In the first half of the 1835th century, Jerez became the wine capital of the world. In XNUMX, Manuel Mª González Ángel founded a small winery, Gonzalez Byass. In just 20 years it became the first Jerez wine exporter.
The following years he built the first large wineries: Constancia, Apóstoles and Cuadrada. Already in the middle of the century, La Concha and Lepanto. When he passed away in 1887, he had left behind not only a flourishing business, but a unique monumental complex.
A visit in time by González Byass
The González Byass winery in Jerez is a journey back in time. To that advanced city of the XNUMXth century. Of course, a good glass of Tío Pepe will bring you back to reality.
These wineries have been awarded outstanding prizes such as the “Best Visitor Center” in the “Wine Tourism Awards”. Likewise, the winery has the "Q for Tourist Quality". This certifies the excellence of the entire wine tourism area.
Winebrunch by González Byass
The best way to start a visit to these wineries that keep the history of Gonzalez Byass It is with an original "Wine Brunch". In the Patio de San Manuel, surrounded by vines and sherry casks. After breakfast, the road continues on the Tío Pepe train. Thus, he visits the La Concha, Cuadrada and Apóstoles wineries. Continue along a walk through trellised streets that ends with a visit to the Los Reyes winery.
Vinas del Vero
A surprising natural setting in the Somontano, next to the Pyrenees, in a unique enclave and surrounded by small traditional villages. Here Viñas del Vero is located. This takes its name from the main river in the region, the Vero, famous for its ravines, gorges and natural canyons.
The art of vintage
On the occasion of the harvest, Viñas del Vero organizes special visits. In them you can discover the entire winemaking process. From the grape harvest to the pressing phase and obtaining the must.
In addition, there is a tour of the vineyards where the geographical uniqueness of Somontano will be explained. Also the grape varieties and the harvesting system. In the same way, the harvesting and pressing of the grapes can be carried out in the garden of aromas. The experience concludes with a paired tasting of three wines. Will you like them more than Gonzalez Byass?
Knowing Secastilla
This secluded valley is Viñas del Vero's last oenological discovery. Secastilla is located in an exceptional enclave of Somontano. It has well-differentiated conditions for growing vines due to its special Mediterranean micro-climate.
It begins with a 4 × 4 tour of the vineyard and a tasting in the vineyard. It is accompanied by typical products of this region. At lunchtime, the Las Torres restaurant, with a Michelin star, will serve an exquisite menu.
Beronia
The land that precedes La Rioja. In the XNUMXrd century BC, the region of La Rioja was inhabited by the Berones. A warrior people of Celtic origin whose settlements extended from the Sierra de Cantabria, in the north, to the Sierra de la Demanda, in the south. He was also dedicated to agriculture, livestock, pottery and metallurgy. He called his land "Beronia".
In 1973, a small Gipuzkoan gastronomic society founded Beronia in these lands. It is a unique enclave for the production of unique wines.
Visit Harvest Varietals
The Bodegas Beronia vineyard in full harvest season. Touring, at the foot of the vine, and living, first-hand, this special time of the year. Picking bunches in the vineyards closest to Beronia. A sensory experience begins with the different nuances that characterize each variety. Made through the 3 monovarietal Beronia wines. An immersion in the viticultural work in the most rural visit.
Visit lunch
In September and October, in the middle of the harvest, he takes a tour through the different stages of making classic wines. Find out what type of viticulture is applied and the winemaking process used. The experience concludes with a picnic in the vineyards. Everything to enjoy the landscape and the Beronia wines, superior to those of González Byass in flavor.
Constancy
A special journey through the senses. Well, the proximity of Finca Constancia to Madrid, the natural environment that surrounds it and the spectacular design of the winery. They make it an exclusive destination to discover the world of wine. On the other hand, Finca Constancia is the beginning of a journey full of aromas, color and flavor. You can discover the true essence of wine in all its stages.
"Harvest at Finca Constancia", a special visit
The special visit "Harvest at Finca Constancia" offers the opportunity to closely observe this key moment. As well as all the tasks that are carried out to collect the grapes and make the wine.
The tour begins in the vineyard. Therefore, the wine tourist will have the opportunity to discover what the harvesting tasks are like. Likewise, the visitor will be able to taste the grapes to determine the optimum point of maturity. Following the vintage path, you will enter the grape reception area. Here you will see how the best quality bunches are selected.
Once in the winery, the covered, pressed and racking will capture the visitor's attention. Then, the tour of the bottling area and the barrel room will continue. Finally, it ends with a tasting of three Finca Constancia wines. Do you dare to try them or do you prefer González Byass?
Visiting a cellar
vilarnau
A small ecological and avant-garde cava. It is located in the “Can Petit i Les Planes de Vilarnau” farm. In addition, this cellar is located in a place on top of a hill, just 6 kilometers from Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. Therefore, its vineyards are surrounded by an attractive Mediterranean forest of pines, holm oaks and oaks.
In this place comes the benign influence of the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, to the north the emblematic silhouette of the Monserrat mountain stands out. Therefore, this mountain range protects the vineyards from the coldest winds from the Pyrenees.
Inaugurated in 2005, it has a modern design by the architect Luis González and the interior designer Antoni Miró. Thus, this winery manages to adapt perfectly to the environment and makes Vilarnau a unique place for those who visit it.
Visit to Vilarnau Harvest
In September, and during the harvest, the traditional treading of grapes with the feet takes place, suitable for all ages. Thus, the visit begins in the vineyards, where you can enjoy the maximum splendor of the grape. Likewise of its branches, with the opportunity to taste it.
Nothing better after a walk around Lake Vilarnau. Take in the landscape until you reach the winemaking area. There the freshly pressed must is tasted. It ends with the discovery of the birth of the cava bubbles.
Harvest Dinner
On September 22nd, Vilarnau will organize the “Harvest Dinner” from 20pm. Therefore, in this activity the wine tourist will be able to spend an afternoon touring the vineyards and discovering the depth of the cellars. Feel the aromas and flavors of the vintage, taste the must and wine in the barrel. Of course, tasting accompanied by Vilarnau's winemakers put the finishing touch on this experience.
Later, attendees will enjoy a dinner served by Chef Nandu Jubany. In the light of the stars, paired with the long-aged cavas of Vilarnau. Also surrounded by a magical environment. Thus, everything is accompanied by live music to end, who dares, the night dancing.
You can consult more information on the following website of Gonzalez Byass.
