- August 7 – Transit to Bilbao
The following day we would wake up, stretch our sore legs, and make our way to Bilbao. The drive was not terribly long.
Lunch at the hotel had a nice tempranillo which was only 9 euros restaurant price, sadly not exported in any quantity:
After checking in to the hotel we would then proceed to our office in Bilbao while Lethy + Magda went to the museums.
Late that night we met up with the Getino family for an “I haven’t seen you in 25 years, wow you’ve changed” dinner. It was a very unique experience and was great to see them all doing well. Jaime could not attend and Enrique and his wife had to leave a bit early, but from left to right: Jose Luis Jr and wife, my mom and Lethy, myself and my dad, Pilar and Jose Luis Sr.
We went to a famous restaurant in Bilbao which honestly did not impress me. However the wine was excellent and was a bit of foreshadowing:
- August 8 – RIOJA!
Up early the next morning, Gorka and Jon had put together an itinerary in the Rioja region. Bea and the baby accompanied us.
First stop: Bodegas Carlos San Pedro Perez de Vinaspre
It is in the small town of Laguardia – which is known for its cellars under each house. They were originally built as a form of defense but as security improved, they became largely used for the production and storage of wine. He gave us a tour of their caverns, we got to peak into the cisterns…
and then a tasting of 3 of their wines…
Due to the low light, my photos sucked. We had the Crianza, the Reserva, and the namesake label (red/black).
They were increasingly good and I can not find any on the US market.
After the tasting we wandered the town some looking at the old walls, the bull ring with gates for a running, and some mixed in modern sculpture.
Next stop: López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Winery
This is a much larger winemaker in the famous town of Haro. We took a tour of their wine making facilities and their EXTENSIVE wine storage facilities.
They specialize in making wines intended for extreme aging. 20+ years for many of their wines, including whites.
I spent much of the time making sure I did not get mold or cobwebs on my head.
Alex was well behaved throughout, maybe he’d had a few sips? (just kidding)
We tasted a white and a red. The white I did not care for.
The red was quite good and should age even better.
Gorka and Jon got me a magnum which I am anxiously saving in my cellar for a day when they come to visit me and it has reached its peak!
Third stop: Dinastia Vivanco – Winery, Restaurant and Museum
Upon arriving I had my doubts, the parking lot was enormous and clearly designed to accommodate large crowds of tourists. We were all quite hungry and had reservations at the restaurant.
My doubts were all for naught, the food was fantastic – most of us had a leg of lamb and there wasnt a sliver of meat left behind. And the wine with lunch equally good at absurdly low prices.
The museum was IMMENSE and DETAILED. We spent 3 hours and only saw the first 3 sections out of many. The descriptive videos and hands on exhibits really made it nice. Any wine-o should see a place like this. I can’t pick a photo that exemplifies the museum, so if you want to see more, go to the link to all photos at the end (WARNING All means a lot).
Honestly I can’t remember the dinner from that day. I don’t think it was bad, I just don’t recall it.
All photos here.