Wine tours - the first year.
At the end of 2015 we opened the doors of the old cellars in Bodega Conde de los Andes in Ollauri (La Rioja). Since the start, our wine tours combine exclusiveness, highly interesting information and limited numbers. This format has been a real success, both in terms of quantity and quality. By the end of our first year in operation, we had welcomed 2,000 visitors to our cellars in small groups of no more than 10 persons each. Tours must be arranged by prior appointment.
Who visits Conde de los Andes.
All kinds of people come to see us, although we have noticed that the number of visitors who are specialists or have at least a certain degree of wine knowledge is increasing. They are familiar with the world of wine and wine tourism and come here attracted by the idea of finding something different. In this regard, they leave our house fully satisfied.
What do visitors see in the tour?
It involves a one-kilometre walk along the cellars, which were built over several centuries. The tour has been carefully designed, but at the same time offers plenty of flexibility as the groups are small. Consequently, each group enjoys a unique experience ?it feels like an exclusive, private tour.
What?s the most popular part of the tour?
Three elements stand out: the magic of the place and its history; the tailor-made, intimate feel of the tour; and the surprise factor which occurs in several moments.
What is the feedback from visitors?
They enjoy the singularity of the place combined with a tour format that invites to have a relaxed conversation, with time for anecdotes and friendly comments.
· As an example, a group of visitors from the Basque Country told us that Churrumendi, which is the name of the hill above the cellars, could be trasladed as "stream hill? or "spring hill". Thinking on the wine kept inside the hill, it makes sense!
· Each visitor enjoys the experience in his or her own way. For some, the cellars are full of romantic charm; for others, they remind them of mystery and terror film sets; some even relive the epic TV series Game of Thrones.
· We welcome people who had visited the cellars years ago and now return to find them ?in great shape and better lit?.
· Everybody is happily surprised and thoroughly appreciate the opportunity to try in situ old vintages ?this is one of the highlights of the tour.
Visiting Conde de los Andes.
It is very easy; all you need to do is contact us in advance via email enoturismo@condedelosandes.com or call us on +34 941 338 380.
Some old vintages tastings are held in this wide room called Calado de los Candiles (Cave of the Candles)"
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