Are you a wine enthusiast visiting Madrid and wondering whether there are vineyards near the city? The answer is yes! While Madrid may not be as well known as other regions in Spain for its wine production, it still has a rich history of winemaking and several vineyards to explore.
History of Winemaking in Madrid
Winemaking in the region dates back to the Roman times, and by the Middle Ages, it was an important industry. However, the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century devastated many vineyards, and it took several decades for the industry to recover. Today, Madrid is home to several Denominations of Origin (DO) for wine production, including Vinos de Madrid, which covers over 50 municipalities around the city.
Vineyards Near Madrid
If you want to explore some of these vineyards and taste their wines, here are a few options:
Bodegas Tagonius
Located about 40 kilometers from Madrid in the town of Tielmes, Bodegas Tagonius is one of the oldest wineries in the region. They produce reds and whites with grapes grown on their estate.
Bodega La Rodetta
In Navalcarnero, about 30 kilometers from Madrid, Bodega La Rodetta has been producing wines since 1998. They focus on red wines made with Tempranillo grapes.
Bodegas Ricardo Benito
About an hour’s drive from Madrid in Cuenca del Alberche lies Bodegas Ricardo Benito. They produce organic wines with Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes.
Wine Tours Near Madrid
If you want to visit multiple vineyards without worrying about transport or planning your itinerary, there are also several wine tours available from Madrid. Here are a few options:
Madrid Wine Tours
Madrid Wine Tours offers half-day and full-day tours to vineyards in the Vinos de Madrid DO. They also offer private tours for small groups.
Viator Wine Tours
Viator has several wine tours available from Madrid, including visits to vineyards in Ribera del Duero and Toledo.
Conclusion
While Madrid may not be as well-known for its wine production as other regions in Spain, it still has a rich history of winemaking and several vineyards worth exploring. Whether you want to visit them on your own or join a wine tour, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the region’s delicious wines.