Tucked away in the port of Estepona is something truly unique, a winery beneath the sea. Escaramujo Wines is Spain’s first underwater bodega, and it’s putting Estepona on the map for more than just sunshine and beaches. Escaramujo‘s bottles are aged for months on the seabed, where the pressure, temperature, and gentle movement of the water help shape a wine with real character. “The sea gives our wines a different rhythm,” says Victor M. Gomez, co-founder of the project. “It’s a way of letting nature take part in the process.” The result? A wine that surprises the palate. Smooth, balanced, and expressive, with a story behind every bottle. Each one spends between six to 12 months beneath the waves before being brought back to shore. But Escaramujo isn’t just about producing great wine; it’s also about protecting the sea, which makes it possible. The winery’s underwater cages act as artificial reefs, creating safe habitats for marine life. Fish, crabs, and octopuses shelter around the structures, helping to restore balance to the coastal ecosystem. It’s a win-win for wine lovers and the environment. This focus on sustainability is key to the winery’s identity. Every part of the process is eco-conscious, from the reusable steel cages to handmade labels and minimal packaging. “We don’t use any plastic,” Victor explains. “Even our corks are 100% natural and biodegradable.” Each sea-aged vintage is part of a limited edition. Fewer than 500 bottles are submerged per year, making every one a collector’s item. The labels are hand-numbered, and many customers choose to personalise theirs by adopting a bottle engraved with their name and a certificate of provenance. It’s the perfect gift or keepsake for wine lovers or anyone looking for a meaningful connection to the sea. The idea was born from a shared passion between friends: a love of the sea, a respect for nature, and a curiosity about how wine could evolve in a different environment. “We started experimenting with a few bottles at first,” Victor says. “We didn’t know what we’d find. But the result was beyond what we imagined.” Getting the necessary permissions took years of research, tests, and bureaucratic paperwork. But eventually, Escaramujo found the perfect spot off the coast of Estepona. The location is deep enough for the pressure to make a difference, but calm enough to ensure the bottles remain safe. The conditions are monitored constantly to ensure both the quality of the wine and the well-being of marine life. Escaramujo now offers guided tastings, workshops, and wine education events. Visitors can learn more about the underwater ageing process and taste the difference for themselves. It’s a hands-on experience, often held in the winery’s space in the port of Estepona. “People are always amazed,” Victor says. “It’s something you really have to taste to understand.” Even those who can’t make it in person can still be part of the adventure. Through the “Adopt a Bottle” programme, customers from around the world can sponsor a bottle that will age beneath the sea. Once it’s ready, they receive it at home with their name on the label and a photo of their bottle on the seabed. Escaramujo Wines is now selling internationally, with clients across Europe and beyond. But Victor and his team are proud to keep their roots in Estepona. “We want this to stay a local project,” he says. “It’s about the Costa del Sol, the Mediterranean, and the future of the sea.” The name ‘Escaramujo’ comes from the wild rosehip plant, a symbol of resilience and nature’s quiet power. It reflects the team’s approach, working with nature, not against it. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious to try something new, visiting Escaramujo is worth adding to your Costa del Sol to-do list. It’s a great talking point, a brilliant local gift, and a reminder of how tradition and innovation can come together in the most unexpected places. Visitors often find themselves staying longer than planned, chatting with the team and soaking in the peaceful energy of the port. “There’s a calmness here,” Victor says. “It fits the wine. Slow, thoughtful, and shaped by nature.” In a region best known for golf, beaches, and bustling chiringuitos, Escaramujo is carving out a space for something different, something mindful, innovative, and deeply connected to the sea. So, next time you’re strolling through the port of Estepona, keep an eye out for Spain’s only underwater winery. You might just discover your new favourite bottle, one that’s travelled deeper than most before ever reaching your glass.