SPAIN WINE TOURS
From Madrid to Bilbao, via Ribera del Duero and Rioja
AN ALL-NEW LOOK AT A CLASSIC DESTINATION
THE KINGS OF SPAIN
We have been taking groups of wine lovers to Spain since 2010. Over many years we have developed close relationships with the top wineries, discovered the finest hotels, and the best chefs. This enables us to create a luxury wine and food tour that will be an experience of a lifetime. Seriously.
We meet in Madrid and set off for Ribera del Duero to stay in one of the most awarded hotels in all of Europe, which is also a monastery. You will have a Michelin dinner in the refectory that night, after the two stunning winery visits that afternoon. We take you to see where it all started at a historic cellar that is a legend in the region, and then where it went at the ultra-modern Abadia Retuerta estate. Your entertaining Master of Wine hosts, guides and explains.
There are two full days in Ribera del Duero. The second day includes a dinner with the iconic wines of Vega Sicilia. During the day we discover hidden gems, rising stars, and the classic names. With barrel tastings, horizontals, verticals and more, you should buckle up for 70+ wines to be tasted on the tour.
Rioja is where we spend the final 3 days. There’s a free evening at a gorgeous riverside hotel just minutes from Haro. What awaits you in Rioja? Frank Gehry architectural wonders at Riscal, ancient cellars where hundred year old bottles mature, you’ll see barrels being made, enjoy local specialties to pair with each meal, another Michelin dinner, and so much more.
This tour is called the Kings of Spain for a reason. I hope we can share this magical experience with you.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
THE VERY BEST OF NORTHERN SPAIN
Our five day program takes you straight from Madrid to Spain’s fastest growing quality wine region, the Ribera del Duero. Here, the structured intensity of the wines matches the wild beauty of the land, and we remain two days to get a true feeling for the area. This also allows us to fully experience one of Spain’s most luxurious hotels, Le Domaine by Abadia Retuerta, in a converted medieval monastery with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. We will even keep some time free to visit the spa, should you wish.
Then, it is on to Rioja, where we will tour many of the most famous and historic wineries of Spain. The range of wines here is fascinating, and we will be tasting exciting new single-vineyard cuvées as well as classic long-aged Gran Reservas. For your comfort and relaxation, we have chosen a delightful riverside hotel in an ancient village, where you can walk the river path or just enjoy the view with a glass on their lovely terrace.
The journey finishes Friday late afternoon in Bilbao, in case you are tempted to stay on and visit the Guggenheim. Throughout the trip, you will be part of an intimate group of maximum 20 guests, accompanied by a knowledgeable and engaging Master of Wine.
THE VERY BEST OF NORTHERN SPAIN
Our five day program takes you straight from Madrid to Spain’s fastest growing quality wine region, the Ribera del Duero. Here, the structured intensity of the wines matches the wild beauty of the land, and we remain two days to get a true feeling for the area. This also allows us to fully experience one of Spain’s most luxurious hotels, Le Domaine by Abadia Retuerta, in a converted medieval monastery with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. We will even keep some time free to visit the spa, should you wish.
Then, it is on to Rioja, where we will tour many of the most famous and historic wineries of Spain. The range of wines here is fascinating, and we will be tasting exciting new single-vineyard cuvées as well as classic long-aged Gran Reservas. For your comfort and relaxation, we have chosen a delightful riverside hotel in an ancient village, where you can walk the river path or just enjoy the view with a glass on their lovely terrace.
The journey finishes Friday late afternoon in Bilbao, in case you are tempted to stay on and visit the Guggenheim. Throughout the trip, you will be part of an intimate group of maximum 20 guests, accompanied by a knowledgeable and engaging Master of Wine.
FROM MADRID TO THE DUERO RIVER VALLEY
From our meet-point in central Madrid, you will travel in the comfort of a luxury coach directly to the first hotel, your base for the next 2 nights. After a welcome glass and some lunch, our first winery visits feature two of the biggest stars of the region, and a fascinating contrast of styles. To cap the day, the Michelin-starred kitchen will serve us a sumptuous first night dinner in the original monk’s refectory, a dining experience you will surely not forget.
THE HISTORIC BODEGAS OF RIOJA
A scenic morning coach transfer brings us to Rioja, famous for its fine wines since the mid-nineteenth century. We will be visiting two of the great historic producers of the region, taking time to stroll their vast cathedral barrel cellars and spot hundred year old bottles in their ancient reserves. We will also learn the secrets of barrel making, and enjoy a very leisurely lunch with traditional food that marries perfectly with the wines. The free evening will allow you to relax at our charming riverside hotel, or go into town on a Spanish tapas crawl.
TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Rioja is traditionally a blended wine, long-aged in barrel for smooth texture and complex flavors. Many well-known producers stick to this recipe. Other producers are experimenting with single-vineyard expressions of the diverse soils and microclimates here. Some producers enjoy doing both, and sometimes their winery architecture also offers eye-catching contrasts of new and old. Over the course of this fourth day, we will be exploring these diverse influences with visits to a range of contrasting estates up and down the valley. In the evening is our gala dinner, again from a Michelin-starred chef, served with wines worthy of the occasion.
TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Rioja is traditionally a blended wine, long-aged in barrel for smooth texture and complex flavors. Many well-known producers stick to this recipe. Other producers are experimenting with single-vineyard expressions of the diverse soils and microclimates here. Some producers enjoy doing both, and sometimes their winery architecture also offers eye-catching contrasts of new and old. Over the course of this fourth day, we will be exploring these diverse influences with visits to a range of contrasting estates up and down the valley. In the evening is our gala dinner, again from a Michelin-starred chef, served with wines worthy of the occasion.
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Spain are guided by Master of Wine, Colin Gent
COLIN became a Master of Wine in 2003 is the lead lecturer in the Wine Business Masters programs at Kedge Business School. He previously worked for the Boredaux-based wine broker Europvin with such illustrious estates as E. Guigal, Vega Sicilia, and Emilio Lustau sherries. He provides sales and marketing consultancy services to importers and exporters alike, as well as offering high-end wine education and wine tourism.
Colin is an accomplished public speaker and expert taster, having hosted seminars, masterclasses, and dinners all over the world. His greatest pleasure is sharing his knowledge and passion for wine, and the history, the geography and culture that shape it. You are in expert hands when traveling with Colin.
UPCOMING SPAIN WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation in two luxury hotels, all meals except one free evening, all winery tours, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically everything is included except your travel to Madrid, your onward transport from Bilbao after the tour ends, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. You’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, other things to do in Madrid and Bilbao, details on the hotels, and what you might like to read in advance.
Madrid is of course easy to reach from anywhere in the world. From Bilbao, you can return to Madrid by train or by plane, or move on to other Spanish and European cities to continue your holiday.
WEATHER
We visit during the nicest times of year, the Spring and the Fall. The weather should be dry and not too hot, with warm days and cooler nights.
TESTIMONIALS
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