Rioja Roundup

The past and future of Spanish wine

f there's a wine that embodies Spain, it's Rioja. Intense, earthy, and seductive, it's been prized ever since the Middle Ages, when medieval pilgrims drank it en route to Santiago de Compostela, then spread word about this fantastic wine near the Rio Oja. In recent years, Rioja has enjoyed a full-blown renaissance, and today there's a multitude of styles: historic Rioja, classic Rioja, modern Rioja, and alta expresion tempranillo-based wine. Rioja Roundup will sort through the differences while visiting top Rioja wineries -- innovators and classicists, large and boutique. The tour also goes to Ribera del Duero, a nearby region making some of Spain's most coveted wines.

Highlights:
• Wine estates: Marques de Riscal, Contino, Miguel Merino, Roda, Contado de Haza, Emilio Moro & more
• The Bilbao Guggenhem museum
• The Cathedral of Burgos

September 8-13, 2008

Cost: $2,795. Single supplement $350

Meet:Valladolid (a 1-hour train ride from Madrid)

Depart: Madrid