Bodega Neleman spans more than 100 hectares, nestled in the heart of a protected natural reserve at over 900 meters of altitude. Located in the Requena appellation near Valencia, the estate benefits from ideal exposure that allows its indigenous grape varieties to fully express their character. The surrounding Hoces de Cabriel Natural Park, classified by UNESCO for its exceptional biodiversity, is rooted in Cretaceous-era soils composed of sand, clay, and limestone. This remarkable geological diversity, combined with vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, creates a unique ecosystem dedicated to sustainable viticulture and environmental preservation.

Driven by the passion of its founder Derrick Neleman, a Dutch entrepreneur deeply connected to the land, the winery is committed to organic farming and the protection of old vines. For Neleman, wine is more than a beverage: it is culture, heritage, and art. Every bottle tells the story of a terroir and a tradition. Bridging this legacy with contemporary consumer culture has become essential to awaken curiosity and connect new generations to wine.

Because wine is art

Contemporary art, in many ways, reflects who we are today — our values, desires, and the world we are shaping for the future. This vision was powerfully expressed in Alessandro Paglia’s collaboration with Neleman, where he designed hyper-realistic wine labels featuring cartoon-inspired characters enhanced with gold details. These labels transform each bottle into a collector’s object, blending visual storytelling with wine craftsmanship.

Born in Milan, Alessandro Paglia is a designer and contemporary artist whose work combines photography and meticulous hand-drawing on cotton paper, with each piece requiring up to 250 hours of work. Like winemaking, his creations are entirely manual. Using pencils and fine pens, he captures pop culture, everyday objects, and modern icons, translating the visual language of a constantly evolving generation while honoring the traditions passed down through time.

The art and the wine history

Art and wine have always been deeply connected. Throughout art history, wine has appeared in countless paintings — sometimes discreetly, sometimes symbolically. This artistic heritage echoes in Paglia’s work. Like Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, who painted glasses, carafes, and kitchen objects, or Pieter Claesz, the Flemish master of illusionistic still lifes, Paglia elevates ordinary objects into icons of their era.

Through his drawings, Alessandro Paglia captures moments, emotions, and fragments of daily life that might otherwise go unnoticed. Tasting a wine bearing one of his labels becomes an immersive experience: it is a dialogue between the vineyard, the artist, and the drinker. Just as Paglia draws every detail by hand, the winemaker shapes each bottle through patient, artisanal work. Both express the same philosophy — time, precision, and respect for craftsmanship.

The new Neleman x Alessandro Paglia labels will be available this spring on Adegas.

Continue discovering Neleman wines through the latest editions available here.