ShadowCipher
Well-known member
Wine, food, and camaraderie - in that order. In the Burgos province of Spain, where summer days can soar to scorching temperatures but nights plummet to subzero lows, robust food and drink are essential for survival. For my latest assignment, I embarked on a gastronomic journey through wine country with a local guide who prioritized eating and drinking above all else.
My home for the duration was Posada de Pradoray, a 17th-century hunting lodge nestled in a vineyard that has remained relatively unchanged since its heyday. As I settled into this rustic retreat, I discovered that Burgos is part of the Ribera del Duero wine region - a 71-mile stretch along the Duero River that traverses four provinces and boasts over 300 wineries.
Loreto Esteban Guijarro, my knowledgeable guide, led me on an unforgettable tour through this breathtaking landscape. We visited Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery built on the edge of Gumiel de Izán, where I marveled at its unique trefoil shape and underground storage facilities. The town's mayor, Jesús Briones, invited us into his cave system, where we sipped wine from an ancient porrón - a glass jug with a spout designed for sharing wine.
Our journey continued in the picturesque village of Moradillo de Roa, famous for its numerous wine cellars and 'Hobbit-like' entrances. Paola González Ortiz shared stories about the labor-intensive process of making wine while we enjoyed a meal of local delicacies from her porrón. I also visited Nabal winery, where young Luz Briones showed me how centuries-old vines produce rich, tannic wines that are 'like old people - with much better stories.'
We sampled wine at various establishments in Aranda de Duero, including Don Carlos wine shop, which offered a lively tasting experience led by Cristina López Nuñez. As we raised our glasses, the town transformed around us: men sipping coffee and smoking gave way to a vibrant atmosphere of people from all walks of life enjoying wine.
In Burgos province, Loreto's mantra - 'It's about eating and drinking, and who you share it with' - rang true. The food was delicious, the wine affordable, and the company warm. It was an unforgettable experience that left me grateful for this corner of Spain, where tradition and innovation blend together in perfect harmony.
Accommodation details: double rooms at La Posada de Pradoray from €80 B&B, including wine on arrival.
My home for the duration was Posada de Pradoray, a 17th-century hunting lodge nestled in a vineyard that has remained relatively unchanged since its heyday. As I settled into this rustic retreat, I discovered that Burgos is part of the Ribera del Duero wine region - a 71-mile stretch along the Duero River that traverses four provinces and boasts over 300 wineries.
Loreto Esteban Guijarro, my knowledgeable guide, led me on an unforgettable tour through this breathtaking landscape. We visited Bodegas Portia, a futuristic winery built on the edge of Gumiel de Izán, where I marveled at its unique trefoil shape and underground storage facilities. The town's mayor, Jesús Briones, invited us into his cave system, where we sipped wine from an ancient porrón - a glass jug with a spout designed for sharing wine.
Our journey continued in the picturesque village of Moradillo de Roa, famous for its numerous wine cellars and 'Hobbit-like' entrances. Paola González Ortiz shared stories about the labor-intensive process of making wine while we enjoyed a meal of local delicacies from her porrón. I also visited Nabal winery, where young Luz Briones showed me how centuries-old vines produce rich, tannic wines that are 'like old people - with much better stories.'
We sampled wine at various establishments in Aranda de Duero, including Don Carlos wine shop, which offered a lively tasting experience led by Cristina López Nuñez. As we raised our glasses, the town transformed around us: men sipping coffee and smoking gave way to a vibrant atmosphere of people from all walks of life enjoying wine.
In Burgos province, Loreto's mantra - 'It's about eating and drinking, and who you share it with' - rang true. The food was delicious, the wine affordable, and the company warm. It was an unforgettable experience that left me grateful for this corner of Spain, where tradition and innovation blend together in perfect harmony.
Accommodation details: double rooms at La Posada de Pradoray from €80 B&B, including wine on arrival.
just had the most amazing time reading about this food and wine tour in Burgos 
ish cuisine is seriously underrated - the focus on local ingredients and traditional methods is so refreshing, especially when you see how much love goes into every bottle of wine 
also, those 'Hobbit-like' entrances to wine cellars? pure genius 
who else wants to try some Ribera del Duero wines now? 
! Burgos province is like a dream for any wine and grub enthusiast. I mean, who wouldn't want to explore the Ribera del Duero region with its stunning landscape and rich history? The fact that they have these awesome underground storage facilities and 'Hobbit-like' entrances in Moradillo de Roa just blew my mind 
! And let's not forget the unique wine shops like Don Carlos where you can taste all sorts of wines while soaking up the lively atmosphere. I'm definitely going to have to plan a trip there ASAP, especially with their affordable wine prices 
. I mean, yeah it's cool and all that but 300 wineries? that's just a lot of places serving the same old wine lol. and don't even get me started on the price point - €80 B&B is pretty steep for a rustic hunting lodge. plus, I'm not sure how much 'authentic' exp experience you can really have when u got guides leading the way 
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It's so cool how they incorporated history and culture into their tours too. The idea of sharing meals from an ancient porrón sounds super fun and intimate 
The real treasure here isn't just the food and wine but how they bring people together. You don't need some fancy setup to have a great time - it's about sharing with others, being present in the moment, and appreciating the simple things. I think that's what makes this experience so special, not just the unique settings or the taste of the wines, but the connections you make along the way.
! It's amazing how the local guide prioritized sharing meals with others, you know? Like, wine is just an excuse to hang out and enjoy good vibes 
. The fact that this region has preserved its traditional winemaking process while still innovating is a total win for me 
. And can we talk about those porrón glasses? So cool! 
What I love most is how the locals turned wine tastings into social events, breaking down barriers and bringing people together 
. This is what travel is all about – making unforgettable memories with like-minded folks 
, but for real who needs 71 miles of vineyards to know the best wine? lol get to the good stuff before you arrive at the wineries, and dont even get me started on those underground storage facilities - sounds like some fancy schmancy bunker 
. seriously tho, what i loved about this place is how it's all about community, sharing wine with strangers becomes instant friendship 
can we get a foodie tour in nyc that focuses on that vibe?
. And who wouldn't want to explore those underground storage facilities at Bodegas Portia? 
I love that the local guide prioritized eating and drinking - it's all about sharing experiences with the people you meet, right? 
The Hobbit-like entrances in Moradillo de Roa are just too cute 
. And I'm totally sold on trying those 'old person' wines at Nabal winery 
. That wine tasting experience in Aranda de Duero sounds like a blast! 
Posada de Pradoray is literally the perfect base - rustic but comfy. Loreto's guide was top notch, sharing all the hidden gems of Ribera del Duero. I'm still dreaming about those glasses of old people wine 
can't believe how affordable it was too! And don't even get me started on Paola's hospitality - she made me feel like part of the fam 
OMG, I'm so jealous! A 71-mile stretch along the Duero River with over 300 wineries? That sounds like heaven to me! 
I need to plan a trip ASAP. The idea of sipping wine from an ancient porrón is just crazy cool! 
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and that rural Burgos setting is just perfection 
Have you guys tried Ribera del Duero wines? They're like a whole new level of delicious 
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I'm still not sure how people manage to live in those crazy hot Spanish summers! But seriously, Burgos province sounds like an amazing place to explore - the food and drink scene is so underrated. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their days eating and drinking with locals? 
And the fact that you got to meet people from all walks of life at Don Carlos wine shop is a great testament to the warmth of the community. I think it's really refreshing that the guide, Loreto, prioritized eating and drinking above all else - it's all about enjoying the moment, right? 
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