May 21st, 2025, was no ordinary evening. It was a night to remember, to get emotional, and to raise a glass. At Barahonda, Bodegas Antonio Candela celebrated its centenary with an event that went far beyond a commemoration\u2014it was a heartfelt tribute to our history, our family, and the land of Yecla.<\/p>\n
More than 170 guests joined us to celebrate 100 years of hard work, passion, and dedication to wine.<\/p>\n
The evening began with a warm welcome\u2014just as you\u2019d expect from a house that has opened its doors to the world for generations, right from the heart of Yecla. Among the guests were dignitaries such as Sara Rubira, Regional Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and Mar\u00eda Remedios Lajara, Mayor of Yecla. Emotion and pride could be felt in every corner.<\/p>\n
We kicked off with a moment no one will ever forget: the virtual appearance of Antonio Candela Sr., recreated through an AI-generated avatar and voice clone. From the screen, with calm and emotion, he welcomed the attendees and spoke to us about the future. It was a powerful moment. A perfect blend of technology and soul that, in seconds, captured the essence of the evening: memory, emotion, and innovation.<\/p>\n
The mayor captured it beautifully in a single sentence: \u201cThe Candela family has not only been key to the wine sector, but also to the economic, social and emotional development of Yecla.\u201d<\/em> And she couldn’t have said it better.<\/p>\n One of the most moving moments of the evening was the unveiling of our new virtual reality and artificial intelligence experience, developed in collaboration with the agency Estado Latente. Guests were able to literally immerse themselves in our vineyards, walk through the history of the winery, and hear\u2014through a voice clone of Antonio Candela Poveda\u2014a deeply emotional and personal guided tour. It was magical. It was human. It was the future.<\/p>\n And if there was one moment that brought every attendee together in shared emotion, it was the live interview with Antonio and Alfredo Candela, led by our communications consultant, Susana Lluna.<\/p>\n We shared family anecdotes, challenges overcome, dreams fulfilled\u2014and, above all, we reaffirmed who we are: a family winery that has never stopped looking forward.<\/p>\n \u201cThese one hundred years have been made possible thanks to the work of so many people who have been part of our story,\u201d said Alfredo. \u201cToday we celebrate their legacy and renew our commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and our land.\u201d
\n\u201cWe look to the future with the responsibility of those who are the keepers of a century of knowledge, but also with the excitement of those who know the best wine is yet to come,\u201d added Antonio, eyes set on the horizon.<\/p>\n