Winemakers Thomas and Emma Holt settled on Somontano to achieve their ambition of bringing together old world traditions and modern techniques to make their own wines, in their own style.

Their story begins in their hometown of Shrewsbury, a small county town in the heart of the English countryside. It just happens to also be the home of Tanners Wine Merchants, one of the UK’s most prestigious wine retailers and where Thomas and Emma met. With a burgeoning love of wine and a keen sense of adventure, they left Tanners to travel the world with the dream of becoming winemakers in their own right.

For Thomas, this initially meant a three-year stint at Plumpton College, studying for a degree in Viticulture and Oenology. They soon joined forces again and headed off to New Zealand. Two vintages at Pask Winery in Hawke’s Bay were followed by three at Flat Rock Cellars in Niagara. Brimming with enthusiasm after working with some of the industry’s most influential producers, they embarked on their most daunting challenge yet.

Always wanting to make wine in Europe, and Spain in particular, they set off looking for a winery who would share their ambition and help them on their way to creating their very first wine. That was in 2015 and they haven’t looked back since. Paso-Primero has gone from strength to strength winning awards and critical acclaim for their ever expanding portfolio. The ethos remains the same, though, as Thomas and Emma continue to make the sort of fun, enjoyable wines that they fell in love with when they first worked together.