Bodegas Marañones

Aranda de Duero · Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Vega Sicilia

Visiting Vega Sicilia is a bit like going to the Zarzuela theatre: you book ahead, there's a protocol, and when you arrive you can tell the institution knows exactly what it is. Founded in 1864 in Valbuena de Duero (Valladolid), 35 km from Aranda, Spain's most prestigious winery and one of the few that hasn't given in to trends. Only four wines — Único, Único Reserva Especial, Valbuena 5° and Alión — in small batches at high prices. Único is probably the most expensive Spanish wine on the secondary market. Dominant grape is Tinto Fino, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blended in. Visits are by reservation only (weeks or months ahead) and typically include a vertical tasting of Único across vintages. If you can muster the budget and schedule, it doesn't resemble any other visit in Spain.