txakolí

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Getaria is known for its txakolí, a slightly sparkling white wine which is considered quite dry and acidic.  It can be bottled for up to a year and is usually served as an aperitif.  The countryside of this region, an area which receives a lot of rain, is covered with these trellis-like structures which serve to support the vines and create a canopy.

Toro

Toro, (Zamora - Castilla y León) Spain

The town of Toro, in the province of Zamora, is known as a wine producing region located along the Duero River.  Its wine history goes long back; it is said that Christopher Columbus took Toro wine with him on his expedition in 1492 because of its ability to withstand the long journey, due to its structure and body.  The Collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor, dating to the 12th century, is found at the end of this street and is an example of traditional Romanesque architecture.

Plaza del Coso

Peñafiel, (Valladolid - Castilla y León) Spain

This medieval square, called the Plaza del Coso, is found in the middle of Peñafiel and has been used for bullfighting, among other things, since the 15th century.  This makes it one of the oldest bullfighting rings still used in Spain.  Surrounding the square are private homes; however, since medieval times the right to use their windows and balconies during bullfights are owned by the town who auctions them off to the highest bidders.  Access to the square is by means of two streets.

In the distance you can see the 9th century castle of Peñafiel which currently hosts the Wine Museum of Valladolid.

Peñafiel

Peñafiel, (Valladolid - Castilla y León) Spain

This castle perched above the town of Peñafiel dates back to the 9th century.  It sits atop a hill full of interconnected underground cellars (bodegas) which were traditionally used to store wine to maintain it at constant temperatures.  The bodegas have chimney vents and can be seen throughout the castle area as well as all around the town.  Many of these bodegas are still used today.  This medieval town is in the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine region, containing a large number of wineries.  Today the castle holds the Wine Museum of Valladolid.