Abadía Retuerta, located in the heart of the Duero Valley, stands as one of Spain’s most prominent wine tourism destinations. With a winemaking history dating back to the 12th century, this winery not only offers internationally renowned wines but also an all-encompassing experience that combines culture, nature and wellness. Its participation in the Feria de Valladolid highlights its commitment to excellence and its role as a benchmark in wine tourism.

The enduring monastic heritage

The origin of Abadía Retuerta dates back to 1146, when Doña Mayor, daughter of Count Pedro Ansúrez, founded the monastery of Santa María de Retuerta. The Premonstratensian monks, the first settlers of the enclave, brought with them the winemaking tradition and began cultivating vineyards in these fertile lands bathed by the Duero River.

For centuries, the monastery was a hub of winemaking production, reaching its peak in the 17th century, when its wines dominated the Valladolid market. However, the Mendizábal disentailment in the 19th century and the phylloxera plague led to a decline in wine production. It was not until the late 20th century, with the acquisition of the estate by the Sandoz company and the arrival of vigneron Pascal Delbeck in 1994, that Abadía Retuerta regained its splendour, establishing itself as a winery of international prestige.

Image: Abadia Retuerta

A wine tourism offer for all the senses

Abadía Retuerta offers a wide range of wine tourism experiences designed to satisfy all types of visitors. The “Enological Immersion” allows guests to tour the estate, learn about the winemaking process and enjoy an exclusive tasting. The “Winery Visit” includes a historical tour of the abbey and the tasting of three selected wines.

Among the most outstanding activities are the “Barrel Tasting”, where visitors discover how wood influences wine maturation, and the “Historic Vintages” experience, which allows guests to taste unique wines preserved since 1996 in the Monks’ Cellar. For nature lovers, the “E-Bike Picnic” offers the opportunity to explore the estate on an electric bike, enjoying a rustic aperitif amidst nature.

Additionally, the winery organises seasonal activities, such as the “Harvest”, where visitors can participate in the manual grape harvest and traditional grape stomping, or the “Beekeeping Day”, an educational experience that combines beekeeping with honey and exclusive wine tastings.

Innovation, sustainability and excellence: the DNA of Abadía Retuerta

Abadía Retuerta stands out for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. The winery works with 54 differentiated plots, each with specific characteristics of soil, altitude and sun exposure. Vinification is carried out by gravity, respecting the integrity of the grape and ensuring the highest quality at every stage of the process.

The winery has also implemented a Forest Management Plan, earning the PEFC certification for its sustainable forestry practices. Its adherence to the Natura 2000 Network reinforces its commitment to biodiversity, while reforestation policies have enabled the planting of more than 65,000 pine trees and the recovery of 200 hectares of woodland with native species.

In terms of wine quality, Abadía Retuerta has received numerous international awards. Its “Selección Especial 2001” was recognised as the Best Red Wine in the World by the International Wine Challenge in London in 2005, and the winery has managed to place its wines on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World list for three consecutive years.

Foto: Abadia Retuerta

A must-see at FINE 2025

Beyond wine, Abadía Retuerta offers a comprehensive experiential destination. The LeDomaine hotel, located in the restored monastery, provides luxury accommodation with a focus on wellness. The “Santuario Wellness” offers relaxation experiences, such as Tibetan bowl meditation, yoga among vineyards and personalised treatments.

Sustainable activities, such as harvesting in the “Monks’ Garden” and the “Stellar Experience” for stargazing the Milky Way, allow visitors to connect with nature while enjoying the estate’s hospitality.

Abadía Retuerta not only represents winemaking excellence but also a model of sustainable and culturally enriching wine tourism. Its participation in the Feria de Valladolid is a unique opportunity to discover its wines, history and exclusive experiences up close. Those wishing to delve deeper into this legacy can visit its stand at the fair or explore more on its official website. An open invitation to enjoy an unforgettable sensory and cultural journey.