Eva Plazas Appointed General Manager of Vilarnau
Generational Shift at the Organic Catalan Winery
hree Decades of Experience in the Cava Sector
Eva Plazas Torné begins 2026 as the new General Manager and Winemaker of Vilarnau, following a transition period with Damià Deàs Gual. With nearly 30 years of experience in the sector, Plazas takes the reins of the organic winery with the goal of maintaining quality and driving sustainable innovation.
The New Manager’s Professional Profile
Barcelona, 30/01/26
Eva Plazas Torné, born in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, possesses a solid technical background: a degree in Agricultural Technical Engineering and a Master’s in Viticulture and Oenology from the UPC, complemented by a Master’s in Wine Marketing and Communication from the UIC and a WSET Level 2 certification. Her career at Vilarnau began in 1996 in the laboratory and quality control department, and she has developed her professional path by taking on various technical and oenological responsibilities within the company.
Beyond her work at Vilarnau, Plazas is a board member and master of ceremonies for the Confraria del Cava, a member of the tasting committees for the Cava Regulatory Council and the DO Penedès, and president of CAVAWOMEN, a collective that promotes the visibility of women in the sector. Her profile combines technical expertise, commitment to the region, and sectoral leadership.
The Transition and the Legacy of Damià Deàs
Plazas takes over from Damià Deàs i Gual, an emblematic figure at Vilarnau with 40 years dedicated to the brand. Deàs, who served as General Manager since 2003, leaves a legacy defined by innovation: he was a pioneer in introducing Pinot Noir to the Penedès, championed the high-altitude areas of the Upper Penedès, and consolidated an approach based on authenticity and oenological excellence.
The handover process has taken place over several months of joint work, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and the continuity of the business project. According to Plazas, “the trust that González Byass places in our knowledge of the land gives us the freedom to create wines with their own identity and an honest expression of the place where they are made.”
Strategy and Future Objectives
The new manager of Vilarnau has set as a priority the continuity of the winery’s established style while reinforcing the commitment to organic viticulture and maximum quality.
Plazas has stated that her main challenge is “to continue crafting cavas that speak the language of the land, convey emotion, and tell stories that endure,” in line with the values that define the brand.
Vilarnau’s strategy involves maintaining the pillars of innovation, quality, and respect for the terroir that have characterized the winery over the last decades. Close relationships with winegrowers and a commitment to sustainable production remain central elements of the project, now under the leadership of a professional with profound knowledge of both the sector and the Penedès region.
https://www.gonzalezbyass.com/es
https://www.vilarnau.es/es
https://es.linkedin.com/company/gonzalezbyass
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