Private and Bespoke
Travel
Spain
for
Wine Lovers
SPAIN FOR
WINE LOVERS
Get ready for the perfect cocktail of fun, exclusivity, education and the best wines Spain has to offer! We’ll hang out with local winemakers, get our hands dirty in the fields, savor delicious dishes in fantastic local restaurants and kick back in some of the best boutique hotels around Spain. Of all of the wines we’ll taste, you’re sure to find your favorite and come away with a good breadth of knowledge about what makes the wines of Spain so special. For those who just enjoy drinking a nice glass of wine to trained wine professionals, this 8-day retreat is for you!
ITINERARY
DAY 2
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
We'll meet as a group at a central location in Barcelona and board our minibus. From there, we'll visit a small vineyard in D.O. Penedes, which is the about 45 minutes southwest of Barcelona. We'll begin with a short trip out to the fields for a brief history of the wine region, the grapes grown here and the processes used. Then we'll go into the facilities and down into the cellar for an explanation of the equipment used to produce the wine, the storage processes and the bottling methods. Before leaving, it's time to enjoy a brief tasting of their best wines. Afterwards, we'll head to a second boutique producer focused on high quality aged Cavas. We'll head straight to the tasting room for very generous tastings of their top cavas. Up next is an awesome traditional Catalan meal at the winery. Following lunch we'll drive 1 hour southwest to the incredibly beautiful and rugged Priorat wine region and check into our hotel for 2 nights. Dinner will be at leisure.
DAY 4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
After checking out of our hotel, we’ll begin with a drive to Scala Dei. Here we will find an amazing Carthusian Monastery that was the key to the growth of the whole region. We'll have a private tour of the monastery and learn all about the history of wine production in the area. We’ll then pop over to alittle neighboring village and have a tour and tasting at an olive oil facility. After this wonderful visit, we'll have a fantastic lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants. We'll then transfer to Camp de Tarragona train station and take the train to Logroño, a 3 hour and 20 minute journey. On arrival, we’ll head out in Logroño for a tapas crawl dinner. Then we'll be picked up around 9:30pm in our minibus and taken to our hotel in Laguardia for check in.
DAY 6
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6th
In the morning, we will check out of our hotel and be picked up by our minibus. It's time to head to the museum of wine culture. This spectacular complex is the largest wine museum in the world, an ambitious project of the Vivanco family, displaying their amazing private collection of wine materials, including ancient drinking vessels, centuries old pruning shears, and all types of wine paraphernalia. This is a must-see when visiting the Rioja. After the visit, they'll kindly allow us to borrow one of their tasting rooms to hold our 4th and final wine tasting session. This session will cover the remaining main wines of Spain, the great wines that are produced close to the Atlantic coast. Following our tasting, we'll head to a great little lunch venue in the area for a traditional Riojan style lunch. Then it's time to board our minibus and head 1 hour away to Burgos to visit one of the most impressive Cathedrals in Spain. After a 90 minute self-guided visit, our drive continues to reach the our amazing historic spa hotel in the Ribera del Duero. The evening will be at leisure to enjoy the spa. Dinner will be on your own.
DAY 1
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st
We'll meet in the afternoon for a welcome session in Barcelona. After a quick overview of what we’ll be doing over the course of the retreat and some fun, wine-based meet-and-greet games between hosts and guests, we'll have our first tasting session. This kick-off session will be focused on the foundations of wine making, tasting techniques and the main styles found in Spain. We'll then enjoy a great evening food and wine tour that's all about decoding Barcelona using its great bars and restaurants. You'll learn about Barcelona’s gastronomy, history and a strong cultural identity while you eat and drink your way around its small charming streets and soak it in firsthand. After the tour, get some rest back at your hotel. Tomorrow we head to wine country!
DAY 3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd
Following breakfast, we'll meet in the lobby for our 2nd wine tasting session, highlighting the wines of the Mediterranean. This session will provide a wonderful introduction to the wines of the region where we'll be staying, many of which are styles that are not commonly associated with Spain. We'll then start our drive to visit a winery that was one of the first of the modern Priorat renaissance in wine making. This winery also happens to have one of the prettiest vineyards and most informative visits of the region. After this wonderful visit, we will head to Gratallops to enjoy a fantastic, traditional lunch in the winery. Over lunch, we'll pair each dish with one of their wines, getting to taste their full range. Then it's time to head to the charming little town of Porrera, about a 20 minute drive away, and meet with the owners of a family-run winery to tour their beautiful vineyards and taste their fabulous vintages. At the end of the day, we'll return to our hotel and have an evening at leisure..
DAY 5
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th
Following breakfast, we'll meet in the lobby for our 3rd wine tasting session, covering the wines of continental Spain; Rioja, Ribera, Madrid, Rueda, Bierzo. This session will transform you into an expert in the wines that are some of the most characteristic of Spain. After the session we'll drive to Haro for our first winery visit at the famous R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, widely regarded as one of the top wineries in the area. After our visit, we'll head out for a rustic lunch in a charming little countryside restaurant. Next up is a drive to a tiny village to meet with the owner of a family-run winery to tour their beautiful vineyards and taste their fabulous vintages. The purpose of this visit is to catch the other side of Rioja wine making. We'll then return to our hotel in the early evening. Dinner is at leisure.
DAY 7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
After breakfast w'll head toward Peñafiel, an important town in the DO Ribera del Duero. Upon arrival we'll go straight to the top of the majestic castle that looks over the whole region. Housed inside the castle is a great museum dedicated to the history of Spanish wine production. Here we'll soak in lots of information and get a solid base knowledge about the wine regions of this area. Following our tour of the castle and wine museum, we'll make our way into town for an awesome lechal (suckling lamb) lunch at a wonderful traditional tavern that was once a water mill. With bellies full of wine and great food, we’ll drive to a nearby D.O. Ribera del Duero winery for a visit and tasting. Once back at the hotel later that day, we'll have an afternoon and evening at leisure with a wine-filled farewell to end our night.
DAY 8
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th
This morning we'll check out of our hotel and start our 2-hour drive to Madrid where we'll officially say ¡adiós! and ¡hasta la próxima!
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates: (TBD)
Price:
€3,685 (euros) per person for Double Occupancy
€680 (euros) Single Supplement
Please note that the price is listed in Euros. Check online for current conversion rates.
Includes:
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6 nights in incredible boutique hotels with breakfast
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Deluxe Minibus at disposal as per itinerary
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Expert Spanish wine guide and Adler & Marlow CEO, Danny Adler, service at disposal as per itinerary
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Expert Spanish wine guide and seasoned wine educator Sharon Grundy as host for all wine sessions as per itinerary
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4 intensive wine education sessions
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Evening Barcelona food & wine tour, all wine and food included
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6 Winery visits with premium wine tastings
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6 delicious lunches (pre-set menu with wines)
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Entrances to the Peñafiel castle and museum
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Entrances to the Burgos Cathedral with audio guide
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Access to the Thermal baths at Valbuena
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Train tickets from Tarragona to Logroño
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Visit to Vivanco Wine Museum
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Expert coordination and support from Adler & Marlow base team
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Welcome information packet
Excludes:
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International airfare
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Dinners
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Additional Spa treatments
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Gratuities
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Personal Expenses
FAQs
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Who is Adler & Marlow?
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Who is Sharon Grundy?
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Do I need to hold any qualifications or prior knowledge of wine?
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What sort of wines will we taste?
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I'm not a big drinker. Is this trip for me?
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What materials will I be asked to bring?
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Where do you recommend staying for the first night in Barcelona?
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I am attending with a friend or partner, can we share a room?
Who is Adler & Marlow?
Adler & Marlow (A&M) is a bespoke travel company based in Barcelona with connections throughout Spain. A&M's goal is to make travel dreams come true, create sensational moments, joyous memories and enrich experiences tailored just for our clients. Authentic, unique and exclusive travel experiences are our specialty.
Who is Sharon Grundy?
With over 10 years experience working in the fields of hospitality, distribution and education, Sharon lives and breathes wine. She worked for one of the UK’s largest on- and off-trade distributors in London prior to her move to Barcelona in 2015. For the last 5 years, she has run a successful wine school in the city, seeing hundreds of students achieve their WSET professional qualifications and personal goals. She holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits and teaches Levels 1 to 3. She is also a Certified Sherry Educator and has a particular passion for the wines of Jerez.
Do I need to hold any qualifications or prior knowledge of wine?
Not at all! If you love wine, travel and want to learn some more, this trip is perfect for you. All sessions are taught by a Certified Educator who'll be there to answer any and all questions you have.
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What sort of wines will we taste?
We'll taste top wines from all over Spain as part of the educational sessions; from Rioja to Jerez, we've got it covered! We'll also taste numerous wines at the wineries we visit in Catalunya, Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and on our gastronomic tours in Barcelona and Logroño.
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I'm not a big drinker. Is this trip for me?
Absolutely. While guests will be able to taste, and drink, many different wines throughout the retreat, there will be no pressure to drink more than any individual is comfortable with. The retreat is an opportunity to learn and expand one's wine horizons, rather than a drinking session.
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What materials will I be asked to bring?
A notepad and pen will be useful for those wishing to take notes during educational sessions or winery visits. That said, you will be provided with hand-outs with key points for the former, and will not be tested on anything you learn.
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Where do you recommend staying for the first night in Barcelona?
We recommend that you arrive at least one day early in Barcelona in order to become acclimated to the time zone and to have a chance to see this incredible city! As you are free to choose wherever you would like to stay, we can certainly make recommendations, but mainly we would encourange you to stay somewhere central.
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I am attending with a friend or partner, can we share a room?
Yes, above you will see there are rates for both double and single occupancy.
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I'd like to see additional points of interest that I have read about before and/or after the retreat. Can you help set this up, or make recommendations?
If you are interested in a tailored trip plan, guided tour or other activities, please contact concierge@adlermarlow.com and we are happy to provide you with options.
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Can you help me find accommodation in Barcelona if I choose to arrive a few days early or in Madrid if I stay a few days longer?
If you are interested in having Adler & Marlow arrange accomodations for you, please contact concierge@adlermarlow.com and we are happy to provide you with options.
What is Spain like in early November?
As the calendar edges into autumn, Spain offers one last defiant burst of sunshine through October and early November. This is the final month for travelers to do some sunbathing before the rains take over, yet the lighter weather means it's also great for being outside in Spain's famous cities. You can expect daily averages in Spain to be around 70°F with nighttime temps dipping down into the mid or low 50ºF.
How will we be traveling from one destination to the next?
We will be transferred in a private minibus. The price of the coach is included. Between the Priorat and La Rioja, we will take a train, which is also included in the retreat fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
Your deposit and fees are non-refundable. We strongly suggest each participant purchase travel insurance as soon as they purchase their airline tickets.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! You are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance since the fees are non-refundable. Adler & Marlow can help you purchase insurance from an independent agent. Airlines offer insurance, and there are many independent dealers who may be contacted on-line. Please be aware that purchasing insurance is time sensitive; some companies require insurance to be purchased within 10 days of reservations.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
No problem! We are prepared with gluten-free and vegetarian options, and will survey participants for other dietary considerations before the trip and will accommodate everyone at all included meals.
What meals are included?
There is a total of 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches included in your fee. Dinners are left on your own, however, often after the large Spanish lunches, people only tend to want light meals in the evening. You will be well fed!
What additional costs should we expect?
Participants will pay for their own accomodations in Barcelona and Madrid, any meals not listed above, gratuities for guides and any other personal expenses.
Any packing suggestions?
Travel light! Spain is fairly casual. Comfy walking shoes are highly recommended.
Registration
To sign up, please complete the following form and we will be in touch with more details. You can expect a quick response!