Celler Tiques

Joan Rubio comes from a long line of winegrowers in the Penedes region of Spain, with his family’s connection to the land stretching back generations. Born and raised in the family home, Cal Tiques, Joan’s passion for winemaking was ignited at a young age, influenced by his grandfather’s stories about the vineyards. Though he initially had dreams of studying philosophy, Joan pursued enology and, by the age of 25, took over the family’s vineyards, selling their grapes to local wineries.

Joan’s journey took a pivotal turn when he began working for the prestigious Cava producer Recaredo, where he rose to the position of Technical Director. During his 14 years at Recaredo, Joan played a key role in transitioning their vineyards to biodynamic farming, a practice that still continues today. However, despite his success, Joan always felt a deep connection to his own family’s vineyards and longed to return to working the land.

In 2015, alongside his wife Angels Margalef and friend Aart Jan Hemmink, Joan founded Tiques Vins, reviving the family’s tradition of winemaking. Located in the heart of Penedes, their small, functional cellar combines a historic section from the 19th century with a modern addition built in 2015.

Joan’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for nature. He believes that while agriculture alters the natural order, it’s essential to work in harmony with nature’s rhythms. His wines are crafted with minimal intervention, aiming to reveal the true essence of the grape and the terroir. Tiques Vins focuses on biodynamic practices, with all grapes coming from Joan and Angels’s family vineyards, located just 15-20 km from the Mediterranean.

Today, Joan’s wines are known for their purity, elegance, and reflection of the land, with only small amounts of sulphites used in a few cuvees when absolutely necessary. From his early days selling grapes to local wineries to now crafting wines that capture the soul of the Penedes, Joan Rubio’s dedication to his craft continues to shine through every bottle of Tiques Vins.