Quest For a Meal in Granada
In our quest for appetizing authentic food, we avoid establishments with pictures of dishes pasted around the entrance or with plastic menus. We’ve come to understand authentic doesn’t necessarily mean worthy; it’s a catch phrase. Throw in reasonably priced and it can be a chore to find that meal. We did find a few gems [...]
Cava in Penedes
A short train ride from Barcelona and you are in the Penedes area of Catalonia. 95% of all cava (sparking wine) is produced in this region of Spain. Regardless of whether you like the stuff, it´s a beautiful place to visit and take a tour or two. We chose Cava Rovellats, partly because it´s [...]
Navagating to Nekeas in the Navarra
So just what is Nekeas anyway? A winery making excellent wines in the Navarra region of Spain. Although I’m home now, not continuing to share more of my amazing adventures would be withholding great information. Who knows when one may decide to venture off to Northwest Spain! To give a quick overview of the Navarra, [...]
Navarra Wine, Historic Town: Bodegas Irache and Estella
Bodegas Irache is located in Ayegui, two kilometres from Estella. It was established in 1891 however it’s vineyards go back to the 12th century. The Monestary de Irache, also 12th century, is literally right next to the winery. The monestary was the first hospital for pilgrims on the Way to Compostela. Irache built a new [...]
Wine, Almonds and Hiking in Spain
Hiking in Spain is absolutely beautiful. In addition to our food and wine adventures this trip, we’ve gone on several hikes. Starting in Barcelona, you’ve got Montserrat, a short train ride from the city. From this monastery dating back a few hundred years, (who’s counting centuries!) you have magnificent views of the surrounding area. Depending [...]
Traditional Wine in La Rioja
Established in 1877 and located in the town of Haro, Bodegas Lopez de Heredia is the third oldest bodega (winery) in Rioja, run by the family’s fourth generation, and make wine in a ‘tradional’ method. The visit was fascinating and oh so different from the typical California winery tour (not that I don’t like California [...]
A Sweet Bodega in Navarra
We drove to the the southern end of the Navarra wine region to the town of Corella for our 11:30 a.m. tour of Bodegas Camilo Castilla, the oldest winery in this region. They specialize in sweet wine made from the “Muscat de petit grain” grape, a.k.a. small berry Muscat. The bodega makes four wines with [...]
