Tasting tours in Spain - From the Basque Countries to Andalusia
Traveling along the culinary trails of Spain is an interesting and increasingly popular way to get to know this country "from the inside".
Spanish cuisine is exceptionally tasty and healthy, and each region has its own specialties. The taste and quality of dishes is influenced by the use of fresh products. They consist of the highest quality fruit, vegetables, olive oil and aromatic herbs. The main ingredients are primarily amazing tomatoes, onion, potatoes, garlic, avocado and the ubiquitous oranges, lemons, rosemary and mint. The Galicia region is famous for octopus dishes, and southern Andalusia is famous for fried seafood and fish. Catalonia is the world capital of Michelin-starred flavors and restaurants. Valencia is the kingdom of the rice-based dish known as paella. The Extremadura region offers Iberian ham, which has no cholesterol and comes from free-living black pigs that feed only on acorns and inhabit large areas of clean meadows and areas planted with oak trees.
It is commonly believed that northern Spain: Galicia and Asturias are mainly boiled and grilled, but there are also dishes such as steamed mussels, fish and mussels. It is worth going on a tasting tour of lesser-known northern towns such as San Sebastian in Galicia, Oviedo in Asturias and Vigo in Galicia to learn about the specific delicacies of the regions.
Dishes in the central regions of the country, i.e. Madrid, Castillo La Mancha and Zaragoza, are often boiled or baked. In the very south of Spain, in its warmest region, we often find deep-fried and grilled dishes.
The cuisine of the island regions of Spain is also quite specific and distinct. For example, in Tenerife and the Canary Islands, red and green mojo sauces are popular, as well as the famous palm syrup (miel de palma), produced only in Gomera. These products are not popular anywhere else on the continent. The Balearic Islands, in turn, are the kingdom of high-quality olive oil, dried fish, raw fish dishes, ripe figs and local sheep and goat cheeses.
Trips along the best wine trails in Spain
Discover the best wines of Spain in the Douro and Rioja region and learn about the production method of the famous sherry wine in Andalusian Jerez de La Frontera.
Red wines from the region Ribera del Duero are known for their intensity, richness of flavor and balanced palette. They are distinguished by their deep red color, fruity aromas and notes of wooden oak barrels. Spanish wines from the Rioja and Ribera regions are considered some of the best in the world and it is worth going to these areas for wine tasting. It is worth combining wine tasting of the La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa regions with visiting the most interesting places. You'll find everything from historic wineries, underground cellars, gourmet restaurants to eye-catching avant-garde buildings such as Marqués de Riscal and Ysios. Wine culture is extremely important here, and in addition to wine and food tasting, you can also practice sports there such as horse riding, bicycle riding, playing golf, and experience attractions such as yoga in the vineyards, stargazing, hot air balloon flights, and vintage car rides.
Visit a renowned winery sherry in Andalusia on a guided tour to discover the wines of Jerez de la Frontera. Learn about the history, culture and production of sherry wine and then enjoy tasting this unique drink from a historic winery. Immerse yourself in the wine culture of Jerez de la Frontera, an Andalusian city famous for its sherry and brandy production. Explore the white bodegas, flower-lined avenues and lush vineyards of Spain's most famous sherry bodega, Tio Pepe, in González Byass.
During the tour, you will learn the secrets of the 2 basic styles of sherry production and how they are barreled. You'll also learn how producers maintain a consistent blend from year to year and discover the nuances of different types of sherry wines during a leisurely, private tasting.
The most important culinary events in Spain
If you are a gourmet and like to travel culinary routes around different countries and regions, gastronomic tours around Spain will be a tasting dream come true! Searching for regional delicacies, recipes passed down from generation to generation or discovering completely new flavors is a new travel trend. There is nothing more unique than tasting local dishes in places famous for their hospitality and great restaurant culture, of which there are many in Spain. Below we present a short guide to the most important gastronomic events in Spain.
Spanish gastronomy is definitely more than the famous paella and tapas. Mediterranean cuisine, which dominates in Spain, is characterized primarily by fresh products of the highest quality. For many years, numerous culinary festivals have been held in Spain to popularize the country's gastronomy, promote traditional dishes and show innovations in local cuisine.
One of the most famous and interesting culinary events is Gastrofestival in Madrid with a rich offer for gourmets. New menus from world-class chefs are presented; participants can join culinary workshops and gastronomic trails. Participating in the Madrid Gastrofestival is a great opportunity to learn about the latest culinary tendencies and trends.
For seafood lovers, we especially recommend a visit to northern Spain - Galicia, during the Fiesta del Pulpo held there. Octopus Festival in the town of O Carballiño. The clean sea off the coast of Galicia offers the highest quality seafood and fish. The freshness and great taste of octopus, properly seasoned, is a delight for the palate of every connoisseur. Fiesta del Pulpo is gaining more and more popularity and a wider group of visitors every year.
Another important holiday for foodies is La Fiesta de los Atunes Tuna Festival in the charming town of Zachara de Los Atunes on the Costa de La Luz, in southern Andalusia.
Located in the Rioja wine region, the town called Haro celebrates on June 29, Saint. Peter. On this day, an interesting holiday with an intriguing name takes place: Battle of the wine. The origins of this tradition date back to a possible dispute with the nearby town of Miranda de Ebro over the ownership of a rural area in the commune, los Riscos de Bilibio, where this battle takes place.
This Spanish holiday begins with mass and then takes place a kind of "battle" between two groups, in which liters and liters of wine are poured. After the clash ends, people meet in the Plaza de la Paz (Peace Square).
The wine fight begins after the end of the Holy Mass in the hermitage. "Wine fight“, which began to be called this way after 1949, has become an unmissable event for people from La Rioja, and every year it gains more and more participants among both locals and tourists.
This is a very fun event, although you need to take into account some practical tips to really have fun and avoid surprises. Participants are at risk of getting soaked in wine, so it is best to wear clothes that will not be used later.
Explore the most unique wine routes and tour culinary w Spain with a travel agency CARTER®, and you will definitely think about repeating it!
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
