Galicia offers our visitors multiple cultural, nature and gastronomic experiences. In addition to its seafood and landscapes, it is also a land of great wines, such as its Albariños, Ribeiros or Mencías. For this reason, more and more visitors are opting for wine tourism trips or getaways in Galicia. And this attractive proposal can still be improved, as is the case with the integrated offer of nature and wine tourism of María Manuela Enoturismo.
What does a wine tourism experience offer?
Wine tourism focuses on wine regions. However, it has a strong relationship with gastronomic or cultural tourism, since the Galician producing regions are home to an interesting artistic or historical heritage. There is also an outstanding industrial heritage linked to the production of wines, which has a long tradition in this land.
On the other hand, wine tourism is related to health and beauty tourism. Wine is currently being used to carry out treatments within what is known as wine therapy.
Most wine tourism experiences in Galicia and elsewhere offer the possibility of visiting the wineries of certain wines or designations of origin. They can include tastings, with the possibility of purchasing the wines, and even visits to farms. This is the case of the María Manuela experience, which allows visitors to stay among forests and vineyards, and visit the plot where we harvest our limited edition wine.
Wines and wine tourism in Galicia
Galicia has a rich wine heritage, which covers most of the territory, which is why wine tourism in Galicia is a booming leisure activity.
Specifically, there are five Designations of Origin (D.O.) and four Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs). They certify the origin, quality and characteristics of Galician wines. Climate, soil, cultivated varieties, type of wine and local cultures give each of them its hallmark and characteristics.
Below, we will tell you about the five Galician wine D.O.s.
Rías Baixas
Viñedo María Manuela
It is the Galician PDO that comprises the largest territory. These wines are grown in the coastal areas of the Rías Baixas, mainly in the inland reaches of the Ulla, Umia, Oitavén, Xabriña and Miño rivers. They are crops at low altitudes, with vines that are worked through the conduction of vines. This system lifts them from the ground to take advantage of solar radiation, better control fruit growth and limit the impact of fungal diseases.
The D.O. Rías Baixas has its own wine tourism route, with wineries, restaurants and different coastal enclaves to visit. In fact, due to its length, rather than a route, we could speak of a set of routes. For a first approach to this wine or if you have a few days to visit the area, we recommend our María Manuela experiences. They include tasting, a visit to a winery and vineyard, and unique accommodation: cabins between vineyards and native forest.
Valdeorras
It is a wine produced in the northeastern part of the province of Ourense, in the basin of the Sil, Xares and Bibei rivers. The vines sit on granite and tile soils, red and black earths, with cellars in caves or dug into the earth. They have genuine ventilation chimneys, known as “refugallos”. This area also has its Valdeorras wine route. And there are companies that organize visits to its famous cave-cellar.
Ribeira Sacra
This wine is produced in an area with a rich artistic heritage, dotted with churches and religious buildings in the Romanesque style. Popular tradition links the name of the denomination to the monastic history of the territory. The production area follows the course of the Miño and Sil rivers, in the south of the province of Lugo and the north of the province of Ourense. Wine is produced on hillsides, using terraces or socalcos to take advantage of the land. The plots are very difficult to mechanize, which is why this viticulture is usually described as “heroic”. The rugged landscape, following the course of the rivers, with its viewpoints, is unique. In addition to enjoying the natural attraction, a wine route, different agrotourism activities and a rich cultural heritage are offered in the producing regions.
Monterrei
This wine is obtained in the Galician wine-growing area with the driest and most temperate climate, with characteristics similar to those of Mediterranean Spain. The appellation covers the valley of the Tâmega River, a tributary of the Duero, in the southeastern part of the province of Ourense. Monterrei vines are traditionally grown in Greek goblets, although today trellis vines predominate. This wine tourism experience in Galicia is another one that combines wine and culture on its wine route, including a visit to Monterrei Castle.
Ribeiro
It is produced in the valleys of the rivers Miño, Avia and Arnoia, in the province of Ourense. The area is bounded by mountain ranges that reduce the entry of rainfall from the Atlantic. It is also grown in terraces to overcome the unevenness and make better use of the land. The Ruta do Viño do Ribeiro is another great wine tourism option in Galicia. In addition to enjoying these wines, you can visit the Galician Wine Museum.
Viños da Terra
On the other hand, the Galician PGIs of wine are grouped under the brand “Viños da Terra”. It includes the following wines, associated with specific production areas: Barbanza and Iría, Betanzos, Val do Miño-Ourense and Ribeiras do Morrazo.
The María Manuela Experience
María Manuela’s joint experience of lodging in the forest and winery is unique. First of all, you’ll be able to stay in log cabins with a unique history. This project was born in support of the native forest, rural development and sustainability, as it made it possible to save a native oak grove or carballeira, in Galician, from logging. This genuine accommodation in the middle of nature includes all the comforts, from kitchen, wood burning fireplace to jacuzzi.
Secondly, you will be able to learn about the production process of Albariño María Manuela in our winery and walk through the vineyard, located in the Ribeira do Ulla sub-area, within the geographical demarcation of the D.O. Rías Baixas. You will also discover our gourmet wine through tasting, accompanying it with Galician flavours, through our local preserves, cheeses and sausages.