Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas has bought the Bodega Anta Natura in Ribera del Duero.

Banderas, famous for his role in the The Mask of Zorro, is thought to have acquired 50% shareholding of Bodega Anta Natura, located in the town of Burgos Villalba de Duero, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a winemaker in his native Spain.

The bodega, which was established in 1999 by Teodoro Ortega with an initial investment of €30m (£28m/$41m), will be renamed Anta Banderas as part of the deal.

According to Federico Ortega, president of Bodega Anta Natura, Banderas chose the bodega 'because of the quality of the wines, and its great potential for international expansion.'

'We are proud that he has chosen to be partners with us. Antonio is a lover of the world of wine,' he said.

'He believes in this young project, based on the premise of quality wines.'

Bodega Anta already produces 1.5m bottles per year, with the 2005 Anta Natura a16 picking up a 5-star Decanter award at the November Ribera del Duero panel tasting.

The actor is seeking to be involved in all the stages of the winemaking and it is hoped his reputation will enhance the international name of the winery and help them break into new international markets.

'Banderas has been in a couple of times. Together we will continue focusing on quality and we will endeavour to draft a new international dimension,' added Ortega.

                                  News From:www.decanter.com