Welcome to the mecca of wine and the finest wine tourism—wine tourism in Ribera del Duero
A weekend may not be enough to explore a wine-growing area that stretches over 115 kilometers in length and 35 in width. A long weekend might not be sufficient to capture the essence of more than 3,000 square kilometers spread across the provinces of Burgos, Valladolid, Soria, and a small part of Segovia. But 2,500 years of winemaking history can fit into a single glass when it holds the best wine and, above all, when you drink it in the right place at the right time. If you want to experience the best wine tourism in Spain—and one of the best in the world—this is the perfect destination for your getaway.
History of Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero runs through some of the most ancient winemaking lands. We go back to the 5th century BC. In Baños de Valdearados, a 66-square-meter Roman mosaic depicting Bacchus, the god of wine, was discovered in 1972, proving that the first wine tourists date back to Homer’s time. Centuries later, local grape varieties provided wine for monks, nobles, and kings. Then came phylloxera, the devastating vine parasite that wreaked havoc across Europe during the second half of the 19th century, leaving these lands on the brink of irrelevance or abandonment. But Ribera del Duero, designated as a Denomination of Origin in 1982, rose from the ashes like a phoenix.
What is wine tourism?
The rise of Ribera del Duero wines is due to the excellence of the grapes and the hard work, innovation, and passion of the winemakers. That same spirit now defines its wine tourism experience. Pristine nature and centuries-old vineyards, historic wineries, and world-class gastronomy built around wine. Luxurious accommodations steeped in history and tradition. An experience within an experience. And what better way to immerse yourself in it than with a visit to Pradorey?
If you’ve already tasted our premium wines, you’ll want to see where they come from. If you haven’t, we invite you to experience the full journey. Just 10 kilometers from Aranda de Duero, you can visit our stunning estate and, alongside our experts, discover the soul of our wines—a world of aromas, flavors, and textures. You’ll also see the technology behind their quality, from fermentation temperature controls to centuries-old clay amphorae, concrete tanks, and oak barrels of different sizes, toasting levels, and ages. At La Posada de Pradorey, a Renaissance palace built for royalty in 1601 under the Duke of Lerma, you’ll walk the same halls that once hosted monarchs like Philip III, writers like Lope de Vega, and artists like Rubens in the 17th century.
A day of wine tourism
You wake up, open the curtains, and take in the breathtaking landscape. How could you resist a morning walk? The region offers scenic trails perfect for both seasoned hikers and casual strollers, like the Forest and Pine Trail in Peñaranda de Duero, the Water Trail from Berlangas to Hoyales de Roa, the Moors’ Route, a millennia-old Roman road from Alcoba de la Torre to Zayas, or the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela.
Looking for wetlands? Explore Caleruega, Las Navas de la Dehesa in Fuentelcésped, or El Carrascal in Villalba. Prefer caves? Visit Las Salinas in San Esteban de Gormaz, La Cueva del Moro in Valdanzo, or La Gran Cueva in Valdeayuso. If you’d rather see lagoons, check out the ones in Padilla de Duero or the Hoces del Riaza Natural Park. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the region’s bike trails, while those who enjoy rowing can visit the docks in San Esteban de Gormaz, Olivares, or Vadocondes.
If culture and architecture are more your style, you can visit the churches of San Miguel, Nuestra Señora del Rivero, or San Martín in San Esteban de Gormaz, the Santa María de La Vid Monastery in La Vid, or the Castle and Palace of the Counts of Miranda in Peñaranda de Duero.
…But a day is not enough
All this sightseeing works up an appetite, making it the perfect opportunity to indulge in local cuisine. Try traditional dishes like roast lamb, garlic soup, Castilian soup, salt cod, conger eel, fresh vegetables, and artisan cheeses. But Ribera del Duero is not just about tradition—it’s also home to cutting-edge gastronomy.
Did you know that within a 30-kilometer radius, there are three Michelin-starred restaurants? Ambivium, Taller Arzuaga, and Refectorio. At Pradorey, we embrace modern, international cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Wine, landscape, and relaxation
We warned you at the start—set aside several days for your visit. Wine tourism is not just about wine and landscape. It’s also about relaxation and disconnection. No place captures that better than our winery and the 520 hectares of vineyards surrounding it, the largest single-estate vineyard in Ribera del Duero.
Here, there are a thousand things to do. Attend our Baroque Theater Days in July, join our VIP Harvest Days in September and October, or visit the Wine Museum. But above all, don’t leave without a wine tasting.