The Spanish hidden gem with sun soaked vineyards and beautiful architecture

Far from the crowds that you'll find in more popular parts of Spain like Barcelona, Madrid or Palma de Mallorca, this beautiful region remains under the radar for many tourists that tend to always flock to the same places. Just about an hour and a half by car from Madrid, the Rueda wine region in Castilla y León offers a world of sun-soaked vineyards, centuries-old winemaking traditions and breathtaking historic architecture. Located in the centre of Spain and south of Valladolid, Rueda offers an authentic experience without tourist traps, that transports visitors to another era entirely with its stunning castles, ancient convents, family-run wineries, medieval streets, Roman aqueducts and incredible local cuisine.

Rueda is famous for its white wines, especially those made from a grape called Verdejo. These wines are fresh, light, balanced, and full of wonderful complexity. In the village of Rueda itself, you'll find narrow cobbled streets winding past rustic stone houses and centuries-old underground wine cellars some which are over 600 years old, and are still used today for aging wine.

Santiago Mora, general director at DO. Rueda, told the Express: "Rueda offers an authentic experience of Spanish winemaking, far from the crowded tourist trails.

"Visitors can explore a very deep history (ten centuries of evolution of the verdejo grape in the region in which our wines become those of the court in the Catholic Kingdom in the XV century) family-run wineries, historical underground cellars (more than six centuries old), meet passionate winemakers, walk the vineyards, very modern wineries, and enjoy traditional cuisine such as tapas and pinchos, fresh local cheeses, cochinillo asado (roasted suckling "little pig") or other regional specialties paired with our wines.

"Beyond the wineries, history has left an indelible mark in our territory: castles (like that of La Mota in Medina del Campo), convents like Las Claras in Tordesillas, or the nearby historic city of Segovia adds another layer to the experience.

"With its iconic Roman aqueduct, medieval streets, and centuries-old architecture, Segovia offers a rich cultural backdrop that complements Rueda's gastronomy. Together, the food, wine, and history create a deeply immersive visit.

"Rueda is intimate and personal; here, you aren't just visiting a winery, you're connecting with the people, the land, and a centuries-old tradition of winemaking. It's an experience that lingers, one you won't find in the more commercialised tourist hotspots of Spain."

One must-see site is the Castillo de la Mota, located in Medina del Campo. This medieval fortress offers guided tours that delve into its fascinating history while providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Another highlight is the charming town of Tordesillas, where visitors can explore the Royal Convent of Santa Clara, closely linked to the enigmatic historical figure of Juana la Loca.

Just a short drive from Rueda lies Valladolid, a beautiful city with a lively Plaza Mayor, an impressive Cathedral, and the National Museum of Sculpture.

Rueda wines have become more popular among UK wine drinkers with a massive 50% increase of sales in UK last year. Born in Salamanca, Santiago Mora brings extensive industry experience to his role, driven by a passion for the indigenous Verdejo grape that defines Rueda.

Rueda's vineyards benefit from a unique continental climate: hot days, cool nights, and low humidity preserve the grapes' acidity and freshness. The diverse soils ranging from sandy to limestone-rich and high-altitude vineyards, further contribute to the grapes' concentrated flavours.

The Denomination of Origin Rueda was approved by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture in 1980, making it the first Denomination of Origin to be approved in the region of Castilla y León.

Even if Rueda, transports visitors to the past, Mr. Mora highlights how its wines are a fascinating combination of the old and the new. He said that what he loves most about working in Rueda is the "combination of history, innovation, and community." In 2020, Rueda also launched the Gran Vino de Rueda (GVR) category, highlighting high-quality Verdejo wines crafted from old vineyards averaging 70 years of age.

He said: "Rueda has a rich tradition but is never static. Producers and winemakers here constantly strive for excellence. Seeing the pride in our winemakers' work, the unique expression of Verdejo in each vineyard, and the joy our wines bring to people around the world keeps me deeply passionate."

For those who have never tried Rueda wines before, Mr. Mora advised: "Start with a classic Verdejo from Rueda (pay attention to the label on the back which indicates the origin) it captures the essence of Rueda beautifully. You'll experience freshness, aromatic complexity, and a vibrancy that's unique to our region.

"From there, I encourage exploring different styles and vintages - you'll discover why Rueda wines are celebrated both in Spain and internationally."

With the harvesting season coming into full swing, the region is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The Rueda Wine Festival also takes place every May.