Born in the Iberian Mountain Range, at about 1,700 metres above sea level, the river Júcar covers more than 500 kilometres before it finally flows into the Mediterranean, making the lands it bathes rich and fertile. Over the centuries, the river has left a profound mark both on the landscape and on the men and women who have enjoyed its favours.

Cereal fields, vegetables, fruit orchards... life thrives on the river banks thanks to the crystal-clear water, which also fertilises lands that were once part of the course of the river.
That is the case of several towns in the south of Cuenca: their clayey soil absorbed the nutrients from the river bed, which left behind a characteristic layer of pebbles that protect the soil from the sun, and therefore from evaporation.

When the 16th century was dawning, these lands underwent a demographic boom, which led to the improvement of agricultural and stockbreeding techniques. Farms that had been scattered so far began to group together, creating towns. In fact, the names of many of these towns refer to the owners of the ancient farmhouses.

The river, the climate, the soil and the constant, patient work of the region’s inhabitants have resulted in excellent harvests, particularly in the vineyards, which produce top quality wines.

In recognition of the prosperity brought by the river, a few years ago the wineries of Casas de Benítez, Casas de Fernando Alonso, Casas de Guijarro, Casas de Haro, El Picazo, Pozoamargo and Sisante created the Ribera del Júcar Designation of Origin.