DESTINATIONS - WINE REGIONS: RIBERA DEL DUERO

The young region of Ribera de Duero is a reference for exceptional red wines

The wines produced in this region are among the finest in Spain. Already in the XII century, the monks of Cluny were growing grapes along the river bank of Duero to produce wine. Ribera de Duero, in the heart of Castilla-León, is the old land of castillos or castles. The vineyards are mostly concentrated in the north part of the Duero. Although the nowadays famous Ribera wine is red, from the native variety tinta fina or tinto del país, there are three other well-known wine varieties in the region: white in Rueda, red in Toro and claret and red in Cigales.

Wine is enjoyed in beautiful old towns like Burgos, Segovia, Peñaranda, Peñafiel or Pedraza, that will bring you back in time. Burgos, the old head of Castilla, has one of the most impressive gothic cathedrals of Spain, and it is also a lively town where shopping for local products and handcrafted items is as exciting as looking for the most fashionable stuff. Segovia, with the cathedral, the Aqueduct and the Alcazar will show you the history of this country. In the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, you can listen to the Gregorian chant of the monks. In a perfect combination of the old and the new the famous castle (castillo) of Peñafiel is now the home of a newly opened wine museum.

There are so many bodegas in this area that deserve a visit, that we have made a good selection for you. From the famous underground bodegas in Aranda to the well-known modern wineries of Ribera. Aranda, like lots of towns in the region, is practically hollow underneath, since the bodegas were tunnelled deep into the earth to help the temperature control and stability needed for wine storage. Although many fell into disuse, some have been recovered for visiting or for wine production. Visiting an old wine cellar that have remained working since centuries ago and drinking a glass of wine with one of the owners is an unforgettable experience.

The visit to Ribera de Duero won't be complete without the tasting of the famous roasted lamb. We will also go out an evening for the traditional Spanish tapas and wine.