Spain 2024
Madrid - Ribera del Duero - Rioja - Bilbao
Itinerary
It’s hard to capture the magic of a week in Spain on our inaugural journey through the heart of Spanish wine country. There was exceptional wine, a Michelin-starred dinner, and even a little dancing. As we moved from Madrid to the skies above the monastery, it became clear to us why the monks chose that spot to build it. Eight couples arrived as strangers and left as friends. From vineyards to the Guggenheim, the week offered something for everyone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
