A Burgos to Remember: How Wine and Food Can Bring Communities Together in the Spanish countryside.
In the heart of Spain's Burgos province, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, there lies a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. The food and wine culture of this picturesque area is robust and straight-talking – a testament to the locals' ability to thrive in extreme conditions.
My journey took me to the rural Posada de Pradoray, a charming hunting lodge turned boutique hotel built in 1601. This 16th-century stone structure still exudes its original charm, with thick walls, dark polished wood, and heavy doors that lead to simple rooms with breathtaking vineyard views. The area is home to over 300 wineries, which have grown significantly since the appellation was recognized in 1982.
One of the most striking features of Burgos is its unique wine-making tradition. In the past, wine was made and stored in deep, hand-dug caves where temperatures were stable. Today, visitors can explore these underground cellars, some dating back hundreds of years, and experience the art of winemaking firsthand.
My guide, Loreto Esteban Guijarro, took me on a tour that opened doors to hidden gems and introduced me to the people behind Burgos's wine culture. We visited Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery designed by Norman Foster, and Gumiel de Izán, where I met the mayor, Jesús Briones, who showed me around his cave. Here, we shared wine from a traditional porrón – a glass jug with a long spout that's perfect for sipping wine while avoiding getting it on your face or clothes.
As we explored the region, I met young and old alike who were passionate about preserving their traditions while embracing innovation. At Nabal winery, Luz Briones shared her knowledge of the art of aging wines in oak barrels, while Paola González Ortiz at Moradillo de Roa demonstrated the importance of wine cellars in this charming village.
Throughout my journey, I experienced the warmth and hospitality that Burgos is famous for – from Loreto's infectious enthusiasm to Cristina López Nuñez's stories about wine and winemakers. As the town came alive with the bars switching from coffee to wine at dusk, I realized that Burgos's food and drink culture was not just about sipping a glass of wine but about sharing it with others.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that Burgos is more than just its stunning landscapes and rich history. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, where people come together to share in the joy of good food and drink, and where visitors can experience the authentic spirit of Spanish culture.
In the heart of Spain's Burgos province, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, there lies a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. The food and wine culture of this picturesque area is robust and straight-talking – a testament to the locals' ability to thrive in extreme conditions.
My journey took me to the rural Posada de Pradoray, a charming hunting lodge turned boutique hotel built in 1601. This 16th-century stone structure still exudes its original charm, with thick walls, dark polished wood, and heavy doors that lead to simple rooms with breathtaking vineyard views. The area is home to over 300 wineries, which have grown significantly since the appellation was recognized in 1982.
One of the most striking features of Burgos is its unique wine-making tradition. In the past, wine was made and stored in deep, hand-dug caves where temperatures were stable. Today, visitors can explore these underground cellars, some dating back hundreds of years, and experience the art of winemaking firsthand.
My guide, Loreto Esteban Guijarro, took me on a tour that opened doors to hidden gems and introduced me to the people behind Burgos's wine culture. We visited Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery designed by Norman Foster, and Gumiel de Izán, where I met the mayor, Jesús Briones, who showed me around his cave. Here, we shared wine from a traditional porrón – a glass jug with a long spout that's perfect for sipping wine while avoiding getting it on your face or clothes.
As we explored the region, I met young and old alike who were passionate about preserving their traditions while embracing innovation. At Nabal winery, Luz Briones shared her knowledge of the art of aging wines in oak barrels, while Paola González Ortiz at Moradillo de Roa demonstrated the importance of wine cellars in this charming village.
Throughout my journey, I experienced the warmth and hospitality that Burgos is famous for – from Loreto's infectious enthusiasm to Cristina López Nuñez's stories about wine and winemakers. As the town came alive with the bars switching from coffee to wine at dusk, I realized that Burgos's food and drink culture was not just about sipping a glass of wine but about sharing it with others.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that Burgos is more than just its stunning landscapes and rich history. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, where people come together to share in the joy of good food and drink, and where visitors can experience the authentic spirit of Spanish culture.