ZestyZebra
Well-known member
Wine, tradition and community are intertwined in Burgos, a high-altitude region of Spain where the air is crisp and the people are warm. In this picturesque corner of Europe, wine-making has been an integral part of life for centuries. Today, it's not just about the wine itself but also about the culture that surrounds it.
My journey began at the Posada de Pradoray, a rural retreat nestled in the heart of wine country. The hotel's stone walls and dark wood accents seemed frozen in time, giving me a glimpse into a bygone era. As I settled into my room, Loreto Esteban Guijarro, my guide for the day, reminded me that "culture" is just a euphemism for one thing: eating and drinking.
Burgos is home to the Ribera del Duero wine region, a 71-mile stretch along the Duero River that has been producing some of Spain's finest wines for centuries. Since its designation as an appellation in 1982, the area has undergone significant changes, with more than 300 wineries now vying for attention.
One of the most striking features of this region is the integration of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Take Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery designed by Norman Foster, or Nabal, where Luz Briones – a young woman who studied translation before becoming passionate about wine – showcases her expertise in the vineyards.
In the countryside, I visited Moradillo de Roa, a village famous for its "hills of wine cellars" that resemble Tolkien's The Shire. Paola González Ortiz, one of the village's tour guides, welcomed me into an underground world where wine was shared from a traditional porrón – a glass jug with a long spout designed for communal drinking.
As I traveled along the Duero River, I discovered the unique story behind this region's wines: centuries of tradition and the power of time. In Nabal's storeroom, Benedictine chanting played in the background as we sipped wine from old barrels that had been aged to perfection.
In Burgos, wine is not just a drink but an integral part of daily life. From the sleepy town of Aranda at dusk, when everything changes and the bars switch from coffee to wine, to El Lagar de Isilla's lively bar, where people from all walks of life come together to share a meal and a glass.
My journey through Burgos has shown me that there's more to this region than just its exceptional wines. It's about community, tradition, and the power of food and drink to bring people together. As Loreto so aptly put it, "It's about eating and drinking – and who you share it with."
My journey began at the Posada de Pradoray, a rural retreat nestled in the heart of wine country. The hotel's stone walls and dark wood accents seemed frozen in time, giving me a glimpse into a bygone era. As I settled into my room, Loreto Esteban Guijarro, my guide for the day, reminded me that "culture" is just a euphemism for one thing: eating and drinking.
Burgos is home to the Ribera del Duero wine region, a 71-mile stretch along the Duero River that has been producing some of Spain's finest wines for centuries. Since its designation as an appellation in 1982, the area has undergone significant changes, with more than 300 wineries now vying for attention.
One of the most striking features of this region is the integration of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Take Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery designed by Norman Foster, or Nabal, where Luz Briones – a young woman who studied translation before becoming passionate about wine – showcases her expertise in the vineyards.
In the countryside, I visited Moradillo de Roa, a village famous for its "hills of wine cellars" that resemble Tolkien's The Shire. Paola González Ortiz, one of the village's tour guides, welcomed me into an underground world where wine was shared from a traditional porrón – a glass jug with a long spout designed for communal drinking.
As I traveled along the Duero River, I discovered the unique story behind this region's wines: centuries of tradition and the power of time. In Nabal's storeroom, Benedictine chanting played in the background as we sipped wine from old barrels that had been aged to perfection.
In Burgos, wine is not just a drink but an integral part of daily life. From the sleepy town of Aranda at dusk, when everything changes and the bars switch from coffee to wine, to El Lagar de Isilla's lively bar, where people from all walks of life come together to share a meal and a glass.
My journey through Burgos has shown me that there's more to this region than just its exceptional wines. It's about community, tradition, and the power of food and drink to bring people together. As Loreto so aptly put it, "It's about eating and drinking – and who you share it with."
the wine region is sooo vast and beautiful u gotta try the wines from Bodegas Portia and Nabal deffo 
and omg the "hills of wine cellars" in Moradillo de Roa are like something outta a tolkien novel 
paola was such a great tour guide too btw! wine is def more than just a drink its about sharin it with ppl u meet 
i had the best time explorin the region and learnin bout the history of wine makin in spain 
. I also love how they've managed to keep some of the old traditions alive, like sharing wine from a porrón... that sounds like so much fun! 
! But what really got me thinking is how the wine industry can be a major driver for community development. I mean, think about it - when people come together to taste and appreciate good wine, they're not just doing that for the drink itself, but also for the experience of sharing it with others 
.
What if we could apply some of these ideas to our own communities here? Imagine the power of food and drink bringing people together, breaking down barriers and building connections 
.
. Everyone's always talking about Burgos being the epitome of wine culture, but have you seen the prices of those bottles? It's like they're charging you by the hour to drink a glass 
. And what's with all these fancy-schmancy wineries? Like, Norman Foster designed one? Can't we just appreciate the simple stuff? I mean, I've had some amazing wines at festivals and stuff, but it's not like it's some exclusive club or anything 
. And that 'hills of wine cellars' thing? Just sounds like a tourist trap to me 
. And what about the impact on local communities beyond just 'bringing people together'? Have we seen any concrete data on the economic benefits or is this all just a romanticized view of rural Spain? 
. But what's even more amazing is Luz Briones' story – she went from studying translation to becoming passionate about wine? That's some serious dedication 
. I think that's what really makes Burgos special – it's not just the wine, but the people who make it and share it with each other 
Burgos is literally wine heaven 
! I'm totally obsessed with their culture 
and tradition 
. The whole vibe is so chill 
and welcoming 
! For me, Burgos is not just about wine 
.
, from traditional dishes to modern twists, it's all about sharing meals and good company. I love how they're keeping old traditions alive while still innovating 
... it's a great example of how you can stay true to your roots while still moving forward 
). The community aspect is what makes this region truly special. Everyone comes together, regardless of age or background, to enjoy good food and wine 
. I think that's what makes Burgos feel like one big, happy family 
.
Norman Foster did an amazing job designing that futuristic spot 
. What I love most about this region is that it's all about embracing tradition while staying modern 
. Burgos really knows how to bring people together over a good meal and drink, no wonder it feels like one big happy family 
.
I think what I liked most about this region is that it's all about community and tradition. When you share food and drink with others, it creates these special bonds. It's not just about the wine itself, but about the people and experiences that come with it. 
I mean, who wouldn't want to visit a place where wine is literally the cause of all happiness? Burgos sounds like the ultimate food coma destination. But seriously though, have you ever noticed how every travel piece always has to include some pretentious quote about "culture being about eating and drinking"? Like, okay Loreto, we get it 
. The fact that they've got these adorable underground wine cellars that sound like a scene from Lord of the Rings is definitely worth visiting...but let's be real, it's all about the wine. 
What I love most is how the locals still take their traditions so seriously. Like, have you tried the porrón thing? 
like that Norman Foster place. But what really gets me is how it feels like the whole town comes together to enjoy a glass (or two) and some good food. 
. The idea of "eating and drinking" as Loreto said is actually really beautiful – it's not just about the food, but about the people and the experience you share with them 
.