Discover the unique wine and villages of the Sierra de Salamanca

This is a unique opportunity to experience the authentic artisan terrace-vineyard terroir of the Sierra de Salamanca wine appellation, spending quality time in among the vines accompanied by experts who will explain everything you'd like to know and answer all your queries on what makes this ancient wine-making region and its grapes and vines so different from anywhere else in the world of wine. You will also have the opportunity to visit and explore some of the most charming and beautiful villages in Spain, whose remoteness has ensured the conservation of their medieval character dating back to the 11th century. Your tour host Don Federico, a Scottish, Spanish-speaking adopted local, is knowledgable and gregarious and will ensure your day is not only informative and relaxed but also engaging and fun – a truly unique wine experience.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Villanueva Del Conde, Villanueva Del Conde, Province of Salamanca, Castile and Leon

As we drive south from Salamanca across agricultural and pasture land towards the hills of the Sierra de Salamanca, Don Federico will provide an overview of the history of viticulture of the region and we will make a stop to see a historic old village bullring. Arriving at the village we will be met by one of the wine-makers of the local ecological winery who will accompany us to a beautiful steep-terraced vineyard and explain the lifecycle of the vines, many of which are up to a century old, and ecological methods of viticulture employed. Next we will continue to the charming bodega hidden away in the midst of the forest for an insightful tour of the wine-making facilities, walking you through the process of making wine from unique indigenous grape varietals from harvest to maturation. Afterwards we will enjoy a tasting session of at least 3 fine wines of the bodega made from the ancient autochthonous grapes of this unique terroir on a terrace overlooking the surrounding valleys and ridges of the sierra.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Miranda del Castanar, Miranda del Castanar, Province of Salamanca, Castile and Leon

Departing the bodega we will make a stop in this charming hilltop village with its 14th century keep and ancient defensive walls to take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding forested landscape, dotted with medieval villages and vineyards. We will drop into an old bodega, now converted into a small museum and gift shop, built directly into the town wall where Don Federico will explain the ancient method of wine-making that was conducted in days-gone-by in this very setting.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Mogarraz, Mogarraz, Province of Salamanca, Castile and Leon

We continue for a short journey through forest populated with deer, cattle and wild boar to reach our lunch-stop at one of the officially accredited 'most beautiful villages in Spain', Mogarraz, situated in the natural park of Las Batuecas and Sierra de Francia and a natural biosphere reserve. Featuring alpine-style architecture established by the French settlers of the region in the 11th century, this traditional village set on the steep side of a hilltop ridge has been perfectly conserved and features narrow cobblestone lanes to explore, artisan craft shops to peruse, a charming Plaza Mayor and ancient vines that creep right up to the edge of the buildings. Also notable is a thought-provoking open-air art exhibition of portraits of previous inhabitants of the village attached to the exteriors of the old houses they once occupied – silent witnesses of the slow pace of change in this remote but beautiful outpost.

As well as the opportunity to explore the village, we will have an extensive three-course lunch in a Michelin-Guide restaurant known throughout the province for the quality of its charcoal-grilled meat dishes, including the local free-range Morucha beef and pork, and other exquisitely-prepared traditional dishes of the Sierra. Fish and seafood options are also available. The highly-rated wine from the adjoining village bodega will be served as an accompaniment.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: La Alberca, La Alberca, Province of Salamanca, Castile and Leon

On our return journey to Salamanca of approximately an hour we will pass by perhaps the most famous of the mountain villages of the area, La Alberca, and will have the option of stopping for a short stroll to see the medieval plaza, church and main street and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or infusion in a characterful and relaxing 'tetería' tea-shop on the edge of the village. This stop will depend on the weather, available light and wishes of the group.

Duration: 1 hour