The spectacular success of Rías Baixas' fragrant, fruity white wines within a decade of winning DO status in 1988 has given Galician winemaking a new spirit of optimism.

The harnessing of modern technology has also been a key influence in the region's other DOs. Producers range from modern cooperatives to small-scale artesanal producers- here called adegas, the Galician name for bodegas- some of whom now make 'signature' wines of astonishing quality and complexity. The wider, mass-market success of young Albariño has encouraged winemakers to start experimenting with ageing on wood and in the bottle. DO wines may not be sold in bulk. Two new growing areas were added in 1996 and 2000. Since these and other subzones will only start coming into full production over the coming decade, the quantities of wine made are like to increase dramatically.