We didn't realize (since our cruise lady arranged our pre-cruise tours for us), that our Montserrat tour also included a wine-tasting tour. Our tour continued with a visit to a vineyard and winery that was family owned with a history dating back to 1790.
Pares Balta produces wines and cavas, which is a Spanish version of sparking wine--champagne, with the grapes being farmed organically on their estate vineyards.
They grow 14 different grape varieties for different wines and have an average annual production of 700,000 bottles.
Each of their five vineyards are situated on different feet above sea levels offering a diverse mixture of soils and micro-climates that give a unique character to the grapes (and wines).
Throughout the winter, flocks of sheep graze their lands, naturally fertilizing the earth and eliminating any need for artificial fertilizers. They also have beehives to encourage pollination.
We learned a lot, especially for two couples that have never even tasted alcohol, let alone wine, and really enjoyed our two hours there. In fact, our guide (who was from London but had married his wife from Barcelona) asked why we came on this "wine tasting" tour if we didn't drink wine. He was a really cool guy that asked a lot of questions about Mormons when he found out why we didn't drink.
This is a picture of the family members that now run the winery. They were about to get out of the business because the next generation of two sons wasn't interested, but their wives were and received PhDs to assist them in the science of wine making, etc.
Even the barrels are made out of a certain wood.
Wine making is truly a science!
George and I watching the wine tasters! Our guide kept saying, "Don't you just want a little taste! I won't tell anyone."
They did have some tasty crackers! Finally, George asked if they had some Coke light, which they did. However, the lady giving us the tour, said, "You're kidding?! Really? She couldn't figure out why someone would want soda when they could have wine!
An old wine press
Down in the wine cellar
I love this picture that Laura took of George after our tour because he is relaxing for a minute soaking up the warm sunshine. It was so enjoyable getting away from the crowds and setting foot on Spanish soil in the beautiful countryside! (Doug was resting on the bus and still trying to get better!)
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Next, a visit to an old BULLFIGHTING RING.
2 comments:
Every single post you have made is just fantastic! This one really made me smile because it was such a unique experience and one that I have related so often. Seriously, the entire trip was just the greatest!
Wonderful post and very interesting. By the looks of the wine in the cellar, I suppose lots of people drink wine and you, George and Laura must have looked a bit peculiar.
I loved the information about the Winery and enjoyed your beautiful photos. This looked like another great day in Spain.
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