On a sunny afternoon, a group of eight of us drive to Sedella Wines. Although we have all lived in Canillas de Aceituno and Sedella for years and have passed by many times, we had never done a wine tasting there—until today.

To reach Sedella Wines, you drive inland from Canillas de Aceituno along winding roads toward Sedella. The winery is located at an altitude of 750 meters, and upon arrival you are immediately struck by the breathtaking views. Later, we learn how the altitude, soil, and sun exposure all influence the taste of the wines.

Surrounded by a panoramic 360-degree view, we first take in the rolling landscape of the Axarquía, with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, the imposing La Maroma mountain, and the white village of Sedella. The winery itself is also stunning—architecturally designed, blending traditional and contemporary elements that fit beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

A personal wine project
We are warmly welcomed by Lauren Rosillo, who founded Sedella Vinos in 2006 as his personal winemaking project. A Spanish winemaker, he previously worked in several renowned Spanish wine regions, including Rioja, Rueda, and La Mancha. Within the Spanish wine world, Lauren is regarded as a respected producer of quality wines.

Traditional and artisanal winemaking
The vineyards are cultivated using traditional methods with minimal intervention. A Roman plough, pulled by a mule, is used, and in the steepest areas—where the animal cannot reach—the soil is worked by hand. It requires great skill and experience to navigate this terrain, where slopes of up to 45% are not uncommon.

Fertilization is done using manure from goats and sheep from nearby farms, supplemented with plant extracts of chamomile, nettle, and tobacco for natural disease control. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand.

A unique wine philosophy
According to Lauren, what makes this winery so special is the combination of mountain terroir, local grape varieties, and a distinctive approach to winemaking. Terroir—the interplay of soil, climate, and location—plays a leading role: grapes from cool mountain slopes produce fresh, vibrant wines, while those from lower, warmer plots yield riper, fuller styles.
The vineyards lie on rare black and white slate, a poor, stony soil that forces the roots to grow deep, resulting in pronounced minerality and character.

Two indigenous grape varieties take centre stage: Moscatel de Alejandría and Romé—the latter having nearly disappeared and now found only in the Málaga province.

The Winemaking Process
We step into the production area, where modern techniques support natural winemaking. Freshly pressed grape juice (must) is fermented in concrete, wood, or amphorae, using only natural yeasts and without added sulphites. This preserves the pure character of the wine. Lauren proudly explains that all wines are organically certified—a clear reflection of the care for both nature and vineyard.

After a year of aging, the wines are bottled and labelled by hand. The labels are specially designed and depict the view over the Axarquía region as seen from the vineyards—a visual tribute to the origin of each bottle.

Production remains intentionally small-scale, varying each year, with a maximum of around 8,000 bottles and sometimes as few as 5,000. This limited production makes each wine even more special.

The Wines of Sedella Vinos
We are then guided to the tasting room, where we sample the wines. Behind the floor-to-ceiling windows unfolds a stunning view of the sea, adding an extra dimension to the tasting experience.

Unlike the often powerful and warm Spanish wines, Sedella Vinos wines are characterized by their freshness, lightness, and elegance. Lauren produces four wines: one white and three reds.

Vidueños de Sedella
We start with a refined white wine, served with Manchego—Spain’s iconic sheep’s cheese—but equally suited to fish dishes or as an elegant aperitif.
This wine is composed of 45% Moscatel grapes from vines dating back to 1940, planted on north-facing slopes. While Moscatel is often associated with sweet wines, Vidueños is dry.
It is partly aged in a 1904 amphora—an impressive clay vessel—giving the wine added depth and character. A fresh wine with a surprisingly complex structure. 

Laderas de Sedella (Amphora)
The next wine is the red Laderas—a beautiful example of how tradition and innovation complement each other. In 2008, Lauren took cuttings from 1940 vines to create a genetically identical clone, which he planted in a new, south-facing vineyard. This results in a noticeably sunnier, riper expression on the finish.
The vineyard sits on black slate soils and is planted with local varieties such as Romé and Jaén, along with Garnacha. The wine is fresh and fruity, with notes of cherry and raspberry, and is surprisingly versatile—delicious with chorizo, rice dishes, and even artisanal pizza.

Sedella
This wine comes from older vineyards (planted in 2015) on steep slopes where white slate and clay shape the terroir. It offers more concentration and complexity than the entry-level Sedella.
Made from Romé, Garnacha, and Jaén grapes, it delivers an intriguing and characterful blend.
The result is a fresh, elegant wine with structure and depth, without being heavy. According to Lauren, it pairs beautifully with duck foie gras, but also with roasted lamb—such as the local “chivo lechal” from Canillas de Aceituno.

Sedella Las Jacintas
Finally, Las Jacintas—a wine made from 100% Romé: pure, distinctive, and deeply rooted in its origin. This terroir-driven wine comes from high-altitude vineyards in the Las Jacintas area, where Romé grows on white slate soils.

It is light and aromatic, aged in French oak, and stands out as the most unique wine of Sedella Vinos. For those seeking something authentic and distinctive, this is a must-try. Lauren enjoys pairing it with chocolate, but it also works perfectly with oven-baked fish and robust meat dishes like lamb.

All the wines also pair beautifully with local Andalusian cuisine such as espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines), migas (fried breadcrumbs), and gazpacho (especially with the lighter wines). 

A memorable experience
Sadly, this special wine tasting in our own “backyard” comes to an end. Lauren, thank you for your warm hospitality and the inspiring story behind Sedella Vinos.

Where to buy?
These wines are, of course, available during the tasting. You can also find them online and through a carefully selected network of wine shops and restaurants that value quality and authenticity.

Made with love
It’s clear that these wines are made with incredible dedication, skill, and passion—and you can taste it. Each wine tells its own story, full of character and finesse. Curious to discover what makes these wines so special? Get in touch with Lauren and let yourself be carried away during an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

Contactgevens:
Sedella Vinos S.L.
Lauren Rosillo
e-mail: info@sedellavinos.com
Telefoon: +34 687 463 082

Photo credits: Rasja Post.