Home > A day among the vineyards of El Bierzo
A day among the vineyards of El Bierzo
Hotel Ponferrada Plaza
September is the month when the vineyards of El Bierzo turn vivid shades and the harvest fills the air with sweet, fresh and vibrant aromas. The landscape becomes a symphony of reds, greens and golds, heralding the end of summer and the arrival of the season most eagerly awaited by winemakers and travellers alike. Just a few kilometres from Ponferrada, the Templar capital of the region, visitors can immerse themselves in a sensory journey where nature, wine and gastronomy are interwoven with history, tradition and modernity.
Walking along the rolling slopes, watching the grape pickers at work with knowledge handed down through generations, or pausing to admire the light caressing the ripening clusters turns the experience into a ritual. It is an invitation to slow travel, to savour tranquillity and to rediscover the authenticity of a land that has preserved its essence through the passing of time.
The unique character of Bierzo wine
Wine culture in El Bierzo dates back to Roman times. That ancient legacy has shaped a denomination of origin that today holds pride of place on some of the most discerning wine lists. What makes it special? A singular microclimate, gentle and balanced; exceptionally dense old vineyards, many of them centuries old; and an unrepeatable terroir, enclosed by mountains and nourished by rivers that carve fertile terraces.
Mencía, the undisputed queen of reds, produces wines that are fruity, intense and capable of long ageing. Godello, the jewel among whites, stands out for its body, delicate aromas and golden elegance. Alongside them, varieties such as Doña Blanca, Palomino and Malvasía complete a diverse mosaic of wines full of nuance.
At dawn: vineyards and morning freshness
As the first light brushes the valleys, the hills of El Bierzo awaken with a freshness that is unmistakable. The silence is broken only by the whisper of the breeze and the crunch of earth beneath your steps. Walking or cycling between rows of Mencía and Godello in September is unforgettable: the grapes, perfectly ripe, release luscious aromas, while red and golden tones illuminate every bend in the path.
A useful tip: wear comfortable shoes, take some water and bring a camera, as the morning light is the best ally for capturing the beauty of the vineyard.
Midday and afternoon: informal tastings and Bercian cuisine
The journey continues with a stop at the Centro de Interpretación de la Vid y el Vino (CIVI) in Camponaraya or at nearby wineries such as Viñas del Bierzo or Emilio Moro. Here, among barrels and glasses, the landscape is translated into every sip. Tastings are paired with local products: botillo, cured meats, roasted chestnuts or reineta apples—true treasures of the Bercian larder.
For those in search of something different, the Senda de las Cantinas offers a route through traditional taverns where time seems to stand still. Between spontaneous conversations and simple dishes, the rural hospitality and authenticity of Bercian life reveal themselves.
Gourmet finale: returning to Ponferrada with local flavour
The afternoon calls for a return to Ponferrada, where the silhouette of the Templar Castle dominates the historic centre. A tapas crawl through its traditional bars provides the perfect finishing touch: glasses of D.O. Bierzo wine paired with roasted peppers, cecina or local cheeses. It is a moment to let yourself be carried away by conversation, background music and the sense of having lived a full day.
And to rest after this sensory immersion, the
Hotel Ponferrada Plaza is the perfect base. Comfortable, well located and with a warm welcome, it is the ideal place to extend the Bercian experience beyond the vineyards.
Book your stay at Hotel Ponferrada Plaza and discover September in El Bierzo with all your senses: landscapes, wines and tradition combined.