Wine tourism helps you to discover areas that you might not otherwise consider. And it also takes you away from mass tourism and in a very different way to traditional tourism.

Wine tourism allows you to get to know the local culture of rural areas, to discover their heritage, to savour their gastronomy, to delve into a way of life while you learn about the history of families whose link with wine goes back several generations.

You learn about wine and wine culture. You get to know the secrets of wine and how to taste it… And you collaborate with the rural and wine development of the area you have decided to visit.

What more could you ask for?

Ribera del Duero is one of the most important wine-growing regions in Spain and is amply prepared for wine tourism.

In our region, wine has been part of our culture since time immemorial. So a wine tourism getaway in Ribera del Duero is a perfect plan.

Enjoying wine tourism in our region is not just about visiting wineries. It is much more.

8 ways to do wine tourism in Ribera del Duero

 

• 1- Travelling back in time by visiting caves from the Middle Ages

In places like Aranda de Duero you will find an incredible network of historic underground cellars dating back to the Middle Ages. A spectacular network of 7 km. of underground cellars and caves 13 m. deep. Discover the history of the most important town in the Ribera del Duero region of Burgos, while you explore this network of caves and taste the local wines.

• 2- Admiring the architecture of wine

Contemplating the buildings with the most avant-garde designs is another of the essential wine tourism experiences in Ribera del Duero if, as well as wine, you like architecture. You can find wineries designed by prestigious architects such as Portia or Protos with the most modern winemaking technologies and spectacular buildings.

• 3- Doing activities in the countryside, surrounded by vineyards

Strolling along the trails along the Douro, cycling through vineyards, exploring the territory through incredible natural landscapes… the love of good wine is also compatible with the practice of active tourism. And it is also an ideal way to discover the natural environment. In Ribera del Duero there is an extensive network of trails and there are also several wineries that offer cycling routes where you can cycle through their vineyards while you discover more about their philosophy or even taste some wines and have a picnic in the open air.

During the grape harvest season, there are also wineries that offer special activities in the vineyard during this time of year. One of the most magical times of the year and with the most spectacular scenery.

• 4- Visiting the major wineries

Visiting wineries is undoubtedly the main activity for enjoying wine tourism. Being able to taste your favourite wines from renowned wineries in the same place where they are made. Get to know their secrets and learn first-hand about the whole wine process from the vineyard to the ageing process in barrels and bottles.

It is an experience you will always remember if you are a wine lover. And every time you drink that wine at home, you will remember the moment when you were able to get to know in person the place where it was made.

• 5- Discover wines in boutique wineries

Visiting well-known wineries is an essential experience to enjoy wine tourism in Ribera del Duero, but discovering hidden gems will be a pleasure.

You can also visit some of Ribera del Duero’s smaller, lesser-known and less commercial family-run wineries. It will be here that you will discover not only great small-production wines, but also fascinating stories of families linked to wine for decades.

• 6- Learning the secrets of wine in museums

In Ribera del Duero you will find very interesting museums that are also located in spectacular historical sites. For example, the wine museum in Peñafiel, located in an imposing castle built in the 10th century, where you can take a journey through the history and culture of wine. Or the aroma museum in Santa Cruz de la Salceda, the first and only museum in Spain and Europe on this subject, where you can learn all about aromas, which are so important in the world of wine.

The museums are also ideal for wine tourism with the family.

• 7- Savouring the best gastronomy paired with local wines

There is no better accompaniment to the great wines of the region than the great gastronomic offer of Ribera del Duero.

From the typical tapas in the bars and wine bars that you can find in any of the villages in the area, to the traditional cuisine with roast lamb as the undisputed star. To haute cuisine or meals paired with different wines that you can enjoy in the wineries.

• 8- Discovering the historical heritage between winery and winery

Ribera del Duero has an incredible historical and cultural legacy. Castles, charming villages, monasteries, archaeological sites… the heritage is immense. Be sure to visit these villages between wineries. Knowing the history of our villages will help you to better understand our wines.

In this article we give you some ideas of essential places to visit in Ribera del Duero.

Peñaranda de Duero. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route

We hope that these ideas will help you to experience them first hand. Whatever your level of wine knowledge, you will find wine tourism experiences in Ribera del Duero for everyone. Also for the whole family.

If you stay at our house in the heart of Ribera del Duero we will be happy to help you prepare your wine tourism stay and give you local tips.