Fabulous up and coming wines of Ronda
Marbella, probably the Costa del Sol’s most luxurious resort, is perfectly situated on the southerly coast of Andalusia, sheltered by the beautiful Sierra Blanca Mountains. It has a pretty “casco antiguo”, the old town with its narrow streets and cute flower boxes, as well as it’s famous “Golden Mile” a string of swanky restaurants, clubs, and hotels leading to its equally as attractive marina. From here, just over an hour’s drive away you can discover one of the most up and coming Spanish wine regions in recent years. Your private driver will pick you up at your Marbella hotel and you will be swept away for a full day in the Ronda Winelands and the stunning medieval city of the same name. This ancient wine region has been producing wine for over two millennia, however, it is only fairly recently, in the last 10 years that it has been placed on the wine connoisseurs map. The minimal restrictions on grape varieties permitted have encouraged successful experimentation with a wide range of international varietals.
On this marvelous day trip to Ronda you will try some terrific wines at two quite different wineries; Chinchilla where you will also feast like kings on traditional dishes and local delicacies and then at the captivating Descalzos Viejos wine estate. Between winery visits your chauffeur will take you into the town of Ronda itself. A truly fascinating town, distributed in two quarters one either side of the Tajo del Ronda gorge. Here you will admire some of the most spectacularly preserved ancient architecture from the Arab baths, Real Maestranza bullring and the bridges that join the two halves of the town. If you are looking for a luxurious excursion from Marbella to nearby wine country and adore trying local food and drink contact us for more information on this wonderful experience.
Marbella Wine Tour Highlights:
- Wine Tasting in the Ronda Wine Region
- Private Visits and VIP Treatment
- Gastronomic Tasting Menu Lunch
- Mercedes Chauffeured Tour
Below is a suggested Itinerary for your private Marbella Wine Tour
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Marbella-Ronda-Marbella
Luxury Marbella Wine Tour Itinerary
Bodega Descalzos Viejos, Ronda - none
- Lunch with wine
- Luxury Mercedes with driver
9:30 a.m. You will be picked up at your Marbella hotel by your elegant driver and luxury Mercedes and head inland passing the stunning Sierra de las Nieves nature reserve towards Ronda. In recent years suddenly everyone is enthusing about Ronda wines, mainly the result of the high profile Wine Symposium that was held here in April 2008, attracting the world’s most revered wine critics such as Jancis Robinson. It brought a lot of attention to this burgeoning boutique wine industry and took the winepress by storm. You will have a fabulous day today and learn all about these up and coming wines at two of the most interesting small wineries. The Chinchilla wine estate is the first stop, here after a VIP tour and personalized tasting of their terrific wines, namely Cloe Chardonnay, Chinchilla Seis + Seis Crianza, Chinchilla Doble Doce Reserva and Chinchilla Maestro (their stunning Moscatel) you will be treated to a delicious and lovingly prepared traditional lunch, including local cheeses and Iberian cured meats, “Salmorejo” a cold tomato soup, Battered anchovies and “Chivo Malgueño” locally sourced, roasted goat kid, finishing with almond tart and homemade bonbons made with the Chinchilla wines. All washed down with more of their mouthwatering wines of course.
2:30 p.m. After your fabulous lunch you will appreciate a digestive walk, and what better place than in the breathtakingly beautiful, mountain top town of Ronda itself. The town sits on either side of the Tajo del Ronda gorge. Several bridges unite the sides; on one side the historic quarter, reminiscent of the Arab age and with a medieval layout, while the more modern Ronda grew up after the 16th century on the northern side of the river. Highlights include the Real Maestranza bullring, this is one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain and built by the same architect, Jose Martin Aldehuela who built the Puente Nuevo (another must see). The Arabic baths are extremely well preserved and a stroll around the truly outstanding gardens of the Mondragon Palace is top on the list.
Your second winery visit is to the atmospheric Descalzos Viejos wine estate just underneath Ronda. This stunning estate was founded with the restoration of the 16th century chapel of the Convent of S. Trinity XVI, by architect owners Flavio Salesi and Paco Retamero. They zealously restored the chapel to its former glory and then planted vineyards in the 15 hectares of fertile land, once belonging to the monks from the Los Descalzos Order. Argentine owner Flavio is absolutely charming and an effervescent host, he will enthusiastically lead you through the tasting of their DV+09, DV Aires 09 and DV Rufina 11, utterly spectacular.
5:30/6PM: Return to Marbella in the early evening after this unforgettable food and wine tour of the Ronda. We hope you’ve had a fantastic day!
