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Ruta del Vino – An unforgettable experience.

15/10/2014

11 Comments

 
Many regions in Spain offer tourists the opportunity to follow a Ruta del Vino but only one will transport you through an extreme environment of jaw-dropping beauty.
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1. All aboard
Not all Rutas del Vino, or wine routes, are the same. Some are self-guided tours going from one winery to the next; others provide you with a guide. Some take you through vineyards and others to places of interest; but they all have one thing in common: promoting Spanish wine.
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2. The spectacular Sil canyon
Here in Galicia there are many such routes, one of which you will never forget. The route begins in the tiny village of Doade, high above the canyon of the river Sil in the province of Lugo.
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3. Row upon row of vines
Guests are invited to board the road-going tourist train Aba Sacra. During the summer season it’s advisable to book. Tickets are available online from http://www.abasacra.com and depending on the time of year, cost from 12 to 14 euros for a standard ticket (concessionary tickets are available).
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4. Bancada terraces raching for the sky
The bright-yellow train looks a little out of place as it departs the village. The road from Doade hugs the contours of the canyon as it descends towards the river. About halfway down it reaches the Soutochao outcrop. The train slows to walking pace before veering sharply to the right. From here, a narrow track falls steeply, twisting and turning as it winds its way through lush vineyards. The train’s carriages clunk together as the driver slowly and skilfully makes his way down the valley.
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5. The Aba Sacra train
Within a hundred metres the track levels off and the train begins its long and winding ascent along the valley. Every so often the driver brings the train to a halt. Guests are encouraged to wander along the track and wonder at the landscape.
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6. Steel tracks disappearing up the valley
The scenery is spectacular. Hundreds of metres below is the river Sil, gently meandering its way through the canyon. From there, row upon row of grapevines cling to the side of the canyon on narrow terraces or bancadas. Above are more vines, climbing towards the sky like a stairway to heaven.
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7. Regina Viarum winery
So inaccessible are these vineyards that until recently all the harvested grapes were carried up and down the canyon by hand. Nowadays, the crates of grapes are lowered or raised on steel tracks: an idea borrowed from the Rhine valley in Germany.
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8. Restaurant A Cantina in Doade
On its return to Doade, the train stops outside the restaurant A Cantina. The driver collects a plate of rosca (bread-like cake) and cheese, before driving to the Regina Viarum winery. After a guided tour, guests are invited to sample the delicious mencia red wine and nibble on rosca and local cheese. The perfect end to an unforgettable Ruta del Vino.

Copyright © 2014 Craig Briggs

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Craig and Melanie own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia

Craig’s book, Journey To A Dream, is available exclusively from Amazon, to purchase your copy click here for your national Amazon store.

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook
11 Comments
Ian Barber
14/10/2014 09:08:35 pm

Like the Led Zeppelin reference. Could this become a weekly feature?

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Craig
14/10/2014 10:58:42 pm

Every so often I try to squeeze in a song title Ian. I'm surprised you haven't noticed before. You have to keep an eagle eye out for the next one.

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Lindsay link
14/10/2014 10:51:53 pm

This sounds like its right up our street; wine, trains and stunning scenery, what more could you ask for?

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Craig
14/10/2014 11:00:21 pm

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look Lindsay. The only minor drawback is making your way home afterwards.

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Ian Barber
15/10/2014 06:08:48 am

So you have ......Here are a few I have found

Fallen Giant - Pat Boone
Endless Sky - I See Stars
Promised Land - Chuck Berry/Elvis
Child Eating Donkey - Vera Lynn

and one that should have been a song "Roadway to Paradise"

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Ian Barber
15/10/2014 07:55:04 pm

and not forgetting Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day'

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Elizabeth Varadan link
16/10/2014 02:33:10 am

It's a lovely area. You turned us onto it, Craig, and nearly every trip, now, we drive up most of the way, then walk to the top and look down on the River Sil and all the terraced vines.

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Craig
16/10/2014 06:53:12 pm

I'm delighted to have introduced you to such a spectacular part of the Ribeira Sacra and I'm certain that you and Rajan would love the train ride - it's amazing!

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Angela McCheyne
26/10/2014 09:11:40 pm

Love to do this can you drive from Vinuela or do you have to take the train or bus (friend coming for a week 27 th love to take him there

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Craig
26/10/2014 10:01:29 pm

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Angela. Unfortunately, it's about an 11 hour drive from Viñuela to Galicia. If you wanted to spend a few days here or even a week then there's plenty to do and see. There are direct flights from Malaga to Santiago and they're very competitive. To make the most of your trip I’d definitely recommend hiring a car. If you are thinking of coming, why not take a look at our beautiful farmhouse rental, you won’t be disappointed – http://www.getaway-galicia.com

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Elizabth Varadan link
2/2/2017 03:58:10 pm

Rajan and I have eaten at that cantina. We've been to Doade several times, although we haven't ridden on the train. It's such a beautiful area, though — inspiring both photography and poetry!

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