Bodega Bardos and FADEMUR celebrate the fourth edition of the Bardos Project to support rural women entrepreneurs

At Vintae, we continue to champion talent and commitment to rural areas, and we do so through Bodega Bardos, which this year launches the fourth edition of the Bardos Project. Since its inception in 2021, this initiative has become a cornerstone in providing visibility and support to women entrepreneurs leading projects in rural Spain, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and combating depopulation.

Four years supporting female entrepreneurship in rural areas

Since its launch, the Bardos Project has had a clear goal: to boost female entrepreneurship in rural regions. In this fourth edition, the €6,000 prize remains in place, awarded to a project that stands out for its territorial, social, and sustainable impact. Through this award, we aim to empower women to develop their businesses without leaving their hometowns.

Entrepreneurs who wish to participate in this fourth edition can submit their projects via FADEMUR’s Ruraltivity platform until December 15, 2024.

Four years of commitment to rural areas

As Richi Arambarri, General Director of Bodega Bardos, states: "With this fourth edition of the Bardos Project, we continue to give back to rural areas what they give us. Our vineyards grow in regions of Soria and Burgos, areas facing a high risk of depopulation, and we want to support those who are fighting to retain population and create wealth in these territories."

He adds: “With the Bardos Project, we aim to give a boost to those businesses where women are in charge, recognizing their essential role in preserving cultural and winemaking heritage.”

Three editions of inspiring stories

In the previous three editions of the Bardos Project, we have witnessed the flourishing of female entrepreneurship in rural areas. Women like Marta Martín Abad, winner of the 2023 edition with her sustainable livestock project Entrecabritos in Torralba de los Sisones (Teruel), and Alicia Fernández, the 2022 winner with Roca de Cabra, are examples of leadership and innovation within their communities.

These examples demonstrate that more and more rural women are investing in projects that not only diversify the local economy but also generate employment and social impact. In the last edition, out of the 70 projects submitted, 32 were led by women under 40 years old, and 51 were based in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in the fight against depopulation.

A promising future in the fourth edition of the Bardos Project

As we embark on this fourth edition of the Bardos Project, we are committed to continuing to support rural women who are transforming their communities with their innovative ideas. If you have a project and want to contribute to the development of your rural area, we invite you to take part in this unique opportunity.

We can’t wait to discover the next winning project that will help boost Spain's rural areas!