There are places where wine becomes more than just a drink, and Lagares de Clarabal is one of them. This small winery located on the slopes of the Miño River, in the Ribeira Sacra, is a reflection of the effort and love for the land. From the first meeting with Víctor and Cristina, the winegrowers of this vineyard, to the experience of the grape harvest and the tasting of their wines, every detail conveys a connection with nature and tradition. In this article, I invite you to travel with us through this special corner of Galicia, where every curve of the road and every bunch of grapes tells a story. We will discover how such a small vineyard can encapsulate a philosophy of life; heroic viticulture, respect for the environment, and a passion for creating a wine that invites you to enjoy it in a conscious way and connected to the land. Join us and discover why each bottle of Lagares de Clarabal is much more than just wine!

Heroic Viticulture in the Ribeira Sacra

In the world of wine, every bottle tells a story . At Lagares de Clarabal, that story is marked by centuries of tradition, by landscapes that defy gravity and by hands that dedicate their lives to preserving the essence of the land. This small winery , located on the steep slopes of the Miño River in the Ribeira Sacra in Galicia , represents a movement towards conscious and respectful viticulture . Here, wine is not just a drink; it is a declaration of passion for the land and an invitation to be part of something bigger.

In June, we had the privilege of visiting this special vineyard and meeting the people who keep it alive, Victor and Cristina . Their dedication and love for the vineyard is palpable in every detail. Every vine, every conversation reflects their commitment to sustainability and a better future . Throughout this week, I will share this experience with you, exploring every aspect of Lagares de Clarabal ; from the harvesting process to the philosophy that guides their organic and natural production. Join this journey and be part of the change.

A Steep Path Towards the Essence of the Ribeira Sacra

Our adventure began early in the morning, in the picturesque village of Chantada, a place where time seems to move at a different pace. It was a day with clear skies and fresh air, perfect for a trip that would leave an indelible mark . We met Victor at 10am at an agreed point near his vineyard. With a friendly smile and calm energy, he invited us to follow him in our car, heading into the winding roads that border the Miño River .

The route to the vineyard is an experience in itself. The roads are narrow, barely allowing a car to pass, and at every turn, the landscape opens up to breathtaking views . Terraced vineyards , supported by ancient stone walls, cling to the hillsides, defying the incline . Every metre of arable land is a hard-won victory, a testament to the passion for preserving tradition. The Ribeira Sacra is a region designed to challenge, but also to reward with its beauty those who work and care for it.

Each curve is an invitation to stop and admire the majesty of the landscape, the steep slopes, the reflection of the sun on the Miño River and the vineyards that stretch like steps towards the horizon. This journey is an encounter with the essence of heroic viticulture . This land is home to a wine that reflects the authenticity of its people and respect for the environment. Every choice counts, and supporting projects like Lagares de Clarabal means being part of a positive change .

The Refuge on the Slopes of the Miño

Upon arriving at Víctor and Cristina's vineyard, the first thing that greets us is an ancient stone wall, like a gateway to the past. The vineyard extends on a steep slope, where the vines of Mencía , Garnacha and other indigenous white varieties are lined up in terraces that seem to defy the law of gravity. Each terrace tells a story of effort and dedication , built to maximize sun exposure and the natural drainage of the land. The vineyard is located on the right bank of the Miño River, near the Church of Santa María de las Pesqueiras . Nearby there is a hiking trail that leads to the Belesar reservoir, which can be seen from the vineyard itself. It is a perfect setting to enjoy a walk in the middle of nature while contemplating the landscape.

Next to the vines, we find two small huts that speak of the love and effort invested in this project. One of them is a refuge for Victor and Cristina, remodeled with solar panels, a small kitchen and a bed. This hut becomes their home during the weekends they spend in the vineyard, caring for each plant with love and dedication. From there, surrounded by the silence and immensity of the Ribeira Sacra , they dedicate their free time to caring for each vine, watching how each bunch ripens under the Galician sun.

This place is a refuge, a space of connection with nature and introspection. Imagine waking up in the morning, looking out the window and seeing how the golden light illuminates the vines and the river flows serenely between the hillsides. This vineyard is a corner where you can find peace, where you can live and breathe the passion for the land and wine . Being part of this movement means supporting a way of life that honors nature and those who care for it.

Heroic, Organic and Natural Viticulture

Viticulture at Lagares de Clarabal is based on principles of respect and sustainability . Victor and Cristina have chosen a path that few dare to follow, that of heroic and organic viticulture . This approach involves working harmoniously with the environment, without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and maintaining a natural balance in the ecosystem. Each plant, each bunch of grapes, is an expression of this philosophy, and each bottle of wine reflects that commitment.

The predominant grape in the vineyard is Mencía , a native variety that brings freshness and elegance to its wines. This character is complemented by a small percentage of Garnacha and local white varieties , which add complexity and structure. The entire winemaking process is carried out in an artisanal way, respecting the traditional methods that have been used in the region for generations. The result is a wine that expresses the characteristics of the terroir, the history and the dedication of the people who produce it.

At Lagares de Clarabal, wine becomes a way of life, a reflection of the land from which it comes. Victor and Cristina do not seek to produce large quantities, but rather quality and authenticity in each bottle . Each bottle is a tribute to tradition and the natural environment of the Ribeira Sacra. Supporting small producers means making a real difference . Every decision we make has an impact, and choosing this wine is betting on a more environmentally friendly world .

Flavors that tell a story

After touring the vineyard and immersing ourselves in its history, we enjoyed an open-air tasting. They offered us their Lagares de Clarabal wine , of which only about 800 bottles are produced, a red that reflects the freshness and structure of the Mencía, complemented by the nuances provided by the white grapes . The experience of tasting this wine in the vineyard makes you feel the essence of the place, the effort, and the passion of its creators.

To accompany the wine, we were surprised with a homemade empanada, a gesture of hospitality that adds a layer of warmth to the experience. With the empanada and wine on the improvised table in the vineyard, we shared stories and laughs, enjoying a moment that encapsulated the authenticity of the Ribeira Sacra. Supporting Lagares de Clarabal is more than just enjoying a good wine, it is being part of a conscious community that values ​​authenticity and connection with the land.

The Harvest

The harvest in September is a special time for the winery and the local community. At Lagares de Clarabal, the harvest is a celebration where the family gathers to collect the grapes from the vineyard . Among the pickers, there is an older person with a lot of experience, who helps in the harvest and shares his knowledge with the others. This moment, captured in one of the videos, shows the connection between generations and the importance of working together to keep tradition alive.

At Lagares de Clarabal, the grape harvest is a family gathering, a time to share and work together on the vineyard. Each grape harvested is the result of a collective effort , of those who understand the land and its cycles. With each bottle, we contribute to keeping alive the essence of the Ribeira Sacra and the legacy of those who work their land with dedication and love.

Ribeira Sacra Experience

At the end of our visit, Victor and Cristina took us to O Escondite do Viño, part of the holiday homes that are part of Sacra Experience in Lugar de Pincelo. It is located on the same side as the vineyard, but a few kilometres after the Belesar dam, where the Miño River widens.

From the vineyard, we took a scenic route that took us along a winding road , passing through several vineyards. We crossed the river by the Belesar bridge and continued along the left bank to the Portotide bridge, enjoying the view of the terraced vineyards on the right bank , defying gravity . Finally, we crossed the bridge and headed to O Lugar de Pincelo, where they were waiting for us for lunch.

Imagine waking up on the banks of the Miño River and enjoying the tranquillity and the landscape that surrounds you . These holiday homes, located in such a special place, are in high demand, and I recommend visiting them to experience the peace and beauty of the Ribeira Sacra first hand.

The meal was a moment of rest, an opportunity to savour the fruits of labour in the vineyard and the warmth of Galician hospitality . We were served traditional dishes, prepared with local ingredients, which harmonised well with the wine we had tasted in the vineyard. Every bite and every sip of wine connected us with the history of Lagares de Clarabal and the Ribeira Sacra, and with the way Víctor and Cristina care for the land.

The meal was the perfect ending to a day full of discovery. There, next to the Miño River, we better understood the connection that local producers have with their environment and how, through their work and hospitality, they reflect an authentic commitment to sustainability and tradition.

Lagares de Clarabal, a story of passion and perseverance

The visit to Lagares de Clarabal was a journey through history and nature , an invitation to connect with a world where each bottle tells a story of effort, passion and respect . In a vineyard where conditions are challenging, where each step requires additional effort, they have created something unique. Their project does not focus on quantity, but on the quality and authenticity of each bottle, which carries with it the spirit of the Ribeira Sacra.

Heroic viticulture is a form of resistance , a declaration of love for the land and traditions. In a world where the industrial and the massive seem to dominate, Lagares de Clarabal stands as a reminder of the beauty of the authentic, of what is handmade and made with the heart . Each bottle of Clarabal is a tribute to nature, to the past and present generations that have worked this land, and to a future where sustainability and respect for the environment are the key .

As we say goodbye to Victor and Cristina, we take with us much more than the memory of a good wine. We take with us the inspiration of a story of perseverance and dedication , and the certainty that every time we open a bottle of Lagares de Clarabal , we will be sharing a piece of the Ribeira Sacra and the passion of its creators. Today more than ever , every choice counts. Join the movement now and make a difference.

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Descubre VinNatura Sostenibilidad Vinos de Galicia

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