Ribera Sacra is one of the most symbolic examples of what is know as heroic winemaking. Because the vineyards are planted on the steep, terraced hillsides along the Sil and Miño Rivers in province of Lugo, Spain, each harvest is a feat of strength and endurance. Our recent visit there included a wine tasting and lunch at Adega Algueira followed by a cruise on the River Sil.
Our visit to the Algueira Winery started with a wine tasting that included many technical aspects of winemaking in Ribera Sacra. While the region is known for reds, they are responding to the growing popularity of white wines.
After the tasting we had a four-course meal paired with Algueira wines. Our menu consisted of scallops, beans with octopus, ox tail cannelloni and assorted sweets.
And after lunch we took a 90-minute cruise on the River Sil where the hillsides rise more than 800 feet above the river. In the last photo, you can see the rails they use to get the grapes out of the vineyards. Such hard work!
