Monasteries played a key role in wine production starting in the Middle Ages. This is the case of the Monastery of Santa María de Palazuelos, located in the municipal area of Cabezón de Pisuerga and Corcos and between the River Pisuerga and the Castilla Canal. With its origins in San Martín de Valvení on the other side of the hill, it moved to its current location in the 13th century, becoming the head of the Cistercian Order in Castilla.
Hours: Summer. 23 April to 1 November: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Winter. 1 November to 22 April: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (Closed 2-30 November)
Guided tour: Sunday 12:00 p.m. (except in November).
Scheduled guided tour for groups: Any day of the week (request one week in advance).
Description: Alfonso VIII gave Palazuelos, a building closely linked to María de Molina, to Alfonso Téllez de Meneses in 1213. In 1254, the Valvení community definitively moved to the new monastery, which became the head of the Cistercian Order in Castilla. Kings such as Alfonso XI, Carlos I, Felipe II and Felipe IV visited the building.After a fire caused by the French during the Battle of Cabezón in 1808, it entered its final decline during the confiscations. This decline continued until the Friends of Palazuelos Association began to work towards its recovery in 2012. An ideal place to visit due to its proximity to the Castilla Canal (200 m away), it’s a monastery that has been linked to wine since the Middle Ages.Its research and rehabilitation efforts continue, and it offers tours and organises cultural activities.
Concejo Bodegas
Address: Ctra. Valoria, km 3.6. C.P. 47200 Valladolid
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30 a.m. (advance booking)
Description: Honey tastings in a relaxed atmosphere. We’ll explain how to taste, compare and evaluate different honeys, and you’ll discover interesting facts about a year in the life of the bees and the beekeeper.Guided tours where, whilst wearing protective gear and in a lovely, natural environment, you’ll learn in situ about how bees live and what flora they visit in order to produce honey. The activity ends with a tour of the facilities where the honey is extracted and packaged.
− Hive tours are only held between April and September (inclusive ), weather permitting. − Tours of the facilities with honey tasting sessions are held all year round.
Restaurante El Sueño del General
Address: Plaza del Hortal, s/n. C.P. 47200.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Description: Restaurant located in the ‘Concejo Hospedería’ complex of the former fortress of Valoria la Buena dating from the 10th century, where there are 16th century ruins. The owners’ grandfather, a soldier by profession, dreamed of one day turning it into a hotel and a modest restaurant. So, in his honour, the restaurant was christened ‘El Sueño del General’ (‘The General’s Dream’). The menu features a wide variety of avant-garde, creative cuisine, reflected by the set menus paired with wines and the executive menus. Based on local products, the menu stands out for its variety of foods and originality.It has charming dining rooms for business or family meals and large dining rooms for weddings, first communions and other events.
Bodega Valdelosfrailes.
Address: Ctra. Cubillas de Santa Marta, s/n. C.P. 47290. Valladolid
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Advance booking at least one day before the tour)
Description: As a result of the winemaking tradition of the Moro family, the cultivation of vineyards and wine production in the areas of Cubillas de Santa Marta and Valoria la Buena were transformed in 1998 into Bodega Valdelosfrailes (D.O. Cigales), the maker of great red wines and of course rosés. After touring the vineyards to learn about the winemaking process starting with the grapes, you’ll observe the production process in the winery, followed by a wine tasting.
Posada Real Concejo Hospedería
Address: Plaza del Hortal, s/n. C.P. 47200.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Description: La Posada Real Concejo Hospedería was born of a family’s love for their home. The grandfather, Enrique, a soldier by profession, inspired a childhood dream to turn the family home, a former castle and palace whose origins date back to the 10th century, into something unique. Concejo Hospedería and El sueño del General restaurant opened their doors in April 2010. The establishment is part of the outstanding Posadas Reales de Castilla y León brand and the Ruralka Quality Club.
Concejo Hospedería boasts 10 fully equipped rooms with period furniture and four suites with a jacuzzi, reading rooms and lounges, and a variety of patios and terraces. It’s the perfect destination for families and couples seeking a relaxing getaway in a curated, exclusive and unique environment where one can enjoy top-level cuisine.