Rias Baíxas, 5 wine regions in one
Encompassing five perfectly defined sub-regions from north to south, DO Rías Baixas shelters the valleys of the rushing rivers forming distinctive landscapes dominated by vineyards and small villages.
These sub regions are:
*** Ribeira do Ulla, the newest sub-region of Rías Baixas, is located inland, east of Padrón (a town famous for its tapa of fried green peppers) and southeast of Santiago de Compostela, following the course of the Ulla river. The region features charming restaurants, ancestral manors and homes, which traditionally served as a place of retreat for the nobility of Santiago de Compostela, lodging and, of course, wineries and distilleries, linked to its famous wines.
*** Val do Salnés, the place where Albariño grape was born is located on the Atlantic coast and encompasses the historic town of Cambados also known as «wine capital». This is the oldest sub-region with the largest concentration of DO Rías Baixas vineyards and wineries. This area is also known for being Galicia’s leading tourism destination, not only thanks to its high concentration of quality beaches, with summer localities like Sanxexo and O Grove, but also due to its ample offering in leisure. Aside from monuments, such as the stately town of Cambados, or the Monastery of Aermenteira (Meis); a range of sports activities (golf, water sports, etc.), spas, nightlife, etc. can also be found.
*** Soutomaior, nestled in the hills at the head of the mouth of the Verdugo river in the Vigo estuary, represents the smallest sub-region registered in 1996.
*** Condado do Tea («The County of Tea») gets its name from the river Tea, a tributary of the Miño River is located in a relatively mountainous area that extends along the right bank of the Miño river, from Salvaterra de Miño to Arbo.
*** O Rosal, also lying along the Miño River where it joins the Atlantic Ocean, this sub-region forms the border with Portugal where the vineyards are terraced along the sides of the Miño. The mild temperatures favour an almost tropical scenery where the vineyards mix in with other exuberant crops such as kiwis or mirabelles… With the character of a border region, its territory is filled with towers and fortresses, giving it an intriguing look that hides mysterious scenery in Santa Tecla mountain – a prehistoric village located at the mouth of the Miño river… The fishing village of A Guarda offers a picturesque setting to enjoy the foods and wines of the region.
The 5 areas share a long tradition in winemaking and the excellent quality of their wines. Still, at the same time, each of them offers diverse landscapes, traditions and culture that give each region its own personality, and that we would like you to discover in the most beautiful way.
