Ribera del Duero is especially known for its famous wineries and prestigious wines with worldwide renown.
And without a doubt, practising wine tourism and enjoying its wines and local gastronomy is a great reason to visit Ribera del Duero.
But something that surprises many travellers who visit the region for the first time is the great historical and artistic heritage hidden in Ribera del Duero.
Charming villages, castles, monasteries, historic wineries, vineyards… the heritage of Ribera del Duero is spectacular.
Ribera del Duero is a large area that covers different provinces, so you will have to choose if you come for a weekend. For this reason, we recommend that you visit the region several times. Or, if you have the chance, extend your stay for a few days.
These are the essential places to see in Ribera del Duero:
Aranda de Duero
Aranda de Duero is the capital of the Ribera del Duero region and one of the most important and populated towns in Burgos.
It is an essential stop on your route through the region.
The subsoil of Aranda is an authentic labyrinth of 7 km. of cellars and underground caves dating back to the Middle Ages. Don’t miss a visit to one of them.
During your stroll through the historic quarter of this town, also visit the Plaza Mayor square, the Plaza del Trigo square, the spectacular church of Santa María la Real, the church of San Juan, the Berdugo Palace…
The perfect finishing touch is a good roast suckling lamb in one of the town’s restaurants.
Church of Santa María Aranda de Duero . Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Peñaranda de Duero
Peñaranda de Duero is one of the most beautiful villages in Burgos.
It has a spectacular walled historic centre. We recommend that you let yourself get lost in its narrow streets and climb up to the stately 15th century castle where breathtaking panoramic views await you.
Peñaranda de Duero. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Vadocondes
Our rural accommodation is located in Vadocondes. It is a small village of just over 300 inhabitants, 13 kilometres from Aranda de Duero. Despite being a sparsely populated village, it has a great historical legacy and has been declared a “Bien de Interés Cultural” with the category of Conjunto Histórico since 2008.
It is well worth strolling through its historic centre, entering through the Puerta de Burgos or the Puerta Nueva and discovering places such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
In Vadocondes there is also an old district of wine cellars and underground cellars and several trails that run along the Duero river.
Vadocondes by the river Duero. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Gumiel de Izán
Gumiel de Izán is another charming village very close to Aranda de Duero. This town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site and its legacy is also magnificent. It is well worth visiting places such as the Church of Santa María, strolling through its streets and enjoying the popular architecture.
In this town you will also find numerous wineries to enjoy the wine tourism of Ribera del Duero, some of them as well known as the avant-garde Portia.
Gumiel de Izán: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Roa de Duero
Home to the Regulatory Council of the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin, this town also has a great historical and cultural heritage, such as the Puente Mayor bridge, the former collegiate church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the remains of the 13th century medieval wall and the Archaeological Park.
To enjoy incredible panoramic views, we also recommend a walk to the “Balcón del Duero” viewpoint.
In Roa you can also enjoy a good suckling lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Peñafiel
In the province of Valladolid, Peñafiel is another must on your route through Ribera del Duero.
This town is crowned by the imposing Peñafiel Castle, nowadays converted into a Wine Museum. The views from the top are incredible.
As well as the emblematic Plaza del Coso square, surrounded by traditional houses, don’t miss a stroll through the historic quarter, discovering the church of Santa María or the church of San Miguel de Reoyo. It is not in vain that Peñafiel has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
Peñafiel. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
San Esteban de Gormaz
San Esteban de Gormaz is another of the must-see towns in Ribera del Duero, with a town centre that has also been declared a Historic Site. It is in the province of Soria and if you like Romanesque architecture you’ll enjoy visiting this town, with the churches of San Miguel and Santa María del Rivero as its most iconic sites. You can even visit a Romanesque theme park.
We also recommend a visit to the district of underground wine cellars and wine presses.
San Esteban de Gormaz. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
Visiting the best wineries in Ribera del Duero
A visit to one of the wineries in Ribera del Duero is a must on your trip to the region. From the historic wineries mentioned above to the avant-garde buildings of the most modern wineries, there is a wide range of options.
In our blog you can find our recommendations for wine tourism in Aranda de Duero.
Visiting wineries in Ribera de Duero can be a perfect plan. Photo: Bodegas Valsotillo
Our house in Vadocondes, very close to Aranda de Duero, is in a perfect location to explore the whole Ribera del Duero.
Moreover, if you stay in our rural accommodation, we will be happy to help you organise visits to Ribera del Duero, arrange visits to the wineries or advise you on your tour.
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