Grupo Matarromera: Customized wine tourism

Wikispanishfood editorial team

Grupo Matarromera is a leader in wine tourism in Castile-León. Its seven wineries—all of which may be visited—extend over more than 200 km in four Designations of Origin on the banks of the Duero River: Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Cigales and Toro. The Group is an undeniable leader in tourism in the region.

Its philosophy of "customized wine tourism" enables thousands of people to visit its facilities every day of the year and to participate in a range of wine-related activities: guided tours, tastings, wine and food pairings and events.

As a result of this philosophy, a few months ago Grupo Matarromera received the "Spanish Wine Routes" Wine Tourism Award in the Innovation, Quality and Sustainable Development category, from ACEVIN, highlighting its integration with, and impact on, the area; its innovative spirit; and its commitment to sustainability and the environment as drivers of corporate growth and competitiveness.

Moreover, Bodega Emina recently received the Q mark for Spanish Tourist Quality, granted by the Institute for Spanish Tourist Quality, which recognizes best practices in tourism management nationwide. Emina is part of a very select group of wineries to receive this distinction since the UNE 203001 Industrial Tourism standard was approved two years ago, setting out the technical requirements in connection with facilities, resource management and tourism services.

Wine experiences in seven wineries

Grupo Matarromera has a wine tourism offer in its seven wineries, three of which may only be visited with an advance reservation. The Group is also committed to excellence: a unique, completely authentic way to explore the world of wine where visitors learn about vineyards steeped in history. Expert winemakers lead visitors around the vineyards and give them a singular perspective.

At Bodega Cyan, in DO Toro, located in a unique and beautiful location, the winemaker takes visitors around and teaches them about the terroir and the native varieties. A visit to this winery combines some of this DO's best wines and a close-up look at its spectacular vineyards.

At Bodega Valdelosfrailes, guests can try Grupo Matarromera's red and rosé wines made in the heart of DO Cigales and learn first-hand about one of the most important wineries in the area. Bodega Rento, in DO Ribera del Duero, has an exclusive collection of casks in the former mansion of the Marquis of Olivares.

Matarromera's wine routes connect the group's various wineries. In Ribera del Duero, it offers its widest range of wine tourism options as, in addition to its three wineries—Matarromera, Rento and the Emina Museum—it also has Hotel Rural Emina, in Valbuena de Duero, and the restaurant La Espadaña de San Bernardo.

The latter is surrounded by vineyards and serves traditional Castilian food made with products from Ribera del Duero. The restaurant can accommodate up to 130 people and Bodega Emina, which is available to host events, up to 1,000.

In DO Rueda, the Emina winery offers guided tours and food and wine tastings in a spectacular setting, with the Castillo de La Mota, a medieval fortress, in the background.

During the guided tour of Emina Rueda, guests learn about the history and tradition of wines from Tierras de Medina, the Jardín de Variedades (Garden of Varieties), and the different types of white grape vines, from both Spain and other countries.

The full experience would conclude with a visit to the Emina Museum. The Emina winery, built on Ribera del Duero's Golden Mile in 2006, is a modern installation with a wine museum which covers the history and culture which links the area and the wine world.