Recognized as one of the most important cooperages in Europe, the Rioja-based Tonelería Murúa has celebrated its 125th anniversary today. Its renowned trajectory, high-quality craftsmanship, and specialization in American white oak and French oak barrels have attracted prestigious wineries from around the world, which trust Murúa barrels for aging their finest wines. Currently, its barrels are present on four continents, serving top wineries in 20 countries.
To commemorate this remarkable milestone, Tonelería Murúa hosted a gathering with regional authorities. Throughout the morning, attendees had the opportunity to exchange insights and experience firsthand the new facilities, an exemplary model of design, productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
At the event, Elena Ceca Antón, manager of Tonelería Murúa and fourth-generation leader of this family business, addressed the authorities, recalling how, from a young age, her family instilled in her the values that now define the company’s philosophy. These principles have shaped the historic character of the cooperage, always striving to stay one step ahead, maintaining the exceptional quality that has always distinguished them, and providing the best possible service to their clients.
The President of the Government of La Rioja, Gonzalo Capellán, highlighted the 125-year trajectory of the company, stating: “Tonelería Murúa is a great example of the spirit of Rioja’s businesses—family-oriented, with the ability to innovate and anticipate circumstances, remaining competitive, and making quality their hallmark.”
Capellán acknowledged the work carried out over generations by the Murúa family, congratulating them on their excellence and dedication, which reflect everything that defines the identity of the Rioja region. He stated: “Rioja’s distinguishing factor is its history, and that applies equally to its auxiliary industries. However, I do not consider Tonelería Murúa an auxiliary industry, but rather an essential part of Rioja’s identity.”
The origins of Tonelería Murúa date back to 1898, when its founder, D. Justo Murúa, an entrepreneur, transformed a small workshop in Elciego into Tonelería Mecánica Riojana in Logroño, the first cooperage in the region to incorporate modern machinery. His son, Donato Murúa, played a crucial role in adapting the business to the shift from traditional wooden containers for beer, oil, and pickles to stainless steel, marking the decisive moment when the company specialized in wine barrels.
Donato Murúa was also responsible for establishing the core values of the company, rooted in honesty and commitment to customers. As the company celebrates 125 years of barrel-making, these principles remain at the heart of Tonelería Murúa’s success in an industry as tradition-bound as winemaking.
Currently, Tonelería Murúa barrels are present in all Spanish designations of origin, with a strong presence in Rioja. However, the international market has become a key pillar for the company, with 60% of its barrels being exported—mainly to Europe, Australia, Asia, the United States, and Latin America. To meet this global demand, the company relies on a team that blends skilled cooperage artisans with the most advanced technology.
One of its most significant milestones in recent years was the relocation in November 2020 to new facilities in the Lentiscares industrial park in Navarrete. This state-of-the-art production plant, considered one of the most modern in Europe, has allowed Tonelería Murúa to expand and diversify its offerings in toasting levels, barrel sizes, and wood origins based on customer demand. Throughout this evolution, the company has maintained its hallmark of excellence in both barrel craftsmanship and customer relationships.
The goal: to continue working alongside the best wineries in the world, helping them convey their essence by contributing to the production of both the most traditional and historic wines as well as modern, high-expression wines.
