Discover the authentic wine culture of Rueda

During this experience we will visit two unique ecological wineries with their own vineyards, wine-making facilities and maturation chambers. The first is a complex of historical buildings built and restored between the 15th and 18th centuries in a secluded countryside area amidst some 140 hectares of vines. The second winery has a rustic setting and features a tour of 17th century 12 metre deep subterranean passages where the wine matures in oak barrels.

Guests have the opportunity to walk among the vines and learn in detail how grapes are grown and harvested, how the wines are made and what makes the terroir and produce of this region unique.

Our experience is very personal and groups are very small (maximum of 6 guests) and the emphasis is at all times in immersing guests in the authentic local traditions and providing an insight not only into the history of the region but a glimpse of the lives of the local people committed to viniculture in this ancient land of wine elaboration.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Olmedo, Olmedo, Province of Valladolid, Castile and Leon

Mid-morning we arrive at our first ecological winery in the province of Valladolid, and explore the tranquil countryside estate with its 15th century chapel, medieval dovecot and monastery buildings where Christopher Columbus lodged to write his memoirs, touring the wine-making facilities and old barrel-ageing warehouse before enjoying a tutored tasting of three aged red wines accompanied by artisan cheese and ham in the old pilgrim's lodge.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rueda, Rueda, Province of Valladolid, Castile and Leon

We continue to the wine village of Rueda, seat of the appellation of Spain's wonderful white verdejo wines, for a three-course traditional Castilian lunch of wood-fire barbecued and roasted meats and accompaniments (with fish and vegetarian options available) paired with wine from the vines of the delightful surrounding vineyards.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: La Seca, La Seca, Province of Valladolid, Castile and Leon

After coffee, we take a walk among the nearby vines, learning about the lifecycle of the grape and the characteristics of this ancient wine region en route to the 18th century mansion house of our second winery, where we visit the winemaking facilities, learn the rudiments of the winemaking process and then descend to the underground wine tunnels to see how innovative modern techniques are fused to traditional methods to produce wines of outstanding character, and then return to the mansion house to conclude with a tutored tasting of three biodynamic white and rosado wines of excellence paired with local cured cheese.

Duration: 2 hours