British wine critic and Master of Wine Tim Atkin has named La Val’s vineyard manager, Oliver Weiss, Viticulturalist of the Year in his 2025 report on the Rías Baixas DO. The award highlights the committed and transformative work this German agronomist has been carrying out in Galicia since joining Bodegas La Val.
Born 57 years ago in southern Germany, Weiss found in Galicia a fertile ground to develop a career rooted in biodiversity, sustainability, and technical knowledge applied with both skill and sensitivity. “I’m very happy. This recognition comes at an excellent moment in my professional life, and here at La Val I’ve found a great team,” says Weiss. He also expresses his gratitude to Iñaki Sanz and Víctor Urrutia for the trust placed in him: “They’ve given me their confidence and the freedom to do my job, and that means a lot to me.”
From Kiel to Rías Baixas
Trained as an agronomist in Kiel, Weiss began his journey in agriculture with hands-on training in farming. “Since I was a child I wanted to be an agronomist like my grandfather. He taught me the trade with his own hands,” he recalls. After gaining experience on farms and nurseries, he moved to Vigo at the age of 29 and built a versatile career marked by his passion for plants.
He has worked in horticultural production, botanic garden management, arboriculture, and viticulture, both in Germany and Spain. A specialist in ornamental species and exotic plants—he successfully introduced the giant water lily Victoria cruziana to Vigo in 2013—Weiss has also been a permanent member of the tasting committee at the Rías Baixas Regulatory Council since 2001.
Biodiversity as a Working Philosophy
At La Val, Weiss champions a philosophy grounded in biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and meticulous vineyard care. Among the standout practices he leads are the planting of floral mixes to attract pollinators like bees, the installation of insect hotels, and the use of sheep to manage ground cover, in collaboration with a local shepherd.
“They’re natural allies against pests,” he explains, emphasising the importance of a balanced ecosystem as the foundation for healthier and more resilient vineyards. At present, he is preparing for pruning season and continuing his work to restore and protect the natural environment across La Val’s vineyards.
Vocational Passion, Sensitivity and Knowledge
“We need people who are excited about what they do,” says Weiss, convinced that the best viticulture stems from deep knowledge and a strong bond with the land. This recognition from Tim Atkin—one of the most influential voices in the wine world—not only reinforces his trajectory, but also puts Bodegas La Val and the Condado do Tea subzone firmly in the spotlight of soulful, cutting-edge Atlantic viticulture.