Javier Murúa has been linked, for as long as he can remember, to the wine environment in his native region of Rioja Alavesa. Bodegas Muriel was founded by his father Julian in 1986 when he decided to restore his father's 1920's winery. Javier has worked on all aspects of winemaking, from grape harvesting through selection and winery work during vinification to bottling. He studied Economics at the University of Tampa in Florida, USA and after graduating, he worked for the banking industry. In 2001, he joined Bodegas Muriel, first as production manager and later, taking responsibility for sales and marketing, where he created his own national and international sales team.
Javier has always been involved in winemaking, and today, together with his father Julián Murúa, they share decision making for the Muriel Wines group. His role has been fundamental to the growth of Muriel in all its facets and has allowed the group to expand with the purchase of several other prestigious wineries: Bodegas Eguia, Bodegas Real Compañía, Marqués de Elciego, the impressive Rioja winery Conde de los Andes (with wines dating back to the late 1800s), Pazo Cilleiro, Luis Alegre and Valdecuriel.
As General Manager, Javier has collaborated in growing the expectations and the family business from his grandfather's winery to what it is today; Muriel Wines: 8 wineries in 3 DOs (Rioja, Ribera and Rías Baixas) and a ‘vino de mesa’ winery; Real Compañíade Vinos.