We meet in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca old town and after introductions among our small select group we’ll set off south across agricultural and pasture land towards the hills of the Sierra de Salamanca. Don Federico will provide an overview of the history of viticulture of the region and we will make a stop to see a historic old village bullring. Arriving at the village we will be met by one of the wine-makers of the local ecological winery who will accompany us to a beautiful steep-terraced vineyard and explain the lifecycle of the vines, many of which are up to a century old, and ecological methods of viticulture employed. Next we will continue to the charming bodega hidden away in the midst of the forest for an insightful tour of the wine-making facilities, walking you through the process of making wine from unique indigenous grape varietals from harvest to maturation. Afterwards we will enjoy a tasting session of at least 3 fine wines of the bodega made from the ancient autochthonous grapes of this unique terroir on a terrace overlooking the surrounding valleys and ridges of the sierra.

Departing the bodega we will make a stop in a charming hilltop village with its 14th century keep and ancient defensive walls to take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding forested landscape, dotted with medieval villages and vineyards. If time permits we will drop into an old bodega, now converted into a small museum and gift shop, built directly into the town wall where Don Federico will explain the ancient method of wine-making that was conducted in days-gone-by in this very setting.

We continue for a short journey through forest populated with deer, cattle and wild boar to reach our lunch-stop at one of the officially accredited ‘most beautiful villages in Spain’, Mogarraz, situated in the natural park of Las Batuecas and Sierra de Francia and a natural biosphere reserve. Featuring alpine-style architecture established by the French settlers of the region in the 11th century, this traditional village set on the steep side of a hilltop ridge has been perfectly conserved and features narrow cobblestone lanes to explore, artisan craft shops to peruse, a charming Plaza Mayor and ancient vines that creep right up to the edge of the buildings. Also notable is a thought-provoking open-air art exhibition of portraits of previous inhabitants of the village attached to the exteriors of the old houses they once occupied – silent witnesses of the slow pace of change in this remote but beautiful outpost.

As well as the opportunity to explore the village, we will have an extensive three-course lunch in a Michelin-Guide restaurant known throughout the province for the quality of its charcoal-grilled meat dishes, including the local free-range Morucha beef and pork, and other exquisitely-prepared traditional dishes of the Sierra. Fish and seafood options are also available. The highly-rated wine from the adjoining village bodega will be served as an accompaniment.

On our return journey to Salamanca of approximately an hour we will pass by perhaps the most famous of the mountain villages of the area, La Alberca, and will have the option of stopping for a short stroll to see the medieval plaza, church and main street and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or infusion in a characterful and relaxing ‘tetería’ tea-shop on the edge of the village. This stop will depend on the weather, available light and wishes of the group.

Join La Ruta de Don Federico on an Exclusive Wine Experience – a unique, memorable and authentic cultural adventure awaits you!