We all know the magical wines from Ribera del Duero. Even more magical are the people and the vineyards, representing this wonderful wine region. In this article, I will tell you more about the sightseeing places you must visit in Ribera del Duero.
Visiting Bodega Tinto Pesquera
The most memorable Bodega from Ribera del Duero must be Bodega Tinto Pesquera. Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera started their wine journey in 1972. They dedicated their lives by lifting the Ribera del Duero Region to a higher level. The Denomination of Origin, as we know it today, arose from the initiative of a series of viticulturists and winemakers concerned with promoting the vineyards and the quality of Ribera del Duero wines. Both Alejandro en Esperanza were pioneers who fought for this cause. Now we celebrate the 40th birthday of D.O Ribera del Duero.
The bodega has many historical assets, like the stone wine press from the 16th century, which enhance the experience of wine being a historical product. On the other hand, Bodega Tinto Pesquera uses modern technology to make the most delicate wines. The whole experience, while visiting Bodega Tinto Pesquera was very special. It's nice to see the historical journey of Ribera del Duero and their passionate winemakers. During our visit, we had a vertical tasting with different vintages, including the new vintage of 2022. The wines, made from the same grape (tempranillo) are cultivated on two plots and tasted surprisingly different. This made me realize how versatile wine can be. The wines are elegant, structured, and full of dark fruit.
Want to visit Bodega Tinto Pesquera? Go to their website to book a visit or stay at their hotel.
Bicycle ride in the vineyards of Finca Villacreces
Nothing is more romantic than cycling in the vineyards, right? You are so right! Finca Villacreces organizes cycle tours in their vineyards. The soils of Ribera del Duero are so diverse that it's possible to produce different wines with the same grape variety. Finca Villacreces is the living proof! During our tour at Finca Villacreces we discovered different vineyard plots. They even use European varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and experiment with new types of varieties. Are you hungry after the cycle tour? Then it's also possible to buy a picnic basket with a delicious lunch. The wine that embodies Finca Villacreces is ''Pruno'', a wine that has been proclaimed as ''The best Spanish wine in history'', by Robert Parker. Every year a Pruno festival is organized in honor of this wine.
Want to visit Finca Villacreces ? Go to their website to book a tour or drink wine at their bar.
3: Sunset tasting at Botega Monteabellón
As the sun sets in the mountains of Ribera del Duero, the sky turns pink. Botega Monteabellón Winery organizes a sunset tasting at the mountaintop of the winery. The 360-degree view is breathtaking! When the sun slowly disappeared at the horizon and turned orange, our glasses were filled with a beautiful rosé Avaniel Rosado. Accompanied by delicious Spanish tapas our experience was complete! We were also introduced to the pórron. A traditional glass wine decanter that you have to use without a glass! You have to pour the wine into your mouth without touching the glass. Back in the day, the glass pórron was made from goat skin. Easy to use while traveling on your horse! The goat skin got replaced by ceramics and glass. Now, this cultural product is used in restaurants, so you can share wine with your friends and family.
Want to visit Botega Monteabellón Winery ? Go to their website to book a tour.
Ribera del Duero harvest festival
Every year, Aranda de Duero organizes the Ribera del Duero harvest festival. Aranda de Duero is the capital of the Ribera del Duero wine region. Around harvest time, the town square is transformed into a cozy festival filled with wine stands. Accompanied by music, you can enjoy a glass of wine for 1.50 euros (!) All the winemakers of the region are represented, so it's a lovely way to discover the wines of Ribera del Duero!
Want to visit the Ribera del Duero harvest festival? Go check their website.
Lunch at Restaurant Casa Florencio
In the centre of Aranda de Duero you find Casa Florencio. For over 70 years, this family business committed their lives making traditional dishes that represent Ribera del Duero. When you enter the restaurant, you feel right at home. You can pick a table for two, or bring your whole family and sit at the large tables in the back. The staff is making the traditional lamb dish, which is roasted in a big wood-fired oven. The meat is tender and very tasteful! In addition, you can also order black pudding, a real delicacy if you ask me! The roasted peppers are also very flavorful. All dishes were matched with white and red wines from the region.
Visit Casa Florencio when you visit Aranda de Duero. You can make a reservation here.
Cellar escape room at Ribiértete
This was my first escape room experience ever, and it was so much fun! Ribiértete hosts a wine escape room in an underground cellar from the 13th century. You have to drink wine with your friends to get clues for the riddles. And you have to be quick! Because you only have an hour to find the key which sets you free!
Book your Cellar escape room tour here.
Tapasbar Palo Santo Café in the center of Aranda del Duero
When visiting Spain, eating tapas is inevitable. In the center of Aranda del Duero, opposite the beautiful church of Iglesia de Santa María la Real, you will find a tapas bar called Palo Santo Café. Starting at €1.50 a piece, you can try different tapas. From their specialty, baguette with Jamon ham, to fried mushrooms with garlic. You have different options to choose from! Don't skip this local tapas bar, it's worth the try!
Visit Café Palo Santo here
Cellar tour at Bodegas Ismael Arroyo - ValSotillo
One of the oldest winery and founders of D.O Ribera del Duero is Bodegas Ismael Arroyo-ValSotillo. Ismael Arroyo is a pioneer winemaker in Ribera del Duero wine region. He is also one of the founders of the DO Ribera del Duero back in 1982. The family business is passed over from generation to generation. The oldest documents dated around 1787. Not only the vineyard but also the cellar of this bodega is impressive. These 400 years old caves are used as excellent aging cellars because they keep a constant temperature of 11-12 degrees Celsius, so the wines age very slowly in oak barrels with a total absence of noise, vibrations, or light. You can book a guided tour at Bodegas Ismael Arroyo-Valsotillo. The guided tours take around 60-90 min through the vineyard and the unique cellar, and they include a tasting of 3 wines.
Visit Bodegas Ismael Arroyo-Valsotillo. You can book a tour here.
Dinner at 51 del Sol restaurant
Want to enjoy the local dishes of Aranda del Duero? Then Restaurant 51 del Sol is the place to be. From grilled fish (which they serve at the table) to grilled meat. Very nice that they take allergies and dietary needs into account! You can taste all the local wines, which is impressive.
Make a reservation at Restaurant 51 del Sol here.
Visiting Bodega Nabal
Bodegas Nabal is the new project of the Navarro Balbás family who, after a long business career of more than 20 years as winemakers in Ribera del Duero and promoters of the creation of the D.O. Arlanza. The winery soils are divided into four zones, a few are used for planting vines. Some zones have alluvial and fluvial soils, here can thrive Tempranillo best. The winery itself is pretty new and has high-end facilities, including a modern cellar.
Want to visit Bodegas Nabal? You can book a visit here.
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