Mucho Mas Que Vino – Much More Than Wine

A view of the Old Castle / Alhorí Ducal – Montilla

May 2016 saw our 3rd visit to Montilla-Moriles so learning from previous experiences we now knew a note book and camera were vital.

Pre planning was essential so Rafa and Alberto’s knowledge was invaluable .

On Sunday 15th we were welcomed to the region personally by Rafa with an invitation to a family gathering where friends joined to celebrate his wife Elena’s birthday.

Their hospitality was unsurpassed and will live long in our memories.

The patio at Bodegas Alvear

The next day saw us met by Inma, who would be our guide for 2 days (Monday and Wednesday), and Teresa of Bacus Travel at Bodegas Alvear.

Inma was not only able to discuss the bodegas and wines but also gave us a personal insight of the history of Montilla.

The criaderas & soleras at Bodegas Robles

In the afternoon we moved on to Bodegas Robles where we were given a personal tour and tasting by Francisco Robles.

Lucas & Antonio from Bodegas Málaga Virgen welcome Laura & Rafa

On Tuesday  Rafa was our guide. We visited Málaga Virgen in the Málaga D.O. where they also produce a Montilla-Moriles Fino.

In the wine museum at Bodegas Toro Albalá

This was followed by a visit to Bodegas Toro Albalá in Aguilar de la Frontera.

The patio at Bodegas Cruz Conde

The vines at Lagar Blanco

Inma returned on Wednesday after our successful visit to the Consejo Regulador D.O. Montilla-Moriles. Our next destination was Bodegas Cruz Conde in Montilla followed our second visit to Bodegas Lagar Blanco.

Having a free morning on Thursday we explored some of the Monumental Route in Montilla.

Enjoying the Bodegas el Monte Fino Cebolla

Afterwards the afternoon was then  spent visiting Bodegas el Monte in Moriles for the 2nd time with Rafa. A definite highlight.

Enjoying the house Pedro Ximenez at Finca Buytrón

On Thursday evening we visited Rafy Mármol with Elena, Inma, Teresa and Rafa.  Rafy is the proprietor of Finca Buytrón, a beautiful rural farmhouse just outside Montilla.

One of the Pedro Ximenez presses at Bodegas del Pino

Following a recommendation and a phone call from the Consejo a visit to Bodegas del Pino in Montalbán was arranged.

If you’re not familiar with the region or the wines we will be sharing our experiences of our visit with you here.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have so please email us at info@www.montillamorileswines.com

It would be very fair to say that Montilla-Moriles is “much more than wine”.