We’ve worked in the travel business for many years here at Totally Spain and have long realised that people travel for very different reasons. This was reiterated to us when we recently prepared a package for a couple collecting sea glass. It wasn’t an activity we were familiar with before but there’s a whole world of people out there – walking the beaches, collecting the glass and displaying it or using it for jewellery and other crafts. So we thought we’d share a bit about it here in case it’s something you’d like to know more about…
Category Archives: Spain
The Lope de Vega Classic, Fuente Ovejuna, in London
Totally Spain is delighted to have been approached a few weeks ago for sponsorship by a dynamic theatre company Tangram Theatre in London. We have since grown fond of these guys and their work and we’re looking forward to seeing their production of Lope de Vega’s Fuente Ovejuna in London this summer. They have a great track record and it’s some story!
How to Book the Best Restaurants in Spain and SAVE MONEY
At TotallySpain, we have been using The Fork to get discounted meals (up to 50% off) at top restaurants and always recommend it to our clients that wish to pre-book their own restaurants.
An Independent Jewish Heritage Tour with Totally Spain
Here at Totally Spain, we’ve been designing custom trips to Spain and Portugal since 2000. We recently heard back a client from the US for whom we customised an independent Jewish-interest tour in Spain & Portugal – thanking us for the trip and insisting that we should do a bit more chest-thumping about our skills and experience.
Wineries of Castilla La Mancha
The wineries of Castilla La Mancha have always intrigued me and I had the pleasure of spending the last weekend of October discovering some of the amazing, boutique wineries to be found in the Castilla La Mancha region. This is the biggest wine region in Spain and perhaps the least known as a producer of quality wines. They do produce excellent wines here although the majority of the wineries struggle to compete in the national market. My trip started in Madrid from where I took the high speed train to Ciudad Real. Remarkably it´s only 40 minutes to get there and well worth keeping in mind as another ideal daytrip or overnight stay from Madrid.
WINERIES OF CASTILLA LA MANCHA
The first winery I went to see was Pago del Vicario near Ciudad Real. I stayed here as they have attached to the winery a lovely 4 star boutique hotel, very modern and chic. The winery´s restaurant was terrific too, one whole side being entirely glazed and affording great views of the interior of the bodega. I didn´t get a chance to try the pool but it did look inviting. In summer they put on live music events and dining outdoors. A great approach by this winery looking to open it´s doors to the world. I´d recommend staying here for a night en route from Madrid to Cordoba. You won´t be disappointed. And their wine is simply wonderful.
Next I went to see the Dionisos winery in Valdepeñas. This was an incredible experience. Known as the Winery of the Stars this family winery dates back to the early 19th century and practises biological farming. All the decisions regarding the cultivation of grapes, harvesting, etc are taken based on the stars, the cosmic rhythms and lunar cycle. Inside the winery they have an inflatable globe large enough for 12 or more people to sit inside and contemplate the universe which they have projected on the walls of the globe. The wines produced here have won a number of awards. I highly recommend visiting Dionisos. It´s unique.
I next went to see the Bodegas Real another marvellous winery with an excellent restaurant where I enjoyed lunch. While at this winery I had the opportunity to enjoy some additional activities including a flight in a hot air balloon followed by a very unique guided tour through the vineyards on segways. Great fun.
My next stop was at the charming Bodegas Castiblanque in Campo de Criptana another family run winery but what a winery. It was a pleasure to visit. The people here eat, drink and sleep the world of wines. Our host while there, Miguel Angel Castiblanque, was charm personified. Later I was delighted to discover that on the outskirts of Campo de Criptana, you can visit the famous white windmills made famous by Cervantes in Don Quixote. Miguel Angel kindly took me to see them.
My last stop on this whirlwind tour was in Toledo at the Viñedo Cigarral Santa Maria situated in an unforgettable location in the hills above Toledo. This small yet impressive winery is owned by Adolfo Muñoz, a famous restaurateur who has a string of successful businesses to his name including a fine 5 star hotel. They produce just 4500 bottles of wine a year here but each bottle is much sought after. I enjoyed an incredible lunch here while soaking up the views of Toledo city. Later I took the high speed train from Toledo to Madrid, a mere 30 minute journey.