When you come to visit Spain, you will find a whole culture of good food and wine knowledge. They might be right! Spain boasts more than 100 Protected Designations Origin (PDO), a seal that certifiesthe wine's high quality and its origin. We will be talking about some of the Wine Routes in Spain, where you can not only enjoy the quality of this drink, but have sustainable experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
Castile and Leon, monuments, wine and tapas
It is the largest autonomous community in Spain, where there are nine wine routes that will delight any admirer of this drink. The Rueda Wine Route takes you to visit dozens of historical wineries. Did you know that some of them have an insect garden hotel? It is a natural and sustainable way of managing vineyard pests using the biological relationships between them. Also, if you want to discover the surrounding landscape, you can on the travel the route by bike or on foot.Alternatively, the Toro Wine Route explains how to produce some of the best-known red wines in Spain while enjoying a cultural tour. In Toro, you will find examples of Romanesque and Mudéjar art. Don't miss the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor.
Another famous option is the Ribera del Duero Wine Route. Wine tourism, nature, culture and gastronomy come together to offer you a unique experience. Visit some ancient underground cellars that will show you how wine is preserved; tour the Cave of Salinas with its rock carvings; discover the history of the area through the Rauda Vaccea Archaeological Park and enjoy food and wine tastings along the whole route. There are hundreds of plans to choose from! And you can end your visit at the Hoces del Río Raiza Natural Park.
Castile-La Mancha, land of vineyards
Here, you will find the largest wine-producing area in Europe, with old, modern and family-owned wineries. Did you know that this route offers a great variety of organic and vegan wines? Thanks to its location and characteristics, its wines derive from ecological production, with a limited environmental impact; and the wine is clarified without elements of animal origin.
Take the La Mancha Wine Route to enjoy wine in a unique way. You will be able to observe and learn about birds in a natural setting, visit ancient cave-cellars and taste the best wines and foods from La Mancha. We can't think of a better plan!
La Rioja and the Basque Country, quality wine tourism
In La Rioja, there are two wine routes to choose from: Eastern Rioja Wine Route and the Rioja Alta Wine Route. And close by, in the Basque Country, you can also follow the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route.
Each of these routes offers unique features and experiences. In Eastern Rioja, you can ride e-bikes to tour the vineyards and discover their wonderful natural surroundings, as well as taste their wines and visit their cellars, while respecting the environment. On the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route, you will learn about the therapeutic and dermatological benefits of wine therapy. There are also some unique experiences where you can play with wine, guess and identify smells or learn more about the history of the towns through dramatised visits. In the area of La Rioja Alta, you can enjoy wine not only through tastings and winery visits, but also on mountain bike tours routes through the vineyards or by canoeing through the waters of the Ebro River. And how about staying in an old tower keep? Culture, wine and nature come together on this unique route.
These are just some of the Wine Routes in Spain. Good food and the best wines await you on your next trip.
