The station of the month: Vinateros

Vinateros station, on line 9, is one of the best known stations in the Moratalaz district. It opened to the public on New Year's Eve, 31 December 1980, coinciding with the inauguration of the first section of the line between Sainz de Baranda and Pavones stations. Its opening meant bringing Metro to Moratalaz for the first time. This district emerged in the middle of the 20th century and in a few years, transformed what was once farmland and an area of sheep herds into an extensive neighbourhood. 

According to the newspapers of the time, Moratalaz celebrated the arrival of Metro in style, including a Giants and Big-heads parade. With 5 stations and a total of 3.5 kilometres, this section of Metro was then known as line 9A. Line 9 was originally split in two, with a southern section between Sainz de Baranda and Pavones and a northern section, known as line 9B, which was inaugurated in June 1983 between Plaza de Castilla and Herrera Oria. It was not until 1986 that the northern and southern sections were linked. 

The station we are visiting today is located under Camino de Vinateros street, which gives its name to the neighbourhood and the station. The name derives from the fact that a large part of the wine consumed in Madrid, mainly from Arganda, used to arrive by wagon along this road. 

The two murals that decorate the station are devoted to wine. The first one, by Taller Atienza, focuses on the conservation phase and depicts several casks splashed with a dark red colour that stands out against the predominant blue of the ensemble.  

The second mural, by Raventos, simulates a wine cellar in which several barrels and casks are stacked against a bright blue background. Wood takes centre stage representing large trunk, which will soon be used for the red and white wines. 

The nods to wine don’t stop there. Like many of the stations on line 9, the platform floors are decorated with motifs alluding to its name. Have you ever noticed that large wine glasses adorn the pavement of this station? 

One last note before concluding: in 2024, the station registered more than 2 million user entries. One of the most used in the district.