Ignacio Echapresto
A self-taught chef, Ignacio learned the foundations of cooking alongside his mother, Rosi. His cuisine is rooted in the land and produce of La Rioja, with the vegetable garden at the heart of a seasonal approach that celebrates game, mushrooms and ingredients from the surrounding area.
Guided by respect for the ingredients and simplicity in his cooking, Ignacio brings together tradition and contemporary techniques to express the identity of the region through a personal style that remains closely connected to its roots while continually evolving.
Awards and Distinctions:
- Best Chef in La Rioja 2006.
- First MICHELIN Star 2010, awarded to Venta Moncalvillo.
- Two Repsol Suns since 2013.
- Chef of the Year 2021, Madrid Fusión.
- Ambassador of La Rioja Cuisine since 2022.
- MICHELIN Green Star 2023, awarded to Venta Moncalvillo.
- Second MICHELIN Star 2024, awarded to Venta Moncalvillo.
Carlos Echapresto
Carlos is the host of Venta Moncalvillo, taking care of every detail of the dining room service to make each visit a special experience. As sommelier, he oversees a wine cellar featuring more than 2,000 selections from the five continents, carefully chosen to complement our cuisine and create pairings that enhance each dish.
His career and dedication to the world of wine have been recognised with several awards and distinctions:
- Best Sommelier of Rioja 2008, awarded by the Regulatory Council of DOCa Rioja.
- Finalist, National Award for Best Sommelier in Spain 2013.
- Sommelier Who Has Done the Most to Promote Spanish Wine 2016, International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain.
- National Gastronomy Award for Best Sommelier 2016.
- Best Wine List 2020, International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain, awarded to Venta Moncalvillo.
- Best Sommelier 2022, Club de Gourmets Awards.