Adventure underground in the European City of Wine

In 2020,

, also known as the capital of Ribera del Duero, was awarded the title of

by RECEVIN (European Network of Wine Cities).

The pandemic and the restrictions of the last two years have meant that this recognition, which consolidates the city of Burgos as a quality wine tourism destination, has been extended until the end of 2022. For this reason, throughout this year, the town has a complete

that includes music festivals, gastronomic days, competitions, exhibitions and fairs in which wine is the main protagonist (see program here).

The title is well deserved, since in this town with royal recognition since the 13th century, the cultivation of the vine is deeply rooted and the families have been producing

on their land and vineyards since time immemorial.

It is said that, during the Middle Ages, almost every household owned a piece of land and a warehouse in the basement to store their wine production;

Many of these caves still remain today and are part of the

, and which has become one of its most important claims.

Under the historic center of the medieval town, about 10 or 12 meters deep, hides a network of galleries excavated between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries that houses up to

The network of tunnels, about 4.2 km long, is the most extensive of those known to date in the Ribera del Duero, and all the tunnels are located on the same level and with communications that allow ventilation and, on occasions, access from one ship to another.

The constant temperature of between 10 and 12 degrees at which the galleries are maintained and the absence of humidity (thanks to the zarceras or ventilation vents) and the lack of vibrations have been optimal for preserving wine for centuries.

In 2015, this network of cavities was classified as an

in the category of Ethnological Ensemble.

Journey to the underground

Descending to the depths of the earth to witness this ancestral custom and its habitats is possible.

The Town Hall of the town, through its Tourist Office, offers guided tours of several of the historic wineries.

One of them is

(Santa María street, in front of the church), located under an 18th century building that is accessed through the CIAVIN

, a museum that discovers the historical legacy that the culture of the wine has been shaped in the Ribera del Duero region.

The winery is also conceived as a museum space in which, through the recreation of different scenes and farming tools, the visitor better understands and appreciates the work carried out in other times for the elaboration and production of wine.

The different rooms represent the activities, festivals and traditions that have marked an ancient wine culture (free access. More information on the phone 947 510 476 and here).

Another one that is also usually open to the public is

, on Calle Cascajar, where dramatized visits are periodically made.

With more than 500 years of history, the underground cellar of

(Isilla Street, 1) is still in perfect condition, which is why guided tours of the interior are offered with subsequent Ribera del Duero wine tasting every Saturday.

In the underground tour 12 meters deep, a funny character from the 18th century tells the ins and outs of the place, where the spirits of the past, present and future roam.

It is a one-hour route suitable for all audiences that ends with a wine and must tasting for children.

Price: 10 euros.

Reservations and more information here.

Those interested in doing, in addition, a tasting course can also book in advance by calling 947 510 914 (price: 35 euros per person).

Underground cellar of Lagar de la Islilla.

The

(Isilla Street, 18) is located under the restaurant of the same name in the historic center of Aranda.

It is made up of a series of underground galleries 12 m deep, excavated between the 13th and 14th centuries, mainly to preserve wine, although they have also been used as a refuge or as a way out of the wall.

The visit is free and it is accessed through a ashlar masonry arch-vault and down a fairly steep staircase with 59 steps.

Inside you can see the different galleries, all with the hole reaching the surface (zarcera), which served as a vent and aeration channel to preserve the constant temperature and humidity that characterize these facilities, as well as some of the old utensils that were used to keep the wine and pictures with pictures of the activity.

It is not suitable for claustrophobics and it is recommended to go down warm, since the temperature of the cellar is between 12 and 14 degrees all year round, with a humidity of 85%.

Open every day;

more information here.

Where to eat

The

is the undisputed protagonist of Aranda de Duero, and not in vain, the city celebrates a conference around it in June.

Tasting a good suckling lamb roasted in a wood oven, accompanied by a Ribera del Duero, is a must if you are in the town.

(San Gregorio, 17),

(Isilla, 14),

(Isilla, 18) or

(Sol de las Moreras, 51) are just some of the numerous grills in the city to taste this delicacy.

Roast lamb.

Where to sleep

Hotel Aranda

(San Francisco, 51) is an establishment with elegant rooms in the center of the medieval city of Aranda, next to the bullring.

It has a restaurant that prepares typical Castilian dishes, such as roast lamb.

Price: from 48 euros.

Reservations here.

About 5 km outside of the city, the rural hotel

has rustic-style rooms with a balcony in a natural setting surrounded by gardens.

It has tennis and paddle tennis courts and a restaurant where you can taste lamb.

It also organizes horseback riding on request and at an additional cost.

Price: from 43 euros.

Reservations here.

Aranda de Duero. Miguel Ángel Muñoz.

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