Rioja to Salamanca route, a 7 night self-drive independent tour in Spain. Hop from castle to castle and wend your way through Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, names to conjure with Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro and Rueda. Visit the great wine centres of Laguardia, Haro, Logroño, Peñafiel and Valladolid and ‘drink in’ the traditions and beautiful landscapes.
Leaving from your accomodation, we will pass through the ancient road Cassia(ss2), direction South. Once past Buonconvento, turning right we will start to climb towards Montalcino (placed at more than 500 m above sea level). By then, we will be in the production area of one of the world's most famous wines: the Brunello of Montalcino.
The only question mark over a day spent in the Winelands is where to go. You can't miss Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, with its stunning architecture steeped in history, but then again there's Franschhoek developed by the Huguenot refugees. A valley with an array of wine estates and a fascinating little town filled with art galleries, award winning restaurants and wine estates.
Start your day with a lovely wine taste at 1. Helens Hill Estate cellar door, nestled in a lovely native bush setting surrounded by gum trees and vines – sample Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Merlot…Then on to the Mediterranean styled 2. Dominique Portet to sample a great range of wines – from a sparkling Brut Rose to the 5 star (James Halliday rated) Shiraz.
9.45am Collection from your accomodation in Blenheim and around the Marlborough wine region.(please contact us for details of Picton collections). Start the day with a visit to the boutique winery of Te Whare Ra where owners and winemakers Jason and Anna Flowerday have built a strong reputation on aromatic whites and divine Pinot Noir.