4-Day Wine Tasting Tour of North-West Spain’s Hidden Gems

This whistle-stop tour of Bierzo, Valdeorra and Ribeira Sacra offers a teasing introduction to the regional cuisine, lesser-known wines and culture of this beautiful, authentic, north-west corner of Spain.

Your expert guide is Enrique, a passionate wine maker and professional wine tourism guide with a WSET level 3 wine expert certification. He treasures the best contacts in each region and has a great reputation as a wine tour guide.  

Itinerary

Day 1: Bierzo
Morning departure from Madrid heading for the Bierzo wine growing region for a day of wine tasting at three of the region’s top wineries. Discover the versatility of the Mencía grape variety and a region that, in just a few years, has become the most interesting, upcoming wine area of Spain. 

First stop will be at Encima wines, a winery with a long family tradition and a clear commitment to organic vineyards and production. Your visit will be exclusive and will include a visit to the winery and educational vineyard walk. 

Time for lunch at a local restaurant that specializes in the rice, sausages and cheese of the area.

After lunch, visit Seulalia, a family winery in the San Lorenzo Valley that produces traditional wines with organic vineyards. Enjoy a tasting of their two wines accompanied by a sweet petisco made with products from DO Bierzo.

Last winery of the day will be Pittacum, located in Arganza, a town with a great winemaking tradition, immersed in a picturesque natural setting in the Berciana Region. 

A short drive will take you to your overnight accommodation in Valdeorras region.

Day 2: Valdeorras
Today you will explore Valdeorras. This region comprises of nine municipalities, all but one of which have vineyards that give the territory a unique singularity. The quality of the wines from Valdeorras have aroused national and international interest.

First stop of the day will be at Godeval, where the Godello grape is King! Visit the vineyard, current winery and wine cellar followed by a tasting.

Second stop will be at Alan de Val Winery. Visit the Pedrazais vineyard and the winery to discover its history and its commitment to the recovery of traditional varietals. Then enjoy a 3-course lunch in the beautiful dining room with scenic views, paired with 3 wines from the winery. 

Third winery will be Adega Melillas for a tasting of their superb quality, award-winning wines. A modern winery coexists here with a thousand-year-old wine cellar; family traditions work alongside the latest advances. 

Depart Valdeorras to the village of Monforte de Lemos where you will spend the night. The Ribeira Sacra or sacred bank was chosen by monks in the Middle Ages to raise their prayers to heaven. It is no coincidence that here you find the largest concentration of Rural Romanesque in Europe. 

Day 3: Ribeira Sacra
After breakfast, head to Castro Caldelas, a small medieval village where you will climb its castle. Continue to the Matacás viewpoint located on the edge of the canyon and enjoy one of the most impressive views of the Amandi vineyards.

Then it is time for a wine tasting at ADEGA Algueira, one of the iconic Ribeira Sacra wineries. After a guided visit to the winery, enjoy a tasting of 3 wines (white, red and crianza).

Stop for a lunch of seasonal local produce at Merenzao restaurant. 

Your afternoon begins with a catamarán ride, which offers another perspective of the grandeur of this landscape, and discover why viticulture is heroic here. 

Final stop of the day is at Rectoral de Amandi. A winery with a long history linked to the viticulture of Amandi and wines that have crossed borders. Every year they collect awards and are mentioned in the best competitions and wine guides.

Sleep at one of the best hotels in the area with an optional dinner (your guide will provide different options). 

Day 4. Depart Ribeira Sacra
Time to bid farewell to your expert host Enrique who will transfer you to Ponferrada train Station for your onward journey or return to Madrid with him.  

Please note: this proposed itinerary can be personalised to meet your wine and food preferences.