In the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, winemaking has been a common practice for centuries. Not only is it an important part of the local culture and economy, but it’s embedded in the heart and soul of the people. In the Rias Baixas winemaking region in coastal Galicia, Spain, the Albariño grape variety has been growing for over 1,000 years. These grapes produce crisp, white wines with notes of citrus that pair perfectly with seafood dishes. And over the border in Portugal, the Minho region is famous for its vineyards concentrated along the valleys of the rivers. This is where the aromatic and refreshing ‘vinho verde’ wines are made. Winemakers in these regions utilize passion and innovation to produce high quality products, all while respecting the land and its history.
Here are a few of our favorite wine experiences from Santiago de Compostela to Porto:
Enjoy a visit to the contemporary winery of Martin Codax in the DO Rias Baixas area, where a professional guide will tell you about the history of the winery, the characteristics of the local viticulture, and the process of how they make their wines. Then, we have a guided tasting on the outdoor patio of 3 Albariño wines paired with 3 small bites of delicious local seafood tapas, all while enjoying the views of the estuary.
Nearby the Pazo Baion winery is located in a typical Galician manor house from the 16th C. Surrounded by manicured gardens, visiting this exceptional estate is like walking through history. Tour the vineyards and winery and see the historical dovecote and old cowshed. We love their technical tasting of 5 Albariño wines, each one exuding authenticity and exclusivity, while pairing these with local Galician products.
Quinta do Tamariz has been producing wine in northern Portugal since 1926. This independent, family-run estate is one of the oldest wineries in the Vinho Verde demarcated region of Minho. They offer tours that include a visit to the vineyards and winery, including the old brandy cellar. Don’t miss their tasting of 4 wines accompanied by local cheese, sausages and regional bread.
Finally the Quinta da Raza estate offers a variety of high-quality wines with lots of character, from whites to rosé and sparkling. We enjoy arranging special tastings here, as well as walks through the vineyard and vegetable garden, occasionally with picnics too. Here they pair tastings with local sausages and cheese, traditional bread, and tapas of organic Portuguese preserves.
Ask Valesa to arrange these special private visits and tastings for your clients.
