Spain A Private Food & Wine Odyssey

Arrive in Spain’s beautiful, bustling capital today- marvelous Madrid! Your elegant and friendly English-speaking chauffeur will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and will sweep you away by Mercedes to your luxury hotel, Hotel Orfila. Located in the heart of Madrid yet on a quiet street, this small mansion hotel is an oasis with an enchanting garden where you will feel a world away from everything while being downtown. Hit the ground running and stave off the jetlag with a stroll around Madrid with your local food guide.

Depending on your arrival time, this could be a brunch, lunch, or dinner tour and will take in a few short walks and multiple stops in cozy, historic tapas bars. No matter what, you will experience some of Madrid’s most characterful wine bars, including Vermouth on tap at Taberna Ángel Sierra, silky croquettes at Casa Alberto tavern (founded in 1827), a cheese platter at the much-loved Cheese mecca of Casa Gonzales (tasting Azrúa, Idiazábal, Azul de hojas, Manchego and Majorero, bliss!); and the mythical garlic shrimp at Casa del Abuelo.

The evening is yours to rest and slot into the new timetable. Welcome to Spain, and get ready for a fantastic food and wine odyssey!

After a pampering breakfast (served until 11:30 a.m.!) in Orfila’s beautiful dining room (or on the terrace in their garden), your chauffeur will collect you in the late morning to take you to Madrid’s train station. Board the high-speed AVE train to Seville, sit back and relax. Upon arrival, a new driver will collect you and take you to your super chic hotel, 5* Palacio de Villapanes. The supremely stylish hotel is set in an 18th-century palace on a quiet cobblestoned street.

Settle in, unpack, and freshen up, and in the early afternoon, your private local guide will meet you for a relaxing walking tour of Seville’s most beautiful squares and parks. This will be an overview tour of the main neighborhoods and outdoor sites. Visit some of Seville’s most evocative streets and plazas, from monument-filled Avenida de la Constitución (where you can stop for a glass of wine with your guide mid-walk) and the unique, circular Plaza del Cabildo, the dreamy Maria Luisa park and finish with a riverside walk along Calle Betos with great views of the Torre de Oro. After a few enjoyable hours with your guide, return to your hotel to rest and recharge.

Dinner tonight is at Michelin Bib Gourmand Sobretablas, set in a pretty mansion built in 1929. Chef Camila Ferraro creates beautiful dishes based on Andalusian classics but turned out with flair and class. She met sommelier Robert Tetas while working together in 3 Michelin starred El Celler de Can Roca, and they now run this very special, relaxed gastro haunt, which is very popular with the locals. Dinner is in their leafy dining room, and it will be a very relaxed and Mediterranean-tasting journey. Try dishes like Cod brandade “buñuelo” fritters; Prawn carpaccio with pistachio and basil; grilled endives with Serrano ham and macadamia nuts; rack of lamb with eggplant and sage; croaker (similar to sea bass) roast with fennel; and dessert with an almond and chocolate focus. Wine pairings are thoughtful here (they have over 450 wines on the list); you’ll enjoy this.

Sleep in this morning or go for an early walk in this majestic city. Keep breakfast light as you go on a fun gastro tour from late morning to early afternoon. With your personable local guide, you will hit local markets; try churros and thick hot chocolate; graze on nutty, cured Iberian ham paired with Sherry wine; try local “Vermu” with delicious olives; and tuck into an array of Spanish tapas in cozy wine bars lined with wine barrels and vintage posters. Highlights include El Rincincillo (dating back to 1670!!), Casa Morales (opened in 1850) and the gorgeous Bar Giralda (who uncovered ancient 12th-century Arab baths when doing a renovation!)

Early in the afternoon, you can explore Seville with our suggestions; this is a fabulous shopping town! Tonight before dinner, you have a treat in store- an evening of Flamenco dance and music, performed in a very intimate setting in the courtyard of an Andalusian palace dating back to the 15th century. This art form likely emerged from the distinctive intermingling of the native Spanish, Moorish, and Gypsy cultures in the Andalucia region. With its music and dance, Flamenco is dramatic and forceful yet simultaneously exudes grace and vibrant appeal. Above all, it is passionate and leaves an incredible impression; you will remember the night.

Conclude your perfect day in Seville with a gourmet extravaganza at Abantal. This culinary “destination restaurant” offers a feast for the senses and, without a doubt, is the city’s top gastronomic offering. The dining room is sophisticated, decorated with a soothing color palate of gray, burgundy, and gold, with spacious and spread-out tables and very comfy seating. Get ensconced with your welcome glass of bubbly and let Chef Julio Fernández Quintero tantalize your taste buds during the full “Grand Tasting Menu” tonight. Menus change seasonally, but as an idea, you might taste flavor combinations and presentations like carrot, fennel, and pumpkin salad; Pine nuts, tuna, and basil; Suckling pig, quince stew, and Moluccan broth; and Passion fruit sorbet with ginger and chocolate soup.

After an entertaining dinner, it’s a nice walk back to your hotel in under 10 minutes. Tomorrow will be another great day!

If you are already a Sherry lover, we don’t have to tell you what a great morning you have in store today in Jerez de la Frontera, in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Wine Region. And if you think you are not crazy about Sherry, let us convert you! Sherry is a wine style with many misconceptions, not least of which is that it is a sweet Christmas wine. In our view, Sherry is the most misunderstood and undervalued wine in the world, and by lunchtime today, we are sure you will agree with us!

Your first private visit and wine experience today is at a winery cum art gallery, Bodegas Tradición. Establish by “wine royalty” in Jerez (Joaquin Rivero Valcare, Ignacio Lopez de Carrezosa, and Javier Domecq), this winery was rescued and restored with love and deep pockets and today is a super premium boutique property known for its historic aged sherries and nectar-like brandies. In addition to vinous treasures, the bodega is home to one of the world’s finest privately-held collections of Spanish paintings. The Joaquín Rivero collection comprises more than 300 paintings from the 15th through the 19th centuries, including noteworthy works by Zurbarán, Velásquez, El Greco, and Goya.

Continue your Sherry wine education, then at the contrasting cult wine estate, Fernando de Castilla. Their Amontillado is our favorite! Taste their range of Antique wines and luxury brandy.

Lunch is next at the exceptional El Faro restaurant, a major treat- this is one of the best restaurants in Southern Spain! Set amid a lush and nearly tropical garden in the quaint coastal town of El Puerto de Santa Maria, El Faro was founded in the late ’80s by Fernando Córdoba, who, after working at top restaurants around Europe, decided to come home to set up his own fine eatery. Today, the restaurant continues to thrive more than ever. Under the skillful management of Fernando, his wife Ana, and their daughter, also named Ana, this elegant venue maintains its prestigious reputation. They lead a dedicated team of over 40 staff members, each of whom is not just an employee but regarded as an integral part of their extended family.

You will have a full chef’s tasting menu with classic, timeless dishes like clams cooked in Fino wine, foie terrine with apple and raisin cream, prawns marinated in lemon and sesame, red mullet with parmentier of eggplant and tomatoes, partridge with wild mushrooms; and lemon sorbet with green apple and ginger. Wine pairings will be classic, too, and you’ll taste lovely wines from Rias Baixas and Ribera del Duero. Relax and enjoy this long lunch in its refined setting.

After a stellar lunch, a little relaxation calls at your luxury resort for the next few nights. Finca Cortesin, located near Estepona on the Costa del Sol, is home to one of Spain’s premier golf courses and attracts a diverse and sophisticated clientele rather than just the traditional golfing crowd. The hotel’s design elegantly pays homage to the rich history of the Iberian Peninsula, blending Moorish and Castilian styles to achieve a rare balance of glamour and comfort, making it a genuinely appealing destination in its own right. The hotel boasts a trio of swimming pools – one indoors and two outdoors. The outdoor pools are adorned with stunning blue-green mosaic tiles, creating a visually appealing retreat. Inside, the spa houses an art deco-style heated pool, offering coastal views for a serene swimming experience.

Finca Cortesin also features its exclusive Beach Club, which is just 1km away. Here, guests can enjoy an infinity pool, dine at a beachside restaurant, and relax on ample sun loungers, all while soaking up the sun and seaside ambiance. Settle in and enjoy the resort!

After a sumptuous breakfast with the most amazing fresh squeezed orange juice ever, your charming chauffeur will collect you and sweep you away to the utterly charming village of Ronda, just over an hour’s scenic drive. Get ready for some dreamy landscapes and great wine today! First up is one of the top estates in the Ronda wine region, Cortijo Los Aguilares. This family-run property founded by Basque entrepreneur and wine lover José Antonio Itarte is set on a remarkable 800-hectare estate at the base of the Sierra de Las Nieves in a protected Biosphere. This estate is known for its vineyards, olive groves, and rearing Iberico pigs.

The vineyards benefit from altitude (the buzzword in the wine world, what with climate change), situated approximately 900 meters above sea level. As such, the vines enjoy substantial temperature variations between day and night, hugely beneficial for the vines and, ultimately, the wines. Over the years, this winery has brought in renowned experts like Michel Rolland of Bordeaux fame and Spanish wine superstar Telmo Rodríguez to lend their expertise, and today, the winemaker Bibi García is becoming famous in her own right.

The estate is a charming place to visit, nestled amid mountains and valleys with holm oak forests. The area is rich in stone and quartz, contributing to the unique terroir of the vineyards and the terrific wines. You will have a private tasting of top bottlings organized for you after the tour, including gems like Tadeo Petit Verdot, Pago el Espino, their exquisite Pinot Noir, and their Tempranillo/ Syrah/ Petit Verdot blend Rosé.

The gorgeous hamlet of Ronda is next, and you will fall in love! The hilltop village of Ronda sits on a massive rocky outcrop straddling the 100-meter-deep El Tajo gorge amid the beautiful Serrania de Ronda mountain range. This is a timeless place, a unique Andalusian jewel with ancient origins and one of the area’s most beautiful Moorish pueblo blancos (white villages). It has a cinematic quality and attracted the likes of Orson Welles and novelists Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. Cobbled alleys, beautiful churches, and dazzling whitewashed buildings are all waiting to be explored today! Enjoy a private guided walking tour of this idyllic hamlet with your knowledgeable and very personable guide.

Then, after an utterly delightful morning, you’ll finally sit down to lunch at Bardal restaurant, holding two Michelin stars. Chef propriétaire Benito Gómez runs this incredible fine dining temple in the middle of this tiny hamlet, only a two-minute walk from the stunning bullring. Catalan-born Benito is one of Spain’s most famous chefs, and you will be pampered at lunch with an innovative-tasting menu with exotic ingredients ranging from Iberian sea cucumber to smoked oxi garum, alongside comfort dishes like Grilled spring onion with Payoyo cheese and homemade apple pie. Wine pairings here are thoughtful and local; this is a highlight of the trip! The evening then is yours back at the resort to enjoy the facilities and deeply relax

It’s just over an hour’s drive to Málaga this morning, the Spanish Mediterranean’s great port city. You will get some fresh air and take in breathtaking views today on your private guided tour of this great city. Kick off the morning with your local guide at the Mirador de la Alcazaba. This viewpoint at the ancient Muslim fortress offers sweeping views over Málaga, including the evocative cathedral, the ruins of the ancient Roman theater, the busy port, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

Your guide will take you on a fascinating two-hour tour of this exciting Andalusian city, with your driver escorting you between photo stops of lush gardens, handsome palaces, and pretty squares. Learn about Málaga’s interesting historical personalities like Bernardo de Gálvez (a military commander who served as the governor of Spanish Louisiana), native “Malagueño” Pablo Picasso (whose art museum here is highly recommended during your free time after lunch ), and course Antonio Banderas who when not making Hollywood movies or running plays and theater events at his “Teatro del Soho,” also somehow manages to manage a gastro empire in Málaga with his four popular restaurants.

After your tour, you might like to sit in a sunny plaza with a glass of vino or Vermouth before an innovative tapas lunch. Blossom, known for their wild and colorful creations, is terrific. The concept is “flourishing” and creative growth, and the cuisine is playful and beautiful, adorned with flower blossoms galore. On your organized lunch, try dishes like tartlet with carrot cream and dried fruit praline; wild trout, kimchi, and lemon butter; beef tartare, mustard, and radish; roast scallop with vanilla perfume, noisette butter emulsion, sweet potato, foie, apple, and almonds; and chocolate ganache with spices, red fruit coulis, fruit jam & crumble. Yes, and yes!

After lunch, hop on the highspeed AVE train which at 3 hours is about half the time it takes to drive. Sit back, relax, read, and enjoy a coffee or beer at the train’s bar. On arrival in Madrid, your local driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel, Orfila. The evening is yours to relax and recharge.

Head to Northern Spain today. After a fortifying breakfast (so good at Orfila!), your driver will collect you, and you will make your way for Northern Spain. The first stop is Segovia, a tremendously picturesque town with one of Europe’s largest concentrations of Romanesque churches, most dating back to the 11th century. It is home to the famous Alcazar castle, which inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and where Queen Isabel gave Columbus financial backing for his trip to discover the Americas. Two rivers border Segovia and it is a beautiful city full of narrow cobblestone streets with a rich architectural heritage full of Gothic, Roman, and Romanesque styles. Your private guide will show you the best of this dreamy town, including the fairy tale Alcázar and the Ancient Roman aqueduct.

Lunch will follow at the mythical Jose Maria eatery, tasting the famous suckling pig served with tantalizing tapas and paired with his family wine estate’s premium wines (Pago de Carreovejas and Ossian).

Next, the enchanting wine country beckons! Anticipate an indulgent spa experience before dinner at your luxurious spa hotel Castilla Termal Burgo de Osma, nestled in the medieval charm of El Burgo de Osma in Soria, in the eastern part of Ribera del Duero. This exceptional hotel, set in a 16th-century former university, exudes historical grandeur with its exquisite plateresque facade and captivating Renaissance cloister adorned with elegant arches. This distinguished establishment seamlessly blends historical allure with modern luxury, promising a memorable retreat. A large glass dome in the center of the hotel’s social hub (restaurant and bar) lets you glimpse the spa below. The thermal pool circuit is not to be missed!

Free evening to dine at their truly excellent restaurant, and don’t miss the exquisite local Ribera del Duero wines from this corner of Soria, like Dominio de Atauta

This morning, you will taste some superb wines at Pago Capellanes. This super premium estate is the modern face of Ribera Del Duero, with a slick and stylish winery located just outside the Pedrosa de Duero village in our favorite subregion of the Ribera del Duero region, near Roa. Owned by the Rodero-Villa family, they have over 100 hectares of select Tempranillo vineyards in Ribera del Duero, as well as Godello vineyards in the Valdeorras region of Galicia, where their “O Luar do Sil” sister estate is located. This is an exciting and high-end operation, and on your private VIP tour, you will be tasting some delicious wines today.

Start your extensive wine flight with their Galician whites O Luar do Sil Godello (on its lies), and the elegant O Luar do Sil Vides de Córgomo. Continue with their Pago de los Capellanes Crianza and Reserva wines and finish with their Cru reds, including the spectacular El Nogal and El Picón. We dare you not to buy a bottle of that one, sublime!

Your journey continues north into the idyllic wine region of La Rioja, where your first stop is lunch. Enjoy a mouthwatering Mediterranean, stylish meal at Lumbre, in a beautiful stone manor house in the quaint hamlet of Casalarreina. The magnificent food, wine, service, and ambiance will make today’s meal stand out. Possibly the best restaurant in Rioja, this epicurean temple continues to go from strength to strength. Chef chef Sergio Hernando Diez interprets Riojan classics with grace and panache.

Before your tasting menu lunch, enjoy an aperitif in the restaurant’s 12th-century “Calado” (wine cave). Then sit down to your classy table in the refined main restaurant where you taste an array of seasonal specialties, which could include leeks with trout roe and green pepper emulsion; onion consommé and cheese “royal”; hake in a chard and anchovy sauce; pink pepper and lemon thyme ice cream; and pickled figs and fig leaf ice cream. The entire wine pairing will be from La Rioja, including famous names and “garagiste” cult wines.

Lunch will finish in the late afternoon, and you can look forward to a rest and relaxing stay at Hotel Santa María Briones, your base for Rioja, only a 10-minute drive. This stylish hotel in the medieval village of Briones (in Rioja Alta) fuses New York contemporary design in a 16th-century manor house with a soothing color scheme of white and beige linens, brown leather, velvet armchairs, original wooden beams, romantic lighting, hardwood tables, and exposed stone walls. The 16 rooms are all quite relaxing and comfortable with brand new beds, many with views of the vineyards and countryside, the Ebro river, and the medieval houses of the village. The bathrooms are large, bright, and chic, with toiletries by L’ Occitane.

Amenities include An onsite gastronomic restaurant (called Allegar) with an excellent wine cellar, a 13th-century walled courtyard for evening drinks, a small gym, and a delightful reading lounge. Note: This is an adults-only hotel. Briones is a lovely village with a magnificent Gothic church (amazing Baroque organ here!), an enormous and fascinating wine museum (Dinastia Vivanco), and an annual medieval festival.

After a late start and tasty breakfast this morning at your boutique hotel- including freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly baked bread, and artisan jams, alongside Spanish sweet treats- your chauffeur will take you to the famous “Barrio de la Estación,” in Haro. The emergence of the Barrio de la Estación can be attributed to the expansion of Spain’s railway network in the late 19th century. Haro’s railway station was a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of Rioja region wines to various destinations within Spain and beyond.

Recognizing the practicality of situating their wineries near the railway station, several prominent Rioja wine producers chose to establish their bodegas nearby. This locality quickly evolved into a focal point for wine production and maturation. Most of the wineries here were erected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing exquisite facades and subterranean cellars where Rioja wine underwent aging in oak barrels.

You will visit the most impressive winery in the “Barrio” today- La Rioja Alta. La Rioja Alta is an emblem of traditional winemaking, founded in 1890 by five passionate Riojan and Basque families. Their classic Rioja wines, including flagship labels like “Viña Ardanza” and “Gran Reserva 904,” are aged extensively in oak barrels, resulting in wines celebrated for their complexity. This esteemed winery crafts both red and white Rioja wines. La Rioja Alta’s identity is intertwined with its underground cellars, where wines mature gracefully. On a private tour, you will visit the atmospheric cellars, taste their flagship wines, including a Grand reserva, and learn about their rich heritage and dedication to producing high-quality Rioja wines.

Your contemporary, designer lunch venue will be a nice contrast to the historic wine cellars. Indulge in a gourmet-tasting lunch of Riojan-Ecuadorian fusion cuisine at Michelin-starred Ikaro in Logroño. Menus change with the seasons, but as an idea of some of their specialties here, you might try dishes like baby squids in their ink, Idiazabal cheese and Espelette chocolate bomboms; Prawn buns inspired by the Ecuadorian coast; Palmetto with Neapia carbonara;​ Piquillo ice cream with vine shoots; Smoked cod and black olive; Quail breast with pâté and fennel; and Financier of chocolate and spices, lemongrass and Amazonian macambo.

After lunch and delicious coffee, you have one last wine experience at the iconic Marques de Caceres. Enrique Forner established Marqués de Cáceres Unión Vitivinícola S.A. in 1970, uniting local wine growers in the hamlet of Cenicero. A family dedicated to wine for five generations, the Forner family’s innovative approach introduced a Bordeaux-inspired concept, revolutionizing Rioja’s production and business model—their singular goal: crafting top-tier wines. Today, Cristina Forner, representing the fifth generation, remains committed to this passion, carrying on the family’s legacy of excellence. You have a private tour and excellent tasting of 5 of their signature wines in store, including their Gran reserva and top wine Gaudium.

The postcard-perfect medieval hamlet of Laguardia is first on the agenda today. Admire the cobblestoned streets lined with noble mansion houses and the captivating views of the vineyard-covered valleys below before arriving at your final Riojan destination. Enjoy a Rioja wine masterclass with local sommelier Mikel in his ancient family home (the oldest in the village)! This is a fun, educational way to conclude your stay in Rioja. Not to mention, you’ll taste some fantastic cult wines, which depending on availability, could include the likes of Capellanía de Marqués de Murrieta (94 Parker points for this unique white wine from Rioja), Anza Selección Especial de Diego Magaña (a garage wine awarded a whopping 96+ RB), Baynos (Ribera del Duero winery Mauro’s new property in Rioja with 95 points by Tim Atkin), La Viña de Eusebio de Oliviere Riviere (excellent) and El Escolladero de Artuke (incredible). This is a highlight of the trip. But not the last one; wait until you taste the exquisite Idiazábal cheese next!

Visit the darling aldea of Segura next, where your charming host awaits you at Quesería Ondarre. This is a humble cheese farmer from a multi-generational cheesemaking family, with superb English and a lovely manner, not to mention fantastic cheese. They oversee every aspect of the production chain, beginning with meticulous flock management, encompassing feeding, calving, and milking processes. This attention to detail extends through the artisanal cheesemaking phase, ensuring each product attains the highest quality. Finally, their cheeses are elegantly presented in the market, each adorned with a label certifying their authenticity as genuine shepherd cheese. They proudly bear the P.D.O. Idiazabal designation, a testament to their commitment to tradition and excellence.

The owner, Eneko, has featured on several TV programs. You will “meet the sheep” (such cuties!) and learn all about the cheesemaking process and their artisan approach. Conclude the experience naturally by tasting Eneko’s tantalizing Idiazábal cheeses, served with Basque Cider and Riojan red. This works as a brunch and is a special stop.

The mesmerizing seaside gem of San Sebastian is the last station today. This will almost definitely be your new favorite town! San Sebastian is the Gourmet Mecca of Spain, and apart from being one of the world’s great food cities, it is also breathtaking. There is a beautiful coastline here with half-moon bays, surfer beaches, and wild hill drives reminiscent of Carmel in Northern California. You’ll find Belle Epoque Palaces and Hotels alongside Art Deco apartment buildings (very Poirot) and only a few steps away from cutting-edge architectural landmarks like the Kursaal Auditorium (where the famous film festival takes place every year), designed by architect Rafael Moneo.

Settle into your five-star hotel, the best in town, the emblematic Maria Cristina. This gorgeous hotel was inaugurated in 1912 and has long attracted royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and A-List Hollywood stars. You might bump shoulders with George Clooney or Brad Pitt in the elevator here in September during the festival! The evening is yours tonight, and a cocktail is in the super chic Dry Martini bar.

Pick-up is in the late morning today, so you can go for a beach walk or hit the fabulous La Perla spa on La Concha beach after breakfast. Or snuggle in for a later wake-up today- this is vacation, after all! You will try some neat and different coastal wines today in the Txakoli region, the snappy white wine country of the northern Atlantic coast in Spain’s Basque country. It shares a flavor spectrum with its neighbors, Albariño from Rías Baixas to the west and Cava (Penedès) to the southeast. It often features a light effervescence akin to the Vinhos Verdes of northern Portugal. The predominant variety from which Getariako whites are made is the indigenous grape Hondarribi Zuri, and we bet this will be your first time trying this grape varietal!

You will be visiting the family-run, ecologically conscious Gaintza estate. Founded in 1923 by the current generation’s great-grandfather José Antonio, they have gone from a modest property making wine for friends and family to an international operation known for their premium Txakoli wines and green ethos from the vineyard to the final packed product. They follow sustainable viticulture methods and use only recycled boxes, packaging, and water-basked inks with no chemicals in the labeling. On an intimate private tour, walk through their pretty vineyard and taste 3 of their Txakolis and delicious Basque goodies like Cantabrian anchovies and Bonito tuna.

Lunch is next in the authentic fishing village of Getaria. This picturesque Mariners village is nestled between the sea and lush green hills dotted with vineyards. It is most famous for two of its native sons- explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano and the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguir. Elcano and Ferdinand Magellan set out together to circumnavigate the globe in the 16th century. Getaria’s other claim to fame: is the mythical, fresh fish grilled on a “Parilla” over charcoal in the port. You will see the streets lined with restaurants and outdoor grills, and today, you will taste the best fish of your life. No ifs or buts, the best fish ever!

We will book a lovely table with a view of the colorful boats at Kaia Kaipe. While you are spoiled for choice for great seafood restaurants in Getaria, this location is one of our faves for its waterside location and its fantastic wine list. The wine list with over 1,000 different wines is over 90 pages long, txin txin! After lunch, your driver can take you back to San Sebastian immediately, or you can hang on for an hour and go for a stroll, visit the Balenciaga Museum, etc.

We will spoil you tonight with a convivial dinner at one of our fave family-run, friendly restaurants in San Sebastian- Ikaitz. The service is excellent, and you will receive a warm welcome before sitting down for a delicious supper. Enjoy delicious, top-quality traditional dishes cooked to perfection by Bocuse-trained chef Gustavo Ficoseco. The setting is informal and cozy, and you will feel relaxed.

Travel from Atlantic Spain today to the dazzling Mediterranean city of Barcelona, and your driver will take you door to door. Break up the long drive with a wine experience in Somontano. Located on a high plateau in the mountainous area of Huesca (known for its ski resorts), the wine region of Somontano lies at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. The name Somontano means “Under the Mountain.” The gorgeous region has green fields, hills, wildflowers, medieval hamlets, and lonely hilltop monasteries. It is also home to a new breed of modern wine estates, including the property you will be visiting, Enate. Enate calls itself the “Winery of the 21st century”, and its spectacularly designed modern winery attests to that.

Despite being a region with roots in wine production dating back to the Roman Empire, Somontano is a relatively new appellation (1984). It has quickly gained recognition for being a leading region of quality wines, with low yields and ultra-modern facilities. Completely contrasting with the atmospheric, historic wine caves of La Rioja, Somontano is known for its avant-garde, stylish wineries. Enate, in particular, is heavily involved in the art scene. They regularly commission Spanish artists to design wine labels and have an art gallery at the beautiful winery. Enate’s wines are incredibly clean, with depth and complexity. You will enjoy a nice private visit here with a tasting of their flagship wines and a BBQ lunch overlooking the vineyards.

The artsy city of Barcelona beckons, and you will arrive at your historic hotel by the late afternoon. Your base is the five-star Monument Hotel, whose whimsical “Modernista” facade won’t prepare you for the trendy, ultra-chic New York interior. Apart from the luxurious rooms, the hotel is also a beacon for food lovers, home to 3 Michelin-starred Lasarte and 1 Michelin-starred Oria restaurant. This hotel is the only hotel in Spain with 4 Michelin stars under one roof. We highly suggest you visit at least one of these culinary temples during your stay in Barcelona. Check-in and freshen up; the evening is at leisure. Your bathroom features a free-standing Victoria & Albert bathtub and separate Raindance shower – complete with Diptyque amenities. Relax and enjoy.

After the previous long driving day, you will appreciate a free day. We will provide tips for shopping, sightseeing (Parc Guell is a “must”), and dining and can appoint a local guide for an art and architecture tour if you would like to see some of Gaudi’s great works like Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera, with an art expert. This evening, your local guide will meet you in the lobby and take you on an amusing and relaxed 4-hour walking tour around Barcelona. For the first half of the tour, you will visit the “Eixample” quarter, which focuses on gourmet shops and old-school delicatessens. Learn about these unique venues’ specialties and admire the historic facades and presentation of food luxuries at iconic “Colmados” (historic grocery shops in Barcelona) while grazing on tapas and sipping wines.

The next part of your food tour is in the medieval “Gothioc” quarter, a scenic walk or short taxi ride away. Your guide will take you to three wine bars, the last and our favorite being the La Vinya del Senyor. In front of the magnificent Santa Maria del Mar church in the fashionable Born quarter, you would be hard-pressed to find a lovelier corner of Barcelona to wine and dine. They are known for their extensive list of wines by the glass, so you will get to imbibe a range of Catalan wines, like Cava from Penedès, Rosé from the Costa Brava, and Rich reds from Costers del Segre. Great small dishes (“Tapitas”) will accompany the wines, such as artisan cheese plates, grilled vegetables with a “Romesco” sauce, house-style meatballs in wild mushroom sauce, and pork cheeks with a Pedro Ximénez wine reduction. “Bon Profit”!

This morning, you will travel to the last wine region of this tour, Priorat! Located in the beautiful protected park of Montsant, this region is different from any of the other regions you have seen. The vineyards are grown on terraces reminiscent of the Douro Valley, and the soil is called “Llicorella,” a crumbly slate. This is Spain’s most elite wine region and is often called Spain’s “Burgundy.” Known as “Priorat” in Catalan and “Priorato” in Spanish, this phenomenal wine region makes some of the nation’s most exciting and expensive wines. And since you are only here for one day, we will show you the best wine estate in the region, Costers del Siurana.

Run by the energetic and charming Carles Pastrana (journalist by profession) and his winemaker wife Mariona, this is the “Rolls Royce” of wine. An entertaining winery visit will be followed by a spectacular tasting of the best wines, including their top-notch Clos de l’Obac and red dessert wine Dolç de l’Obac. Sublime wines and visit here with the best hosts.

A warm and inviting lunch will follow at the casual restaurant of the Clos Figueras winery, a two-minute drive away. When the weather permits, lunch is served on the leafy terrace under the wisteria-draped pergola and on cooler days in the cozy, brick-walled, terracotta-roofed dining room.

Today’s lunch is a Priorat feast, with an assortment of dishes to share like artisan pâtés from Vilella Baixa, Beet carpaccio with feta cheese, hazelnuts, and smoked sardine; “brava” potatoes with basil aioli and fried tomato and spicy chorizo; Grilled organic lamb with fried potatoes and Padró peppers; Picaña Galician summum grilled beef with Parmentier and purple potato chips; the house cheesecake with Crema Catalana ice cream; and Lemon Gin Sorbet. Taste four estate wines throughout the meal, and if you like, you can visit the barrel cellar after lunch for a peek. We are guessing you might enjoy a siesta on your way back to Barcelona then.

Enjoy the last evening on your own, with our suggestions, in this fascinating city.

Your private chauffeur will take you to Barcelona’s international airport or your next port of call. This concludes your unforgettable Spanish Wine Odyssey tour! We hope to see you back for another tour again soon!