aged for months on the seabed, where the pressure, temperature, and gentle movement of the water help shape a wine with real character. Victor M. Gomez is the co-founder of this project. He says that “the sea gives our wine a different pace.” “It is a way to allow nature to take part in the production process.”

What is the result? A wine that will surprise your palate. Each bottle is smooth, balanced and expressive. It has a unique story. Each bottle spends six to twelve months under the waves before it is brought to shore.

Escaramujo doesn’t just produce great wines; it also protects the sea which makes it all possible. The underwater cages at the winery create safe habitats that are home to marine life. Around the structures, fish, crabs, octopuses, and other marine life find shelter, which helps to restore balance in the coastal eco-system. Wine lovers and the environment both benefit from this.

The winery’s brand identity is based on its focus on sustainability. The entire process is environmentally conscious, from the reusable cages to the handmade labels and minimal packing. Victor explains that they don’t even use plastic. Even our corks, which are made from 100% natural materials and biodegradable, are used.

Each sea-aged wine is part of an exclusive edition. Each year, fewer than 500 bottles will be submerged in water. This makes each bottle a valuable collector’s item. Labels are hand-numbered and some customers personalise them by having a bottle engraved and certified with their name. This is the perfect keepsake or gift for wine lovers and anyone who wants to have a meaningful connection with the sea.

The idea was born out of a passion shared between friends. They were curious about the evolution of wine in a new environment, as well as a love for the sea. Victor explains that at first, they experimented with a couple of bottles. We didn’t know exactly what we would find. The result was more than we could have imagined.

Years of tests, paperwork and research were required to obtain the necessary permits. Escaramujo eventually found the perfect location off the coast Estepona. The location is deep and calm enough that the pressure can make a difference. The conditions are continuously monitored to ensure that both the wine quality and the health of the marine life is maintained.

Escaramujo is now offering guided tastings, wine education workshops and events. Visitors can find out more about the process of underwater aging and try it for themselves. The hands-on activity is usually held in Estepona port, in the winery space. Victor says that people are always amazed. “You have to try it to really understand.”

You can be a part of this adventure even if you can’t attend in person. The “Adopt a Bottle’ programme allows customers to sponsor a bottle which will age below the sea. When it is ready, the bottle will be delivered to them at home. It includes their name on the back label and a picture of the bottle on seabed.

Escaramujo Wines has clients all over Europe. Victor and his Estepona-based team are proud to maintain their roots. He says, “We want to keep this a local project.” It’s all about the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean. And the future of the ocean.

The name ‘Escaramujo’ comes from the wild rosehip plant, a symbol of resilience and nature’s quiet power. It represents the team’s philosophy of working with, and not against, nature.

Escaramujo should be on everyone’s Costa del Sol itinerary, regardless of whether you’re an experienced wine drinker or simply want to try something different. Escaramujo is a fantastic talking point, an excellent local gift and a reminder that tradition and innovation can be found in unexpected places.

Visitors are often surprised to find that they stay longer than expected, as they chat with the team and soak up the peaceful energy in the port. Victor says, “There is a calmness in the port.” It’s perfect for the wine. Slow, thoughtful, shaped by the nature.”

Escaramujo creates a unique space in a region that is known for golf courses, beaches, and busy chiringuitos. It’s a place where you can find something different. Something mindful, innovative, deeply connected with the sea.

Keep an eye out next time you are strolling along the Estepona port. It is Spain’s only undersea winery. You may find your new favorite bottle. It’s likely to have travelled further than other bottles before reaching your glass.