EAFRD grants awarded for the promotion of wine in third countries

The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural World and Environment of La Rioja has granted 4,255,866.07 euros in aid from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) for the promotion and communication of wine in third-country markets. The grant is formalized through Resolution 316/2026, of August 18, of the Directorate General for Rural Development, published in the Official Gazette of La Rioja number 161, of August 24, 2026, in section III of other provisions and acts.

The resolution, signed by the Director General for Rural Development, David Martín Civera, resolves the 2025 call corresponding to the EAGF 2027 annual period, within the framework of the strategic plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The aid is fully financed by the EAGF and is intended for the internationalization of the Riojan wine sector.

Regulatory Framework and Allocation

The regulatory bases are established in Order ATP/88/2022, of December 29, of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment. The allocation of funds to each autonomous community is carried out in accordance with Article 64 of Royal Decree 905/2022, of October 25, which regulates the Wine Sector Intervention.

• The Sectoral Conference of January 20, 2026, assigned La Rioja 4,824,635.36 euros at 50% financing.
• The session of March 27, 2026, increased the EU percentage to 60%, with an allocation of 5,789,562.43 euros, which replaced the previous one.
• The session of July 7, 2026, did not approve the new increase by majority, therefore the distribution of March 27 was rendered void.
• The expenditure is committed for 4,255,866.07 euros, distributed between items 05.03.4123.480.02 (2,434,189.00 euros) and 05.03.4123.475.07 (1,821,677.07 euros).

Beneficiaries and Processing

Of the 40 applications received in the correct form and within the deadline, 34 were admitted for processing. During the process, withdrawals and waivers were recorded, including those of Bodegas y Viñedos Tritium S.L., Bodegas Sonsierra S.Coop., Tobelos Bodegas y Viñedos S.L., Bodegas Vinícola Real S.L.U., Bodegas Riojanas S.A. and La Rioja Alta S.L. During the hearing process, 13 files submitted allegations, all relating to the admissible amount.

Among the main beneficiaries are:

• Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja, with 2,434,189.00 euros (file PV1600008/27).
• Bodegas Ramón Bilbao, S.A., with 467,933.52 euros (PV1600031/27).
• Unión Viti-vinícola, S.A., with 189,615.25 and 155,391.79 euros (PV1600011/27 and PV1600015/27).
• Bodegas Escudero, S.L., with 100,970.67 euros (PV1600025/27).
• Bodegas Roda, S.A., with 87,347.05 euros (PV1600018/27).

Obligations of the Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries have a maximum period of one month to accept the resolution and justify the deposit of a performance bond of at least 15% of the amount of the European Union funding. The guarantee will be executed if at least 50% of the total program budget is not achieved, except in cases of force majeure.

Payment is subject to the verification of invoices and documents by the Agri-Food Quality Service, in accordance with the EAFRD expenditure justification guide. Failure to accept or the failure to present the guarantee will be considered a waiver of the aid. The resolution concludes the administrative process, and an appeal for reversal may be filed within one month or a contentious-administrative appeal within two months.

The resolution represents a key boost for the internationalization of the Riojan wine sector, which will be able to strengthen its presence in foreign markets with European funding. For the wineries and beneficiary entities, these grants represent direct support for their export strategy in a context of increasing global competition.

Source: Official Gazette of La Rioja, no. 161, August 24, 2026, section III. Other provisions and acts, page 14726 (official reference: Resolution 316/2026, of August 18; CSV BOR-A-20260824-III–3266).