What are the wines like?
The Ribera del Guadiana designation of origin produces white, red and rosé wines. Also typical of the Guadiana Route is the Cava, which is one of its distinguishing features. The designation of origin grants the city of Almendralejo the exclusive production of this cava, perfect for an infinite number of pairings, from appetisers to desserts.Among the white wines, the young wines made with the Macabeo varieties and the native Pardina, Cayetana and Eva de los Santos stand out. The rosés have remarkable freshness and fruity notes, making them perfect companions for summer. The tempranillo variety is the most representative of the region's reds, although merlot, cabernet, sauvignon and Syrah are also found.
What I can find
Wineries to discover the region's wine tourism and taste its wines and cavas. The Museum of Wine Sciences in Almendralejo. A section of the Vía de la Plata, which crosses the route from north to south through the towns of Medina de las Torres, Puebla de Sancho Pérez, Zafra, Los Santos de Maimona, Villafranca de los Barros, Almendralejo and Torremejía. Gastronomic experiences of traditional cuisine with various designations of origin. One of the can't-miss recipes is migas. Meats – whether grilled or cured, including ham – and olive oil are also recommended. Many gastronomic festivals throughout the year, such as the Grape Harvest Festival of Villafranca de los Barros and Almendralejo; the Chanfaina Festival in Fuente de Cantos, which celebrates a local lamb dish; and the Garbanzá chickpea festival in Zafra. Archaeological sites and prehistoric villages. Monuments of historical heritage, especially noteworthy for its medieval constructions and fortresses. Protected nature areas, such as the Sierra Grande Hornachos and the wetlands of La Albuera and La Parroquia. The possibility of practising an endless number of activities related to birdwatching and adventure tourism, such as equestrian routes, quad biking, hiking, orienteering, fishing, cycle tourism and more.
How to get here
The area links with Madrid and Portugal through the Autovía de la Plata motorway or the A-66 (from north to south) and the A-5 (from northeast to west).In addition, a few kilometres from the city of Badajoz, you'll find the Badajoz airport, with daily connections to Madrid and Barcelona.The Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route is made up of the municipalities of Aceuchal, Almendralejo, Fuente del Maestre, Hornachos, La Albuera, Los Santos de Maimona, Puebla de la Reina, Puebla de Sancho Pérez, Santa Marta de los Barros, Ribera del Fresno, Torremejía, Villafranca de los Barros and Zafra.
