Changes in the location guidelines of the wineries around the city of Borja (Zaragoza)

Abstract

The transformations in the wine sector have led to important changes in the vineyards and wineries of the wine regions. These spaces have focused on the production of quality wines (under some form of protected designation of origin) and that are destined for increasingly numerous, diverse, and demanding markets. The objective of this work is to analyse the location guidelines of wineries in the Zaragoza municipality of Borja (from cave wineries to new industrial wineries). Maps have been drawn showing the various variables that explain the new location guidelines, and interviews have been conducted with various agents involved in the sector. The results reflect significant changes in the spatial location of wineries and in their structure, many of which have left the hills to settle near the communication centres in the lower areas of the municipality. Production and management systems have also changed. However, recently, a new logic is being seen in the location of wineries, especially those that make more exclusive wines, with locations that prioritise environmental and landscape values over functional value.