The Ribera del Duero is a wine-growing region in Castile and León. It experienced phenomenal growth in the 1980s and 1990s and is now one of Spain's best-known wine-growing regions, with around 180 wineries.

The first two days of the Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) offer an intense experience of nature. You will cross parts of the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park. In addition to its beautiful nature, this park is remarkable for its archaeological and historical wealth. The waters of the Duratón River are dammed here in a canyon.
The next four days of the ride follow the course of the Duratón River to its confluence with the Duero. The river gave the Ribera del Duero region its name. This area, with its riverbank regions, is part of the gently rolling Castilian plateau and, with its sandy soils, is ideal for horse riding.

In addition to horse riding, cultural experiences and culinary delights play a decisive role on this trip. Visit old monasteries and castles! Stop off at the best bodegas (wine taverns and cellars) in the region, enjoy wine tastings and sample typical regional specialities such as sheep's cheese and roast lamb! The Ruta del Vino is definitely not a tour for teetotalers and food snobs!
Also available as a luxury version with accommodation in ed 4-star hotels (see below).

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Madrid. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to visit the town of Sepúlveda. Its beautiful location surrounded by nature, well-preserved town walls, interesting churches and proud houses are all worth seeing. Dinner and overnight stay in a beautiful country inn in Sebulcor, near the Las Hoces del Río Duratón Nature Park.

Day 2: Sebulcor - San Minguel de Bernuy
Along the wooded banks of the Duratón, through pine and juniper forests, you will reach the nature park. From the edge of the steep cliffs, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the fertile meanders, the fields and the Duratón River, which winds its way past the monastery of San Frutos. Your companions on today's ride will be buzzards, kites, vultures, sparrowhawks and other rare birds of prey. With a little luck, you may also encounter the only pair of golden eagles in the nature reserve, which breed here. Otters, genets and other mammals also inhabit the park. In the afternoon, you will follow the Duratón River to San Miguel de Bernuy, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: San Miguel de Bernuy - Rábano
You will continue to follow the Duratón until it flows into the Duero River. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and siesta on the riverbank. Overnight stay in a beautiful hotel in Rábano. There will be plenty of time to stroll through the small idyllic village.

Day 4: Rábano - Penafel - Curiel
You will ride over the mountains to Penafiel in the heart of the Duero region, known for its castle and medieval atmosphere. After a delicious picnic, you will ride through the castle grounds and the bullring. Then you will continue through heathland to the castle of Curiel, where you will spend the night.

Day 5: Curiel - Vale de Cuco - Curiel
You will take a circular ride from the castle. At the foot of the mountain are several wineries, one of which you will visit. Enjoy beautiful views and good riding trails through the vast vineyards. Overnight stay again at Castillo de Curiel.

Day 6: Curiel - San Bernardo - Quantanilla de Onésimo
You ride back down into the Duero Valley to the famous Pasquera winery, which you will visit. At the foot of the Santa Maria de Valbuena monastery, you will continue on to Quantanilla de Onésimo, where you will spend the night.

Day 7: Quantanilla de Onésimo - Round trip
Today's ride takes you through the beautiful Duero region with vineyards and pine forests. Picnic lunch in the shade of the trees. This is followed by wine tasting and a visit to the Abadia Retuerta winery. Overnight stay as on the previous day.

Day 8: Transfer to Madrid and journey home.

(Subject to change)

Deluxe Wine Route:
The route initially follows the ‘normal’ Wine Route, but with overnight stays in ed 4-star hotels, some with swimming pools.

Days 1-4: see above.

Day 5: Curiel - Valcavado de Roa
From Castillo de Curiel, you ride back down into the valley towards Bocos, following the banks of the Duero. The trail takes you to another well-known wine-growing region of the Ribera, Roa. Your destination is a winery with a modern hotel surrounded by vast vineyards.

Day 6: Valcavado de Roa - Pradorey
You continue riding through the beautiful region of Roa to La Ventosilla, which you reach at midday. In the afternoon, you will visit the Pradorey winery in the village, where you will spend the night in a beautiful hotel. The winery was already highly regarded in the 17th century and has hosted many famous guests, including King Felipe III and the painter Rubens. The estate was built in 1601 by the Duke of Lerma in a pompous style.

Day 7: Pradorey 
The last day brings you more special culinary delights with a visit to the Valduero winery, one of the best for Ribera wine. After a magnificent lunch at the estate, you will return to the Pradorey Hotel and Winery in high spirits in the afternoon, where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and the pool once again.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Accomodation
Accommodation is in upscale hotels (3-4 stars) and country houses. You change accommodation four times during the 8 days of the trip, so you don't have to pack your bags every day. You will enjoy breakfast and dinner at your accommodation, with table wine included. Lunch takes the form of a picnic en route, always with several courses and a chupito (herbal schnapps), or in one of the many bodegas.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable Spanish saddles (Vaquero) and double bridle.

Experience: You should have been riding regularly for at least 3 years and be able to ride other horses in all gaits without instruction.

Horses: Andalusian and Spanish mix, with good character, persistent and sure-footed.