In the heart of Sierra Nevada, two Italians—Alessio Miconi and Marco Cimino—have embarked on a journey that goes beyond winemaking. It is a journey fueled by a profound love for the land and a shared vision to craft wines that are pure, authentic, and deeply connected to their environment. Alma de la Sierra, their winery, is a testament to that vision—its name drawing from the essence of both their souls, and the land they now call home.
Alessio’s roots trace back to Southern Italy, where wine flows through his veins. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of wine—first as a member of a family of winegrowers, then as an industry expert. For him, winemaking has always been more than a profession; it’s been a lifelong passion. Marco, on the other hand, arrived here with a deep love for Spain, its culture, and its endless horizons. His background in hospitality and tourism led him to a different path, one that would soon merge with Alessio’s, creating a powerful partnership founded on shared values and a deep connection.
Their story is one of destiny. What began as a chance meeting at a food fair quickly blossomed into an unbreakable bond. Over time, their shared dream took shape, leading them to the secluded Alpujarra region, where they discovered the untouched beauty of Sierra Nevada. Their land, with 44 hectares of vineyards perched up to 1.340 meters above sea level, spoke to Alessio’s vision for pure, high-altitude vineyards - a place where nature remains unspoiled, where purity prevails.
But this was no ordinary winemaking journey. This land had been abandoned by others, its vineyards left to wither. But for Alessio and
Marco, this was not a challenge - it was an opportunity: they saw potential where others saw desolation. It was a chance to restore and revive, to create something that spoke to their hearts and souls. With a vision rooted in long-term sustainability and an unwavering belief in the power of nature, they began the work of breathing new life into this forgotten land.
In this quiet corner of the world, amidst the beauty and solitude of the Sierra Nevada, they found their true purpose. The land became their sanctuary—a place where silence, community, and human connection intertwined. It was here that Alessio and Marco discovered more than they had ever hoped for. As Alessio puts it, “I have found much more than I expected. The people here, the neighbors, they welcomed us with open arms. It’s a kind of human connection I had been missing for so long. It feels like stepping back into a simpler time.”
Barrels by demptos. The renowned Bordeaux Cooperage.
The very countryfied entrance to the bodega.
Wines with a Soul
Souls have a way of connecting, and this connection lies at the heart of the Bodega’s ethos. The word "Alma" holds a profound significance in Spanish—its meaning resonates far beyond language, evoking something universal and timeless. This idea seamlessly intertwines with their philosophy of winemaking. They don’t just craft natural wines in a desertic land, without any forced irrigation; they create actual expressions of the land, wines with a soul, deeply rooted in the environment and the essence of their territory.
Their natural wines—Mi Primer Heroe, Por Dos Sangres: Uno, El Amor de Mi Vida, and Alma—are not just drinks; they are experiences, filled with energy, authenticity, and a deep connection to the terroir.
The bond between the land, the winemakers, and their wines is palpable, and it resonates with those who experience it. Alessio still remember their first sales: "He was our first customer ever, captivated by the authenticity of Alma de la Sierra, and he ordered wines sight unseen, trusting wholeheartedly in their quality, saying he knew it would have been exceptional even before tasting it, just convinced by our stories about our philosophy, beliefs and by our crazy minds".
This moment was a reflection of everything Alessio and Marco had worked for—the realization that their wines had become more than just a product; they had become a bridge between souls, a symbol of what happens when passion, place, and people align.
Through every challenge, every success, and every bottle, the two friends have brought their vision to life. Alma de la Sierra is not just a winery—it is the story of two souls united by a love for an almost unknown land, driven by a desire to craft wines that are as pure and heartfelt as the place they now call home.
As the conversation draws to a close, one question lingers in the air, encapsulating the essence of their journey: “Alessio, Marco, what does the future hold for Alma de la Sierra?”
They exchange a glance, the kind shared by friends who have weathered countless storms together, and Marco speaks first. “The future? It’s about continuing to listen—to the land, to each other, and to those who believe in what we do. There’s so much more to discover, so many stories left to tell through our wines.”
Alessio nods thoughtfully. “It’s not about expansion for the sake of it, but about deepening our connection. To grow, yes, but in harmony with the values that brought us here. Alma de la Sierra will remain a celebration of authenticity, of faith in what’s real and pure.”
With that, their vision becomes clear. Alma de la Sierra is not just a chapter; it’s a story still being written, one bottle, one moment, one heartfelt connection at a time.
A single passion unites these two lifelong friends.
