Tag Archives: wine

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

Wine tour in Requena Spain

We went on a trip for a few days to visit the town of Requena in eastern Spain. It is located on the left bank of the river Magro. The town has a long history and at one time was used as a Moorish fortress. The moors occupied Spain for around 800 years, from 711 to 1492. 

Part of the fortress in Requena Spain

Requena is dominated by the ancient citadel of the Moors, and still has traces of the original town walls.

Church front of Arciprestal Del Salvador in Requena
The Iglesia Arciprestal del Salvador is Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic church. It was erected in the 15th century.

We walked and explored some of the streets of the older section of Requena. 

One of the narrow streets in Requena
A narrow street in Requena

Another interesting fact about Requena is the existence of a labyrinth of caves located underneath the streets. Between the 12th and 13th centuries during the Muslim period, caves were excavated and used for storage and protection. 

One of the gated and locked entrances into the labyrinth of caves under the old quarter of Requena.

There are 22 caves that can still be found in Requena today. Many homes in Requena’s old quarter have a cave as part of the house. Thanks to geology, it was possible to easily excavate the subsoil which was done by the moors.

Entrance into the Historic Murviedro bodega.

We had the opportunity to visit the Murviedro’s Historic Winery located in the old quarter of Requena.

Entering into the cave system under Requena

Through part of the tour we explored some of the ancient caves under the city.

Ancient containers used for wine storage

It was like going back in time and experiencing the sensation of a different era. The bodega kept some of the original wine containers and in the original condition. 

 

Original clay cast for storage of olive oil or wine.

After exploring the caves of the winery we were able to enjoy a fantastic wine tasting of their different wines.

Overall It was a great experience and provided us with a snapshot of ancient times through the caves of Requena.

We finished our day by walking along the small alleys that led to the edge of the city, where we admired the stunning sunset.

A very enjoyable and memorable trip to Requena Spain.

“En la variedad está el gusto”

Italy

Exploring Tuscany, Wine and Pisa

grape vines in Tuscany

We went for a day trip into the Tuscany country side. The scenery was amazing and the photos do not give it justice. We took a wine tour at a winery called Casa Emma  in the Chianti Classico Wine Region of Tuscany.

Sangiovese grapes in Tuscany
Shelley in the grape vines at the winery in Tuscany.

We explored  some of the scenic towns in the Tuscany region like Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa.  Our first stop was Siena which is a classic medieval town located in Tuscany.  The town is known for several interesting facts.. It has a large fan-shaped piazza which is the Piazza del Campo,. It is one of the location where the James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace” was filmed.

The Piazza del Campo is also the location where they hold the bareback horse race for the Palio of Siena. It is one of the most popular and well-known  festivals in Italy. 

The Piazza del Campo in Siena.
Torre del Mangia in the piazza del Campo, Siena
The oldest operating bank in the world-The Monte dei Paschi di bank in Siera Italy

Siena is also home to the oldest operating bank in the world. It is called the Monte dei Paschi di and was founded in Siena in 1472.  The top of the bank’s facade was unique it has different heads carved and looking down on the plaza.

After Siena we went to explore the town of San Gimignano, known as the walled  medieval town of Beautiful Towers. The town overlooks the beautiful Tuscany countryside with rolling hills and wineries. San Gimignano is known for the 14 medieval towers that still exist today. 

View of the medieval walled town of San Gimignano

Inside the walled section of the town were shops, bars and restaurants. We walked throughout the area exploring the town. 

We came to an area that overlooks the countryside and valleys below. We stopped to admire the views of Tuscany.

A view of the Tuscany countryside from San Gimignano
San Gimignano with a view of some of the historic towers in the town.

After visiting San Gimignano we went to the city of Pisa, in northern Tuscany. It is known for the famous leaning tower, of Pisa.  We went to the Piazza dei Miracoli which  is a walled 8.87-hectare area located in Pisa. Inside the walls are the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Campanile and the leaning tower of Pisa. We are of course had to do the traditional photo for all tourist.

Shelley doing the traditional tourist photo.

The leaning tower was truly spectacular and we were in awe at just how white and beautiful it was. 

Shelley and Ray in front of the tower of Pisa
The Pisa Cathedral with the leaning tower of Pisa in the rear located in Piazza dei Miracoli
The facade of the Pisa Cathedral
A view from the base of the leaning tower of Pisa

This was one of the amazing pinch me moments we experienced during our time in Tuscany.  

“La vita stessa è un privilegio, ma vivere la vita al massimo, beh, questa è una scelta.”

Greece

Wine tasting in Santorini Greece

We enjoyed a very unique wine tasting while we were on the island of Santorini. We went to a wine restaurant called “K’nttos” in the town of Fira on the Greek island of Santorini.

K’nttos wine restaurant on the island of Santorini Greece.

We entered the restaurant through an outdoor patio area which was quite impressive.

Garden area of the restaurant

We were met for our wine tasting by our sommelier who lead us to a unique entrance into some wine caves.

Ray at the entrance of the wine caves

These caves were over 300 years old and fitted for wine tasting.

View of the cave area with different wines and spirits are stored.

We explored the caves looking at the displays of wines and specialty spirits.

Wine on display in the caves

Cave walls with dug out spots for wine bottles

Different spirits stored in the caves

We sat down at a table in a section of the cave where the tasting would take place.

The sommelier then explained the history of the wine in Greece and in particular on the island of Santorini.

Ray and Shelley with other guest at the wine tasting.

Display with samples of wine and a box with specific aromas associated with wine.

Our sommelier explained the different types of soil on the island and how the soil impacts the overall taste of the wine.

A box with the different soils of the area where wine grapes are grown on the island.

She explained how they coil the grape wines in a unique way to help make the harvest easier.

A photo of the grape vines and how they coiled them into small rings for easier harvest.

The tasting of the different wines and learning about the specific wines of Santorini was very enjoyable and interesting.

“Ζήστε τη ζωή στο έπακρο και έχετε μια υπέροχη μέρα.”

Greece

What time is Wine O’clock?

We found a great little bar called “Wine O’clock” It is located in the heart of Athens near the Acropolis.

Entrance toWine O’clock in Athens, Greece

The inside of the bar was decorated with wine as the main focus.

Behind the bar area of Wine O’clock

Wine corks made into the outline of Greece.

It was a quaint spot and our server Andreas was very friendly and helpful. We even had a glass of wine and our photo taken with him.

Ray, Shelley, Vicki, Mark, Andreas and Raf in Wine O’clock bar

The owner came out to meet us and took us for a tour of the bar. We went through the main floor looking at the decorations and artwork before heading up the stairs to the second floor.

The second floor had a wooden table set up for larger groups. The table was unique in that it had wine sayings on it.

Second floor of Wine O’clock bar in Athens

Wine sayings on table in Wine O’clock bar

Some of the quotes were quite entertaining and included a quote from the pope.

The Wine O’clock bar was one of the little gems we found while visiting Athens Greece.

“αντίο και να έχουν μια μεγάλη μέρα”