Tag Archives: Castile La manch

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”