What is sea wine?
The wine known as “underwater” or “sea” wine is wine aged wholly or partly underwater, in uncontrollable submarine conditions but within ranges proven beneficial to the wine. This technique, which combines science, sustainability and winemaking tradition, has been perfected by the winery Crusoe Treasure, a global pioneer in this type of marine ageing.
The idea arose from an old observation: some bottles recovered from shipwrecks, preserved for decades on the seabed, showed surprisingly positive development. From there, scientific curiosity became a forward-looking business venture.
How is wine aged beneath the sea?
The process begins on land, with a careful selection of grape varieties and traditional winemaking. But in addition to completing its ageing in barrels, after bottling at Crusoe Treasure, the process is transferred to the seabed.
Crusoe Treasure submerges its bottles in special concrete and steel structures to protect both the wine and the marine species of the Cantabrian Sea, at depths of around 20 metres. There, for months, the bottles sway with the marine currents, protected by the pressure, darkness and constant temperature that encourage the wine’s unique development.
The result is a different kind of ageing, with greater integration of aromas and flavours, rounder tannins and a silky texture that surprises tasters.
What makes wine aged beneath the sea unique?
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Dynamic ageing: The marine currents and constant movement provide gentle, continuous micro-oxygenation that alters the wine’s structure.
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Stable conditions: A temperature with constant yet slight fluctuations, the absence of light and constantly changing pressure—conditions impossible to replicate in a traditional winery.
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Distinctive minerality: Some tasters detect a more pronounced minerality, possibly influenced by the marine environment.
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Unique visual signature: The bottles emerge covered in marine life—algae, shells and more—turning them into genuine works of art.
Who is behind underwater wine?
The winery Crusoe Treasure, located in Plentzia (Bizkaia), was the first in the world to create an artificial reef (in 2007) as an underwater winery, combining winemaking with marine restoration. Its multidisciplinary team includes winemakers, marine biologists and innovation experts, all committed to responsible and sustainable production.
Beyond wine, Crusoe Treasure promotes marine conservation by studying the positive impact of its activity on local ecosystems.
Why try sea wine?
Because it is a different sensory experience. It is not only about the flavour, but also the story behind each bottle: a combination of science, sea, passion and art. Tasting sea wine means discovering a new dimension of wine, where terroir is no longer only the land, but also the ocean.
Sea wine, or underwater wine, represents a natural evolution in the constant pursuit of innovation in the world of wine without losing our connection with nature. Crusoe Treasure has turned that vision into an internationally recognised reality, giving rise to wines that surprise not only the palate, but also the mind.
If you love wine, seek out new sensations or are simply curious, sea wine offers you more than good flavour: it invites you to immerse yourself in a unique story that begins beneath the water and ends in your glass.