Category Archives: Spain

Spain

A Taste of History at the Botín restaurant

There are meals you enjoy—and then there are meals you remember for a lifetime. Our visit to Sobrino de Botín in Madrid falls firmly into the second category. Tucked away on a cobbled street just a short stroll from Plaza Mayor, Botín isn’t just any restaurant. It’s officially the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, with its doors having first opened in 1725. But the history of this place goes back even further—far further.

Cave basement of Botín restaurant

We were lucky enough to receive a private tour, and it was like walking through a living museum.

The staff took us below the dining rooms to explore the cellars and wine caves, some of which date back to the early 16th century. 

Dining area of the lower area of Botín Restaurant

You could feel the centuries in the cool stone walls, and imagine the stories the space could tell—from secret meetings during times of conflict to quiet toasts over vintages now long gone.

16th century wine cave under Botín Restaurant

In the cellar’s quiet shadows, surrounded by dusty bottles and timeworn brick, we got a deeper sense of the rich, layered history of the restaurant and Madrid itself.

Shelley and Michelle in the wine cave of Botín Restaurant


Botín has hosted some truly iconic names over the centuries. Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in The Sun Also Rises and was known to frequent the restaurant. Francisco de Goya, before becoming a famed painter, worked there as a dishwasher! Kings, celebrities, writers, and travelers from every corner of the globe have passed through these doors, drawn by the same thing that brought us there: a craving for something truly special.

Area of restaurant where Hemingway usually ate.

Then there was the meal—a decadent, flavourful five-course experience paired with regional Spanish wines that perfectly complemented each dish.

Gerry, Ray, Michelle and Shelley enjoying 5 course meal at Botín

From the moment the first plate arrived, the food was every bit as historic as the setting. The standout? Without question, their signature cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), cooked in the original wood-fired oven that’s been in use since the restaurant’s founding. Crisp, tender, and rich with flavor, it was unlike anything we’ve had before.

Kitchen wood fired Oven with their roasted suckling pig

It was so much more than a meal, it was about connecting with history in a way few other places allow. You can almost taste the past, feel the stories in the walls, and walk out with a deeper appreciation of the tradition, craftsmanship, and the Spanish culture.

If you ever find yourself in Madrid, do yourself a favor: make a reservation, or if you’re lucky like we were, arrange a tour. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or both, Botín offers an experience that’s truly one of a kind.

“Barriga llena, corazón contento.”

Spain

Toledo in the Rain & Wine and butterflies

Spain has a way of surprising you at every turn—whether it’s through the winding cobblestone streets of a historic city or a hidden gem of a vineyard tucked in nature’s embrace. Our recent day trip from Madrid to Toledo and visiting the Bodega Regajal in La Mancha was no exception. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the magic of Toledo.

Wandering Through Rainy Toledo, the ancient city of three cultures—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—welcomed us with its medieval charm and an intermittent drizzle that only added to its beauty. Umbrellas popped open and ponchos rustled as we crossed the iconic Alcántara Bridge, with the Tagus River snaking beneath us like a silvery ribbon.

The rain came and went, but it didn’t stop us from exploring the stunning Toledo Cathedral, getting lost in narrow alleys lined with artisan shops, and admiring panoramic views from the Mirador del Valle.

There’s something extra special about this city when it’s wet—the cobblestones glisten, the scent of the stone walls intensifies, and the golden hue of the buildings feels even more romantic.


After lunch, we drove south to Bodega Regajal, a boutique winery nestled in the region of La Mancha, known for its rich wine tradition. But Regajal isn’t your typical vineyard because it’s located in a protected nature reserve that is home to 72 species of butterflies. At certain times of the year, they’re especially active, transforming the vineyard into a dreamlike scene straight out of a fairytale. They  flutter through the air and across your wine glass like nature’s confetti.

The winery’s focus on biodiversity is more than just poetic—it’s central to their philosophy. The land is carefully managed not just for the vines, but for the entire ecosystem. No chemicals are used for the grapes or for any other aspect of the wine making.

We toured the cellar, walked between rows of vines still wet from the morning rain, and ended the visit with a tasting of their signature reds and a white that surprised us with its floral notes and crisp finish.

Their wine labels are just as captivating: each bottle features a butterfly-like design, a delicate nod to the fluttering inhabitants of the land. It felt as if every sip was touched by wings—light, vibrant, and alive with character.

Spain never fails to astonish us with its incredible diversity and rich history. Its ancient cities steeped in layered history to quiet corners of natural beauty where butterflies and vines thrive side by side. Every region tells its own story, rich in flavour and soul.

As they say in Spain,
“A donde el corazón se inclina, el pie camina.”

Spain

Almagro Spain

We spent some time visiting the city of Almagro in Spain’s Castile-La Mancha region. We explored its narrow cobblestone streets, the town’s rich history and charm unfolded before us.

Known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, Almagro felt like a hidden gem.

In the heart of the town, Plaza Mayor, with its green-painted wooden galleries, was especially captivating.

The Corral de Comedias de Almagro, located at the heart of Plaza Mayor in Almagro, is one of Spain’s most remarkable and well-preserved examples of 17th-century theatrical architecture.

It was built in 1628, this open-air courtyard theater, or “corral,” is a living monument to Spain’s Golden Age.  What makes the Corral de Comedias truly special is that it is the only surviving example of a corral-style theater that is still in use today.  Despite the passage of centuries, the venue remains largely unchanged, maintaining its original wooden galleries, stage, and seating arrangements.

 

The historic buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, showcased the town’s significance during Spain’s Golden Age.

At dusk,  walking through the quiet, narrow streets, we felt transported to another era.

It was quiet and felt like we had gone back in time.

Ray and Shelley in Almagro Spain

Almagro was a great city to explore and enjoy some of the local culture of Castile-La Mancha.

“Encuentra lo mejor de cada día y busca aventuras.”

 

Spain

Aldonza Bodega Tour

We went  to take a wine tour at the Aldonza Bodega. It is located in the historic wine region of Castile-La Mancha, Spain. 

The winery is nestled in the Navamarin Pastureland, a unique geographical area that imparts special characteristics to the grapes.

The combination of the region’s specific climate, soil, and altitude makes the grapes grown here develop robust unique flavours and balanced acidity.

The winery’s emblem features the iconic figure of Don Quixote on horseback, a nod to the cultural heritage of La Mancha, the land that inspired Cervantes’ famous novel. 

We were greeted by a guide who took us through the entire winery explaing the different aspects of the wine making. 

He explained how the winery has received numerous international and world-recognized awards for its exceptional quality. 

some of the wards for their wines

 

Aldonza Bodega created a perfect blend of traditional wine making with modern innovation.

Modern and clean facilities

The modern facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, yet the wine cellar is designed to look like an ancient, natural cave, evoking a sense of history and authenticity.

“Cave” area of the bodega

Even the lighting was made to look like lanterns with flickering lights simulating flames. 

This balance between the old and new is also reflected in their winemaking approach, which honors traditional techniques while leveraging modern methods to enhance the quality of their wines.

We were treated to an experience that celebrates their award winning wines. We enjoyed a wine tasting session, which included not only their award-winning wines but also olive oil produced on-site, offering a complete taste of the region’s artisanal products.

Shelley, Ray, Sonja, Marcelo in the Bodega Aldonza

“no malgastes tu tiempo o el tiempo te malgastará a ti. disfruta de la vida al máximo”

Spain

A great day in Valdepeñas

Our visit to Valdepeñas, whose name means “Valley of Rocks” due to its location in a wide hilly area, was a delightful one-day adventure filled with rich history and beautiful sights.

Ray, Shelley, Sonja and Marcelo

Situated in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain, Valdepeñas is known for its long-standing tradition of winemaking, which is woven into the very fabric of the town’s culture. Some of the streets were even accented with images of wine barrels. 

We spent the day wandering through its charming streets, taking in the vibrant plazas and admiring the traditional Spanish architecture.

Each corner seemed to tell a story, from the historic buildings, bronze statues to the small artisan shops.

We made sure to visit some of the key landmarks, enjoying the town’s atmosphere and soaking up its unique blend of culture and heritage.

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the intimate visit to Casa de la Nava, a new winery that welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. The owners took the time to share the intricate details of their winemaking process, explaining each step with a passion that truly reflected their dedication to the craft.

We learned about the delicate balance of flavours and the careful techniques used to create their exceptional wines, which are a true testament to Valdepeñas’ reputation as one of Spain’s great wine regions.

The experience was made even more special by the wine tasting that followed, where we savoured a selection of their finest wines paired with delicious local foods.

Sonja, Ray, owners, Shelley and Marcelo.

It was a perfect way to immerse ourselves in the rich wine culture of Valdepeñas, leaving us with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for both the town and its exquisite wines.

“la vida es demasiado corta para beber vino malo”