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The Wine Route (day 11)

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It's a sad day, yet it's not. we've made new friends, exchanged a few email addresses and generally had a great time, but alas, it's the last day (just hold on a minute while I find a box of Kleenex for Thoughtful Mark).

Right, I've sent him for a long stand so that I can get on. As I was saying, it's the last day, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves does it?

We're passing through the world famous wine region today, and what a fantastic ride it is. I mean, just look at that road; doesn't it make your mouth water?

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear La Rioja is probably the wine bearing the same name. It is produced here in the smallest of Spain's Autonomous Communities, located south of Basque Country at the occidental extreme of Ebro valley.

Now although we won't be tasting any of the local produce today (you'll have to wait until you're on the ferry), we will be drinking in the fantastic atmosphere of the region.

 

Did you know that this tiny region in the north of Spain takes its name from the Rio (river) Oja – a tributary of the mighty Ebro River which is the longest river in Spain. The fertile plains of the Ebro valley have given rise to a wine producing industry which goes back to Roman times. The region’s rich soil and plentiful supply of water enable it to produce high quality fruit and vegetables (including artichokes, asparagus, aubergines and peaches) which together with Rioja’s excellent cured meats form the basis of some fine regional cuisine. Baby goat (cabrito), potatoes cooked with red “chorizo” sausage” and the popular sweet red peppers (pimientos del piqillo) are among the typical dishes of the region. No, I thought you didn't.

Well we're back in Santander, but I really hope we'll be seeing you again on one of our other tours

Hasta Luego (not adios)

 

 

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