Wine Tasting in Rías Baixas
Albariño Wine
The Rías Baixas region, in the southern part of Galicia, is the most important Denomination of Origin (D.O.) in the province and is the largest global producer of Albariño, a crisp, young, aromatic white wine that has earned international prestige. Albariño has been compared to Riesling for its pungent acidity, to Petit Manseng and Viognier for fruity qualities suggesting peach and apricot, and to Pinot Gris for its distinctive floral bouquet. Classically paired with Galician seafood dishes, Albariño’s ripe fruit flavor and relatively low alcohol content also make it an excellent complement to more exotic fare, such as Indian and Thai food.
The Rías Baixas vineyards and bodegas are spread throughout the Pontevedra region, with a particularly high density in Cambados, the capital of the Albariño-producing region. With more than 6,500 growers and 20,000 individual vineyard plots in Rías Baixas, planning a wine trip to the region can feel overwhelming. Ruta do Viño Rías Baixas (www.rutadelvinoriasbaixas.com/en) and Rías Baixas Wines (www.riasbaixaswines.com/index.php) have information about wine tasting in the Rías Baixas region, including a detailed explanation of Albariño, a list of wineries, and places to stay. Guiados Pontevedra and North West Iberia Wine Tours can arrange a tour, but you don’t need to hire a guide to enjoy wine tasting in the region. Head to these bodegas in Pontevedra: Adega Eidos and Pazo Baión; or these in Cambados: Don Oligario and Palacio de Fefiñánes, for a do-it-yourself tour.
Wine Tours
Guiados Pontevedra. You can arrange custom tours of two to three bodegas in the region, including an English-speaking guide, for €90 for four hours (minimum two people). 654/222081; www.guiadospontevedra.com. From €90.
North West Iberia Wine Tours. One- or three-day wine tours include transport, admissions, gourmet lunch, and wine tasting at two different locations, as well as a visit to a local pazo and camellia garden. C. Enrique Marinas Romero 30--5H, A Coruña, Galicia, 15009. 881/879910; www.northwestiberiawinetours.com. From €180.
