Ribera del Duero Private Wine Tour

Arrive at Madrid airport, and your elegant chauffeur guide will be waiting for you to sweep you away to the wine country. The drive is just over 2 hours, so sit back and rest. You have a full day ahead! Arrive at the first wine estate, such as Emilio Moro, making elegant and refined wines.

After a short winery tour, you will have a private tasting of all the flagship wines, such as Finca Resalso, Emilio Moro, and Malleolus, plus an exceptional cru like Malleolus de Sanchomartín. On the way to lunch, stop at the magnificent 10th-century castle of Peñafiel, declared a national monument in 1917. This is a great photo op, and the hilltop location offers impressive, sweeping views over the vineyard-covered valley below.

At this stage, you will definitively be peckish, and we have a stellar lunch planned for you at the refined Arzuaga winery. With views of the vineyards, tuck into delicacies like wild boar carpaccio, piquillo peppers stuffed with seafood, and the mythical “Chuletillas de Cordero lechal a la parrilla” (grilled baby lamb chops)- all served with Arzuaga estate wines.

Your last stop of the day is a ton of fun at the elegant Finca Villacreces winery. Your hosts will welcome you on an easy, panoramic E-Bike tour through their picturesque vineyards bordering the Vega Sicilia estate. This is the “Golden mile” of Ribera del Duero, and this property is beautiful with a holm oak forest onsite. After a spin through the vineyards, you will visit the stylish barrel cellars and conclude with a private tasting of their range of exclusive wines, including a top Reserva.

Your magnificent hotel awaits the luxurious Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena. Set in a 12-century restored monastery in a vineyard, this hotel also houses a fantastic thermal spa, and the pool circuit is always sublime before dinner. You will have great views of the historic courtyard and monastery facade and a very comfortable and stylish room.

Dinner is on your own at their gastronomic restaurant or cozy, vaulted wine bar. Welcome to the wonderful wine region of Ribera del Duero!

This morning, you will drive through the Ribera Winelands to one of the main fine wine hubs, Roa del Duero. Begin the day with a private tour and tasting at the renowned estate Viñedos Alonso del Yerro. Their gorgeous Santa Marta property is home to their impeccable vineyards, beautiful cellars adorned with luxury Loewe scarves, and their Provençal-style home. Taste the bold, rich flavors of the Tinto Fino grape, famous in Ribera del Duero for its deep red hues and intense berry notes. Enjoy a rare owner-led tour and savor their acclaimed wines, including “Maria” and “Paydos” from their Toro estate (made with hand-harvested grapes, extremely exclusive, and limited to a production of only 5,000 bottles).

After a terrific morning, continue with a charming and intimate experience at Áster. Owned by the historic Rioja winery, Rioja Alta, Áster is their French chateau-style Ribera property. Rioja Alta began investing and experimenting in Ribera del Duero in the 1980s when Ribera was still an emerging source of high-end wines. After years of searching for the perfect location for their Ribera winery, they found a magnificent spot with old vines (Finca El Otero), and 2000 marked the first vintage of their delicious Áster wine. The winery is situated in an extremely picturesque corner of Ribera, an oasis of lavender and rosemary surrounded by a sea of vines.

On a private guided tour, you’ll visit the pristine grounds, enjoy a vineyard walk (weather permitting), see the cutting-edge, impressive cellar, and then sit down to a convivial, VIP private lunch overlooking the barrels. You’ll have fun tasting a variety of appetizers and roast lamb for lunch, along with their two flagship reds made in situ and their effervescent Albariño white from Galicia.

In the late afternoon, head west to the capital of Ribera del Duero, Valladolid. The historic heart of Valladolid is one of Spain’s finest yet is little known to many foreign visitors. With a private guide, enjoy an hour-and-a-half “best of” walking tour that will include the wonderful Pasaje Gutiérrez (a shopping arcade dating to the 1880s, reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and the Galeries Saint-Hubert in Brussels); the 13th-century Gothic gem of San Pablo; and the marvelous Patio del Colegio de San Gregorio (featured in the 1955 Orson Welles film “Mr. Arkadin”). You will see the house where Christopher Columbus lived (and died) and trace the footsteps of other famous inhabitants and visitors, from Cervantes to King Philip II.

You might like to enjoy an aperitif in one of Valladolid’s atmospheric squares before arriving at your hotel in the late evening. Check out your personalized keepsake itinerary for suggested dining options nearby, or enjoy the onsite restaurant or the gastro bar.

Your next fabulous day is going to commence at the contemporary Dominio de Cair winery, with its state-of-the-art cellar shaped like a giant wine barrel. This prestigious cellar is owned by the famous Luis Cañas Rioja wine company and is one of our favorites in the region. The hospitality here is top class, and on a private tour, with a glass of wine in hand, you’ll explore the facilities and barrel cellar, which is accessed by a fun spiral staircase (or elevator) before getting settled into your cozy outdoor perch overlooking the vines where you will be treated to a super-premium tasting. Try wines like their limited edition Finca Las Matillas, their signature Tierras de Cair Reserva, and single estate pago wines Cruz del Pendón and delicious Pendón de La Aguilera (the most exclusive wine they produce, they only make 1200 bottles annually).

Then, hit the wine road for another great experience at Territorio Luthier. This impressive wine estate makes top-class, delicious wines in the heart of Ribera del Duero. They produce limited super-premium, numbered bottles, including Lara O Crianza, Hispania de Luthier Reserva, Territorio Luthier Reserva Reserva, and LUTHIER Gran Reserva. The owner herself, Cristina, will host you; you will appreciate the private lunch organized for you of Spanish paella and various tapas—all paired with their select wines.

After a thoroughly entertaining visit and wine tasting, stretch your legs on a leisurely stroll through the nearby adorable village of Peñarada de Duero. This graceful, tiny village has been named a “Conjunto Histórico-Artístico,” a legal declaration that it has historical-artistic monuments regulated and protected by the Ministry of Culture in Spain. It is a quaint little medieval village worth seeing, especially given its proximity. Grab your phone camera and enjoy some free time here to explore the pretty main square with its timber-beamed houses and the 15th-century castle. On the way back to your hotel this early evening, you could stop in Aranda de Duero’s historic center for a quick look at the Santa María la Real church; it is an extraordinary and unusually grand monument for such a small town.

Free evening at your romantic spa hotel; you may choose to enjoy a spa circuit and the pool.

The smooth, concentrated, velvety, and very delicious wines of Valduero are first on today’s itinerary. These elite wines are among the best in Spain and are highly sought-after by collectors. You’re in for an extensive and entertaining visit at this esteemed bodega.

Established in the early 1980s, Valduero pioneered the Ribera del Duero appellation. Their wine cellar extends nearly 100 feet underground and houses close to 4,000 wine barrels. The winery also features an on-site art foundation and a private barrel club, whose members include Michelin-starred chefs like Martin Berasategui and Elena Arzak, authors Mario Vargas Llosa and Ken Follett, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Spanish Industrialist Jorge Calvo and movie director Isabel Coixet, to name a few. You’ll enjoy a private tour and high-end tasting, which includes Valduero 1 Cepa, Valduero Reserve, and Valduero 6 Años, accompanied by artisan cheese and local charcuterie.

Drive north to Burgos, the resting place of the folkloric hero El Cid, whose tomb is in a breathtaking Gothic Cathedral. First on the agenda is lunch at Restaurante Ojeda, a feast for the senses. Savor the tender, flavorful roast lamb in an atmosphere brimming with local charm. Each bite, complemented by the prestigious Vega Sicilia’s Valbuena, brings Ribera’s rich culinary tradition to your palate.

After lunch, wander through Burgos’ old town, where history resonates in every narrow alley and cobblestone street. Don’t miss the Gothic Cathedral; its intricate facade and stunning interior testify to the region’s artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, visit the Valsotillo property en route to your hotel. Run by the Arroyo family, Bodegas Ismael Arroyo is behind Valsotillo, a Tempranillo known for its ripe berry notes, complexity, and elegant finish. Located in Sotillo de la Ribera, a small valley village near the medieval city of Burgos, this winery is one of the most respected in the region and helped establish the DO. Although the winery was founded in 1979, winemaking is a longstanding Arroyo family tradition. Their wines mature in an awe-inspiring 16th-century cellar that meanders through nearly two-thirds of a kilometer of subterranean galleries. Considered one of the world’s most exceptional wine cellars, this ‘cathedral of wine’ provides ideal conditions for maturing their exquisite wines. Tour the caves and sample some of their top wines, including the Gran Reserva.

Finally, unwind at your hotel. Spend an hour or two enjoying its inviting amenities.

Head to your final port of call, Madrid, but first: one last tasting and a wine-soaked lunch at the mythical Jose Maria in Segovia. Begin with a visit to Renacimiento, the bijou cellar owned by Bodegas Familia Matarromera. The cellar is set in a 16th-century noble house that belonged to the Marquis of Olivares and, later, to the Jesuit order. The main wine made here is called Rento, based on a historic Castilian word that refers to the rent of vineyards from the local aristocracy. It’s a lovely setting to taste great wines like Finca Las Marcas, Matarromera Prestigio, Picón de Zurita, Rento, and Matarromera Pago de las Solanas.

By late morning, you’ll likely be ready for lunch, and the next stop is in the majestic city of Segovia. This is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain, most famous for its Disneyesque Castle Alcázar complex.

Segovia is also home to José Maria, arguably Spain’s best Asador (restaurant specializing in roast and grilled meats). The star dish is the “cochinillo,” or roast suckling pig. Lunch at Jose Maria’s is a hoot! Lunch at Jose Maria’s will be a treat! A delicious multi-course feast will be organized for you, with highlights such as their iconic suckling pig and sautéed boletus. The wines served here are from their family’s estates, Pago de Carreovejas in Ribera del Duero and Ossian in Segovia. The owner is a real character; his staff are seasoned, loyal employees. This is good old-fashioned Spanish hospitality at its best and a family-run gem. Before entering the dining room, enjoy an aperitif at the busy, atmospheric bar, a local favorite.

After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore Segovia on your own. Don’t miss the Alcazar, where 152 steps will take you to the tower’s rooftop, where you can enjoy dreamy views. Madrid is just over an hour’s drive away, and your chauffeur will drop you off at your next destination (we can certainly add a few days of fun sightseeing and food and wine experiences in Madrid, too).

We hope you have an unforgettable time on this upscale wine tour of Ribera del Duero!