Carmen was born in Riverside, California.  After graduating from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science, Carmen decided to go to UCLA Law School. During a summer break from law school, Carmen went to Lanciego, Spain (population: 650+) in the heart of Rioja Alavesa to visit family where she met her cousin Tomas' buddy, Juantxu.  Sparks ensued that summer but Carmen returned to California to finish law school.  After receiving her Juris Doctor, Carmen started working as an attorney, first in Los Angeles and then later in Riverside.  However, Juantxu and Carmen meanwhile could not resist visiting each other every chance they could!  As time passed by, the distance was just too much.  The huge dilemma was who of the two was going to give up their family, friends, country and career for the other!  After almost five years of courtship, and some dilemma, Carmen decided to give up everything to follow her heart (well, let's be honest, she liked Juantxu's wine too)!  

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In 2001, Carmen and Juantxu married in Spain.  Soon after a romantic, fairy-tale wedding in a 17th century church in Lanciego, Carmen began working at a winery in marketing, public relations and then later in the export department.  She also completed a Masters in Viticulture, Winemaking and Wine Marketing so that she could better understand the winemaking world.  However, where Carmen learned most was at their own winery with Juantxu, whose passion for wine and the vineyard was just absolutely contagious!  Also, learning right from the pro was priceless.  Carmen hopes to share this passion for wine with you at Mendieta Osaba Wines, the most magical boutique winery in Rioja!