We started our journey with appetizers and gin and tonics. On a rooftop bar of course. Madrid was alive. A palace tour, a city walk, and a flamenco show highlighted Madrid’s secrets.

I told my wife that the thermal pools at the monastery might be the highlight of the trip. But maybe it was the hot air balloon ride? Or was it the wine caves? Or was it the wine? I can’t be sure but the Ribera Del Duero did not disappoint.

Sean, our local guide for the week, said he had a surprise for us when arrived in Laguardia. I won’t spoil it for you, so you will have to discover that detail for yourself. Rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain, yielded some amazing wines and perhaps a haunted hotel stay. But you will have to ask the innkeeper about that.

Our first international wine offer came from Getaria, so for our first trip to Spain, we had to go there. The pairing of fresh fish and lightly fizzy Txakolina felt effortless and perfect. We ended the trip in a Basque cider house, and even after a full week immersed in wine country, we found ourselves wanting just one more glass (or bottle or bottles).