El Bierzo Wine Route - Bierzoenoturismo

Bierzo wines are renowned for their unique character, influenced by the Atlantic climate with continental influence, the varied soils (clay, slate, limestone) and, above all, by their indigenous grape varieties. The main red variety is Mencía, which produces fresh, fruity wines with good acidity and aromas of red fruits, violets and minerals. Other red varieties in the Bierzo Designation of Origin are Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao and Estaladiña. The most important white varieties are Godello, which offers white wines with good acidity, aromas of white fruit, citrus and flowers, Doña Blanca, Palomino and Malvasía. But what undoubtedly characterises Bierzo wines is their own identity, the diversity of altitudes and orientations that provide diversity, together with the strong presence of family wineries that take great care of their vineyards and are committed to sustainable viticulture. The recent classification of DO Bierzo wines by zoning (Vinos del Bierzo, Vino de Villa (village wine), Vino de Paraje (area/plot wine) and Vino de Viña (Classified Vineyard Wine)) represents the importance of the expression of these specific characteristics of each site.  Moreover, Bierzo possesses one of the highest proportions or concentrations of old vines per surface area in Spain, and even worldwide, indeed, many Mencía vines are between 50 and 100 years old.   

It is very easy to reach El Bierzo by road via the dual carriageway A-6, which connects directly with Madrid and Galicia. There are also train connections with Barcelona, Madrid, León, Irún and the main cities of Galicia. For international connections, we recommend the airports of Santiago de Compostela or Principality of Asturias, located less than 250 kilometres from the district of El Bierzo.The vineyards, wineries, restaurants, shops and hotels associated with the route are dotted around the region and its villages. Some of the most representative towns are Molinaseca, Ponferrada, Cacabelos, Carracedelo, Toral de los Vados or Villafranca del Bierzo, among many others. The world of wine is very present in all of them, and you can enjoy visits, tastings and other activities in almost every corner of the district.