BODEGA DEL ABAD AND THE PILGRIMS’ WAY OF ST JAMES

If there is something of which we’re truly proud at Bodega del Abad it’s the location of our vineyards. It’s amazing to think that the pilgrims who pass by our old mencía and godello vines every day have been coming exactly the same way for centuries. It’s remarkable if you reflect for a moment how the pilgrims of today with backpacks, anoraks and trekking boots emulate the wayfarers of old, who would trudge from the farthest corners of Europe on the way to Santiago de Compostela, all but barefoot or perhaps with sandals, and a cape, staff and gourd. 

Best of all is that this sequence is absolutely real. So when our distributors and customers visit Bodega del Abad and our vineyards they are struck by this happy convergence of past and present that the history of El Bierzo offers us every day. 

At Bodega del Abad we often fancy that some of these German, French, Korean, American or British pilgrims who pass by our vines daily may one day uncork a bottle of Abad Dom Bueno, San Salvador or Tesín de la Campana perhaps without knowing that it was made from grapes on the vines that formed the décor of their pilgrimage. 

The Pilgrims’ Way of St James – the medieval Camino de Santiago, one of the major pilgrimages of Christendom – has a quality about it that suffuses the regions it traverses. And at the winery we often wonder if our international footprint and urge to export our wines may have something to do with our region being trodden by millions of pilgrims from the world over.

The photos included with this post and the location of our vineyards right on the pilgrim route illustrate what we have been saying here. 

Moreover, one part of our vineyards traversed by the Way of St James is the estate of Los Almendros, which commands the most striking views of El Bierzo, with the mountain of Aquiana as a backdrop. This stunning panorama often appears on social networks in the countless photos taken by pilgrims – although as well as seeing snapshots on screen, we think what is most recommendable is to actually come and see it.

For what better complement to a visit to the vineyards of El Bierzo – in itself something special – than this history of the St James Way? In our blog we have already described the various wine-tourism experiences to be had at Bodega del Abad, so now it’s over to you. Just choose a tour and call us on 987562417. We’ll be expecting you!