Piedra experience, discovering Spain’s oldest wine

Explore Spain’s Oldest Vineyard and Winemaking in Toro

The Piedra experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Spain’s oldest wine, located in the Castile and León region of Toro. This 1-day tour, rated 4.7 out of 5, takes you straight to the heart of the vineyard and cellar, where you’ll witness the earliest stages of winemaking. It’s perfect for those interested in traditional vineyards, local history, and wines still developing in the tank.

The tour starts with a visit to the Pago de Bocarrage, the largest old vineyard plot in Toro, covering 40.67 hectares. This site is notable for its native Tinta de Toro clone and the age of the vines planted in 1967. The experience culminates in a tasting of three carefully selected wines, providing insight into how regional wines evolve from the tank to the glass. With a live Spanish guide, the tour balances educational content with the enjoyment of local wine traditions.

While the entire experience offers a compelling look at Toro’s wine-making, participants should note that transport is not included, and the guide speaks only in Spanish. Still, the opportunity to sample wines straight from the tanks makes this a rewarding choice for wine enthusiasts eager to see Spain’s oldest vineyard in action.

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Key Points

• Visit the largest old vineyard plot in Toro, covering 40.67 hectares with vines planted in 1967
• Taste wines directly from the tanks, offering a glimpse into wines still developing in the winery
• Learn about the evolution of wine from the bottle to the glass
• Enjoy a full-day experience with a live Spanish guide in the Castile and León region
• Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with mobility needs

Discover the Largest Old Vineyard Plot in Toro

The tour’s first highlight is the Pago de Bocarrage, the largest old vineyard in the DO Toro region. Planted in 1967, these vines are cultivated using traditional direct planting and goblet training methods, with a density of 1,000 vines per hectare. The site is distinguished by its indigenous Tinta de Toro clone and the diversity of soil types, which are divided into four sub-plots due to variations in soil composition, orientation, and altitude.

Walking through this historic vineyard, you’ll get a sense of the traditional methods that have shaped Toro’s wine identity. The average annual rainfall of 350 mm contributes to the unique growing conditions that influence the wines’ character. This visit offers a tangible connection to Spain’s winemaking heritage and the careful cultivation of the vines.

Behind-the-Scenes of Tank Wine Tasting

A standout feature of this tour is the opportunity to taste wines straight from the tanks. These wines are in the process of developing their potential, offering a rare peek into the early stages of winemaking. This provides a unique perspective not often available in typical tastings.

The Wine tasting includes three different wines that showcase the region’s terroir and winemaking style. The tastings are designed to illustrate how wines evolve from the tank to the bottle, helping visitors understand the complexity behind Toro’s wines. The experience of sampling wines at this stage increases appreciation for the craftsmanship of winemakers and the region’s viticultural richness.

Learning How Wine Transforms from Tank to Glass

Throughout the tour, the live Spanish guide explains the winemaking process, focusing on how a wine matures and what influences its flavor development. This educational component makes the experience all the more meaningful. Visitors hear about the specific impact of soil diversity, clonal selection, and the climatic conditions on the wines.

This insightful narration helps connect the visual beauty of the vineyard with the tastings and production process, giving a holistic understanding of Toro’s wine culture. The guide’s expertise enhances the appreciation of each wine’s unique profile and regional identity.

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Logistics and Practical Details

This tour is designed for flexibility with options to reserve now and pay later. It is valid for just one day, so checking availability ahead of time is essential. The meeting point is not specified, but the tour includes skip-the-line access, ensuring a smooth experience.

Wheelchair accessibility is available, making this activity suitable for visitors with mobility needs. The tour is conducted in Spanish, and not allowed are smoking, pets (except assistance dogs), littering, fireworks, and making fire. If cancellation is needed, it can be done up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Heritage of a 1967 Vineyard in Toro

The vines at Pago de Bocarrage, planted over 50 years ago, demonstrate the tradition of viticulture in Toro. The indigenous Tinta de Toro clone used in these vines is particularly pure and native, giving the wines a distinct regional character.

The diversity of soil and orientation across the four sub-plots contributes to a variety of flavor profiles, which are explored during the tasting session. This historical vineyard forms the backbone of Toro’s reputation as a region capable of producing expressive, age-worthy wines.

The Unique Opportunity to Taste Wines in Development

Sampling wines straight from the tank is a rare opportunity. These wines are still evolving, with potential yet to be fully realized. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of winemaking in Toro and provides a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in oenology or wine production.

Visitors are able to observe the early stages of wine development and gain insight into the winemaker’s craft. This behind-the-scenes view makes the tour a valuable educational experience as well as a sensory adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience caters well to wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and learners eager to understand how wine develops. The focus on traditional vineyards and tank tastings offers a special insight into Toro’s winemaking culture.

Participants should be comfortable with Spanish language content, as the guide speaks only in Spanish. The full-day duration makes it suitable for those who prefer an immersive, comprehensive experience without rushing.

Final Thoughts on the Piedra Experience in Toro

The Piedra experience offers a meaningful glimpse into Spain’s oldest wine and Toro’s viticultural roots. The large, historic vineyard and tank tastings make this tour stand out for anyone interested in traditional winemaking and regional history.

While language barriers may be a consideration for some, the visual and sensory elements compensate by providing a hands-on look at the early stages of wine development. The overall value lies in accessing a 50+ year-old vineyard and sampling wines still in the process of maturing.

This tour best suits wine lovers who appreciate tradition and are eager to see behind the scenes of Toro’s renowned wine production. It’s a practical and educational outing that makes Spain’s oldest vineyard accessible to those willing to engage with the local winemaking craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 1 day.

How many wines are tasted during the experience?
You taste three different wines directly from the tanks.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, but the tour offers skip-the-line access with a live Spanish guide.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

In which region does the tour take place?
In Castile and León, Toro.

What is special about the vineyard?
It is the largest old vineyard in Toro, planted in 1967 with indigenous Tinta de Toro clones.

What makes the tank tastings unique?
They provide insight into wines still developing, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The live guide speaks only in Spanish.

Can I book this experience flexibly?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby