We are celebrating Ambivium’s ninth anniversary: nine years of offering unique wine experiences
Who would have thought nine years ago that we’d have so much to celebrate on this Ambivium anniversary? So many wines and dishes that have come together in perfect harmony; so many of you who have sat at our tables; so much recognition for the project and the team; so many trips and events; so many bottles that have been part of our journey…
It is very difficult to sum up all the emotions we have experienced leading up to Ambivium’s ninth anniversary, but it is very easy to thank all of you who have made it possible for this dream to become a reality. Ever since the idea of creating a unique wine experience first emerged back in 2017, we have experienced countless moments that we would like to share with you.
A bit of history
On 23 March 2017, Ambivium opened its doors on a memorable opening day, attended by those who had backed and believed in Alma Carraovejas. Led by José María and Pedro Ruiz, the first steps were taken at this crossroads, which has since seen Ambivium cover thousands of kilometres.
Launch of Ambivium.
Miles travelled not only by our team and clients, or by our suppliers and partners, but also by students and trainers, and to the conferences, trade fairs and events we have attended.
In the time leading up to Ambivium’s ninth anniversary, we have weathered a pandemic that marked a turning point for everyone, but undoubtedly for the world of gastronomy and wine in particular. A situation that brought countless comings and goings, openings and reopenings, from which we emerged definitively with greater enthusiasm and a strengthened innovative spirit that has never ceased to draw on the past whilst looking towards the future.
And during that now somewhat distant pandemic, we reached one of the milestones in our history: our Estrella Michelin. Wearing our face masks, we welcomed this accolade with great joy; it spurred us on even more to continue striving for excellence in our kitchens and dining room, and to remain committed to a culture of attention to detail.
Receiving the first Michelin star
But even before that, we had already received other accolades: the Q for Quality, the ‘Revelation Establishment’ award from Maestros Hosteleros, the ‘Best Wine List in the Restaurant Category’ at the IWC Merchant Awards, the ‘Best Wine Handling’ award at Verema, and the coveted first Repsol Sun.
The 2022 season saw the opening of our wine cellar, our own personal tribute to the world of wine, which now houses over 5,600 wines from more than 20 countries. A functional space with two floors connected by a spiral staircase linking Alma’s wine collection with our ever-changing international wine list, where different wine-growing regions are celebrated through sculptures by the artist Julio Galán.
Ambivium Winery
That same year saw the launch of Cellarium, our tasting menu which remains on offer to mark Ambivium’s anniversary, drawing on techniques handed down from our ancestors alongside more innovative approaches. Cellarium and our food and wine pairing have travelled with our team to the most prestigious conferences in our country, such as Madrid Fusión, San Sebastián Gastronómika and the Foro del Ibérico, as well as Mediterránea Gastrónoma, Gastrocanarias, Soria Gastronómica, the Encuentro de los Mares, H&T and HIP.
As well as travelling to give talks or host show cooking sessions, our team has taken part in events not only at Ambivium or the Pago de Carraovejas estate (such as the Otoño Enológico or the Castilla y León Family Business dinner), but also elsewhere (the Mestres centenary, Forbes House Madrid, a pop-up menu inspired by the 1855 classification…), and even beyond our borders (a gala dinner for Loewe at Paris Fashion Week or the pop-ups in Mexico at Terra and Chable Resort).
Loewe dinner in Paris
And the awards kept coming
Sustainability is in our DNA, and as proof of this, the Michelin Guide awarded us the Green Star in 2022, a distinction that recognises practices such as the annual measurement of our carbon footprint, the reduction of water consumption, recycling, and the use of renewable energy generated on-site via solar panels and biomass boilers. Furthermore, we retained our Michelin Star for the third consecutive year, highlighting the culinary excellence that we continue to uphold today.
The shower of accolades continued: in 2022, the Copa Jerez National Final, two Repsol Suns, and Top New Restaurants Europe by OAD (first international recognition); in 2023, Best Team Photo by Michelin Spain, Best Restaurant Proposal at a Winery at the IWC Awards, Restaurant of the Year at the 11th edition of the Posada Awards; in 2024: Best Restaurant by Club de Gourmets, Top 100 Sommeliers Spain, Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, Alimentos de España Award for the restaurant sector, Best Restaurant by the Spanish Association of Wine Journalists and Writers; in 2025, Best Wine List by Star Wine List Spain and a silver medal in the international edition.
By 2026, Ambivium’s ninth anniversary had brought further accolades: the Gastronomy Entrepreneurship Award from the Castile and León Academy of Gastronomy; Best Wine Restaurant from the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers of France; Best Italian Wine List in the Star Wine List of the Year Spain; and inclusion in the Macarfi Guide as the third recommended restaurant in Castilla y León.
Furthermore, our team has reached the finals of numerous gastronomy and wine competitions, such as the Castile and León Cocktail Award, Chef Balfegó, Conocinero of the Year, and the July Soler Award for talent and the future of wine.
These are milestones that mark Ambivium’s journey, through which have passed leading figures from the world of gastronomy and wine, as well as students who have trained with us and professionals who have chosen us for an internship.
The best is yet to come!
