We propose intimate destinations that offer something that the more well-known vineyard tours cannot: authentic experiences with passionate winemakers, centuries-old traditions and wines that tell stories to those who dare to go off the beaten path.
Among these hidden treasures we propose three wineries that are a jewel of Spain's wine heritage: Bodegas Aragonesas, Heraclio Alfaro and VÃa Romana.
The importance of hidden treasures
In these serene, uncrowded settings, tradition and innovation converge in the hands of wineries with plenty of personality. Unlike the hustle and bustle of popular wine tourism destinations, these hidden treasures allow for personal connections with the families and stories behind each winery.
Here, visitors encounter rare grape varieties, unique production methods and stories passed down through generations. It's not just about tasting wine, but about discovering the secrets behind each bottle.
Bodegas Aragonesas: a legacy of tradition and innovation
In the hills of Campo de Borja, Bodegas Aragonesas is an example of the harmonious combination of ancient tradition and modern winemaking. Founded in 1958, this cooperative winery represents the shared dreams of local winegrowers, determined to show the world the essence of their land.
Why you'll love it
By joining the friends of Bodegas Aragonesas, because the visitor becomes a friend, you will visit subway cellars where barrels rest against ancient stone walls, protecting wines that capture the Mediterranean sun and the mineral-rich soils of the area. The winery specializes in Garnacha, the region's emblematic grape, and offers hands-on blending workshops where you'll get a good understanding of the winemaking process. The experience culminates in a tasting room with panoramic views of the vineyards, ideal for tasting their Coto de Hayas and Fagus collections.
What makes it unique
Bodegas Aragonesas prioritizes sustainability, from organic vineyard management to its solar-powered facilities. Their old Garnacha vines, some over 100 years old, produce wines of remarkable concentration and depth, reflecting decades of careful cultivation. They are, of course, staunch defenders of Grenache and will offer you the best of this variety.
When to visit the winery
Only two hours from Madrid, the winery receives visitors all year round, but the harvest season and autumn are our favorites because you can see the winery at its best and the vineyard landscape offers you a color palette with a million shades, you will have half of the pantonera in your eyes!
We recommend that you opt for their premium tasting tour, which includes walks through the vineyards, exploration of the wineries and pairings with local Aragonese dishes.
Heraclio Alfaro: a story to touch the sky
Heraclio Alfaro invites you to dream with your feet on the ground and your gaze towards infinity. In the vibrant heart of Rioja Oriental, this winery bears the name of an aviation pioneer, a daring and visionary spirit whose legacy inspires every corner of this unique estate. Its main space, a former aviation hangar of over 2500 m², has been transformed into a sanctuary for winemaking that captures the authenticity of its land and lets the spirit fly free.
With an impressive 110-hectare vineyard, Heraclio Alfaro carefully cultivates varieties such as Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, as well as plots in high altitude vineyards where Garnacha becomes a masterpiece. Each blend is born of meticulous dedication and a passion that transcends, designed to elevate the senses, as if each sip takes you closer to the heights.
The philosophy of this winery places sustainability as the cornerstone of its mission. Its vineyard not only grows vines but also apple, pear and olive trees, which give way to an exquisite Arbequina. Goblet replanting, a model that respects the natural cycle of the grape, and soil regeneration speak of an unwavering commitment to the environment. Here, the land is not only worked, it is cared for; it is not only cultivated, it is loved.
Unforgettable experiences
Visitors can taste wines directly from the barrel, gaining a unique insight into the evolution of flavors during aging. Its exclusive vertical tastings, showcasing several vintages of its flagship wine, highlight how terroir and climate shape the character of each year. Combined with local cuisine, these tastings become a celebration of Rioja's culinary traditions.
Via Romana: a literary secret
Located next to an ancient Roman road, in the middle of the Camino de Santiago de Invierno, the VÃa Romana winery unites the viticultural history of Spain with innovative techniques and literary stories. This heroic vineyard is a mind-blowing discovery.
Via Romana: an invitation to the senses
Located in the picturesque setting of Belesar, this winery, founded in 1998 in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, is dedicated to the production of high quality wines. Its sloping vineyards, known as heroic wines, represent a true challenge to gravity and pay homage to centuries-old winemaking traditions. The passion for wine tourism is manifested in the unique experiences offered, from guided tours of its spectacular terraced vineyards to tastings in its cozy facilities, where the rusticity of stone and wood merges with the natural essence of the "ribeira" of the Miño River. Each experience is a tribute to the wild beauty of this incomparable corner and the valuable wine heritage of the region, you will live an unforgettable sensory and cultural journey.
A step over history and the Minho
Enjoy the panoramic view over the Miño canyon and its heroic vineyards, a breathtaking landscape that immerses visitors in a breathtaking Galician nature.
In Via Romana you can learn in detail the traditional elaboration of their wines, explore every corner of the winery and connect with a tradition that honors the land and time. If you want a personalized experience, do not hesitate to contact them. They are waiting for you with open arms to share with you the magic of this unique place.
Wines that evoke stories
Discover the Ribeira Sacra in Todo esto te daré de Dolores Redondo. Travel through vineyards and forests to relive the 2016 Premio Planeta. This landscape, so rich in mystery and beauty, inspires both authors and winemakers, giving life to wines that tell stories of the Galician land.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Ribeira Sacra, let yourself be enveloped by the stories that whisper from every corner of La Heroica, where tradition breathes and comes alive at every step. Culminate this incomparable experience with a visit to the winery, enjoy a viewpoint to the immensity of the Miño. There, an exclusive tasting of three wines awaits you, including Heroica, a creation born from the novel.
A picnic with the best flavor of Galicia
Complete your experience with a picnic in the vineyard with a basket full of typical local snacks. You will see what wonderful products, what a load of flavor!
Afterwards you can visit the winery, discovering the secrets behind their most careful elaborations.
