Our favorite plans for a summer like no other before
Definitely, this summer is a bit special. To face the new constraints but also the new desires of escape away from the common busy areas, you may be interested in our selection of peaceful and original places, where it is all about relaxation, silence, unspoilt natural landscapes, observation of wild life… and good wine, of course!
Galicia
Let us first mention Green Spain and one of its jewels: Galicia. Two of the wineries members, Terras Gauda and Mar de Frades (main picture of this post) are included in the Rías Baixas. This fantastic Designation of Origin stretches across the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra, spanning between the Santiago de Compostela and the frontier with Portugal, where the River Miño joins the Atlantic Ocean. The route of the camellia and pazos (local manor houses) Route, days at sea and excursions to the Cies Islands, Finis Terrae and the Death coast, cooking classes, hiking on the St. James Way… the list of possible activities is endless.
El Bierzo
The heart and soul of Bierzo is Cacabelos, a buzzing market town and an essential stop along Spain’s legendary pilgrim’s route, the St. James Way. Ponferrada and Vilafranca del Bierzo tempt with Templar castles, medieval monasteries, and once-extravagant palaces. The smaller wine hamlets of San Roman Bembibre, Arganza and Corullon seem hardly touched by time. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Las Médulas, just a few kilometres away of the wine region, is not to be missed! This fabulous landscape of reddish mountains shaped by the Romans was the largest open-air mine of the whole Roman Empire. Allow several hours to really enjoy the site, hiking the numerous paths through splendid centuries-old chestnut trees.
La Rioja
Beyond its outstanding wines, the landscape within the protective embrace of the Cantabrian Mountains is truly breathtaking. The rolling hills nestling the medieval villages, lush vineyards and blossoming cherry trees do not take long to fall in love. The villages of La Rioja, such as Laguardia, Haro and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, boast a rich cultural heritage with sites of international interest, such as the great monasteries of Yuso and Suso, the St. James Way or the less known Camino Ignacio.
Ribera del Duero, Rueda y Toro
The Duero River starts in the mountains south of Rioja and flows through Spain into Portugal where it is called Duero. Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Toro are three of the Designations of Origin from the Castilla y León region layed on the banks of this river. In the middle of the fields of wheat and sunflowers, it is a dive into medieval Spain that awaits you, with its fabulous castles perfectly preserved. The best example is probably the castle of Peñafiel, which is now a museum dedicated to wine. Local gastronomy, cycling, hot-air ballooning… just ask us.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information, and for more ideas about wine tourism off the beaten paths.
