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Tempranillo grapes in La mancha
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9AM- Your elegant driver and luxurious Mercedes will arrive to your hotel in Madrid to pick you up and you’ll head southwest for an hour’s journey to Bargas, stopping in an absolutely lovely wine estate for a VIP tour.
10AM -Arrive to a boutique estate such as the prestigious Finca Loranque winery, where the famous flying winemaker Telmo Rodriguez (also known as the “George Clooney” of the Spanish wine world) is one of the consultant winemakers. The cellar is located in a pretty, 18th century farmhouse and the vineyards are very picturesque. You’ll receive a special private tour, visiting the vines and learning all about the native and imported varietals here. Finca Loranque use the Spanish noble Tempranillo grape as well as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll tour the barrel cellar and taste wine right out of the barrique. A full tasting of their wines will conclude the visit, accompanied by some delicious (and local) Manchego cheese- enjoy!
11:45AM- You’ll visit the stunning town of Toledo next, only a few minutes drive from the wine estate, and your own private guide will take you on a walking tour of the city’s most spectacular monuments. Jews, Moors and Christians lived for centuries side by side during the “Convivencia” and each of these groups left their mark on Toledo both architecturally and gastronomically. You´ll explore the magnificent Cathedral and its art gallery (featuring paintings by El Greco, Titian, Van Dyck and Goya ); walk along the narrow cobbletoned streets taking in the Moorish Puerta del Sol and the Mudéjar Synagogue, built in the 14th century by Samuel Ha-Leví (the Jewish treasurer under Pedro the Cruel); and the tiny, perfect 12th century Iglesia de Santo Tomé. Your guide will drop you off at your next port of call- lunch!
2:30PM An ultra gourmet lunch awaits at the upscale Adolfo´s restaurant. You have a phenomenal tasting menu in store that will include dishes such as Terrina de higado de pato con jugo de arbequina y reducción de Pedro Ximenez (foie terrine with an arbequina olive oil sauce and reduction of Sherry wine); Carpaccio de atún con vinagreta de mango y pistacho verde (Tuna carpaccio with a mango and green pistachio vinaigrette); Crema de calabaza, langostinos y su crujiente (pumpkin soup with langoustines); Salteado de setas de temporada (sautéed wild mushrooms); and
Lomo de ciervo con reducción de Syrah (venison in a Syrah wine reduction). Desserts might be their famous mango sorbet, almond bizcocho with a dollop of homemade mint ice-cream or the traditional “Torrija” served with coconut soup.
5-6:15PM After a simply fabulous day of wine tasting, sightseeing and gourmet dining, your driver will transfer you back to Madrid and drop you back to your hotel. And this concludes your fascinating tour of La Mancha and Toledo.
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Customer Feedback:
“Without doubt the feedback is extremely favourable - thanks for a great weekend. The organization of the gourmet weekend in Madrid was excellent - everyone new what was happening and when. Everyone enjoyed Toledo, in particular the view across the river looking towards Toledo. We can't praise our driver Angel enough! We definitely enjoyed the lunch at Adolfo's and all enjoyed the wine tasting- we all learnt something and afterwards every one started checking bottle labels - Planeta Vino exceeded expectations. Would and have recommended Cellar Tours. ”
Clive Firth, Richfields Firth UK, Corporate Weekend in Madrid