touring
GRAND VINEYARDS OF SPAIN
This tour through central and northern Spain explores three of the great wine regions of Spain : Méntrida , the Duero and La Rioja . Time to sample local specialities as well as taste the varied wines , as you travel and stay in luxurious hotels which produce their own wines and offer gastronomic and vineyard exploration experiences .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Fly into Madrid , where you collect your hirecar before driving south west into Castilla-La Mancha . The journey takes less than two and a half hours and you pass through the plains of central Spain , perhaps stopping off at historic Toledo , until you reach the undulating landscape , veined with waterways and backed by mountains , of the Méntrida wine region . Your hotel for the next three nights is the Valdepalacios , a luxurious manor house set amid a rambling estate near Oropesa in the Méntrida region , which mainly produces red wines with the Garnacha grape .
DAY TWO
Today explore the Méntrida region , where grapes including Garnacha , Tempranillo , Chardonnay , Cabernet Sauvignon , and Merlot are grown , producing a selection of wines including a robust red and fruity , refreshing rosés . During your stay here you have the chance to visit the renowned Dominio de Valdepusa winery .
DAY THREE
Relax today at the hotel , which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and also offers a number of activities which are sure to tantalise the taste buds ; guests can sample local wines with a sommelier , learn how to mix the perfect gin and tonic , or take part in a cookery course where you will learn to cook two dishes in groups under the guidance of the restaurant ’ s chef .
DAY FOUR
Head further north from La Mancha into Castilla y León , perhaps taking a less direct route to enjoy the craggy , more mountainous scenery and stopping off in Salamanca on the way to Hacienda Zorita . You are now in the Ribera del Duero region , whose red wines are renowned for being aromatic and rich , produced from the Tempranillo grape .
DAYS FIVE AND SIX
Relax at the tranquil wine hotel and spa which is set within an estate on the banks of the River Tormes just north of Salamanca and promises a fascinating array of food and wine experiences . Guests will receive an introduction to the Duero region ’ s produce from the Hacienda ’ s ‘ Master ’, sampling the estate ’ s own Marques de la Concordia wines as well as extra virgin olive oil , Iberian hams and raw cheeses . The hotel ’ s restaurant serves rustic cuisine under the direction of a Michelin-starred chef , who uses many ingredients from the estate ’ s own organic farm .
DAY SEVEN
After three nights at Hacienda Zorita , continue north east to La Rioja , a journey of about four hours in total , passing acres of vines and the mighty Peñafiel castle until you reach the stunning Marques de Riscal , a contemporary hotel whose vineyards date back to the mid-19th Century . Known as the Tuscany of Spain , La Rioja is dotted with mediaeval hamlets , picturesque vineyards , and extensive verdant scenery .
DAYS EIGHT AND NINE
Located only a short distance from Logrono , the Marques de Riscal is surrounded by wineries , where you can learn more about the wines that have made the region famous , produced mainly from the Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes . During your stay here you can enjoy a wine tasting in the contemporary wine bar to sample a selection of Marqués de Riscal wines with a sommelier . Dine on speciality dishes , including lamb chops roasted over grape vines , bean and chorizo stews , and sautéed vegetable menestras , either at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant .
DAY TEN
Drive southwards to Madrid airport ( about 4 hours ), where you return your hire-car and take your flight back to the UK .
Bodegas Ylera in Castille and Leon
Cheese tasting at the Hacienda Zorita
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