Everything about that day was perfect. Despite being gloomy before breakfast, the sun came out by mid-morning, setting the mood for the day ahead. I was in the company of people whom I was slowly getting to know and appreciate. And we were somewhere in Galicia in Northwest Spain, in a historical district declared a “Cultural Interest Asset” in 2012. A sign board just outside the main shopping street cheerfully greeted us: “La Bienvenida a Cambados, la Capital del Albariño!” Welcome to Cambados, the Capital of Albariño!
Nicknamed the ‘wine of the sea’ because of the vineyards’ proximity to the coastline, the Albariño is perfectly paired with Cambados’ equally tasty seafoods.
Cambados is a municipality in Galicia in the province of Pontevedra. It is famous for its Albariño white wine which is a variety of white wine grape originally grown in Galicia. Nicknamed the ‘wine of the sea’ because of the vineyards’ proximity to the coastline, the Albariño is perfectly paired with Cambados’ equally tasty seafoods. Walking around Calle Real, there was no doubt we were in the Albariño wine capital of Spain as there were various offers of Albariño wine selections everywhere we looked. There were many places of interest as well such as the historic Pazo de Fefiñáns and the 600-year old Iglesia de San Benito. But make no mistake about it: we were here to enjoy the wine that has put this place on the map.
// We were greeted by no less than Cambados Mayor Luis Aragunde at the Pazo de Fefiñáns. After giving us a warm welcome, he gave each of us a bottle of the bodega’s famous Albariño.
Before sampling the city’s famous product, we were first led around the historical district, including one of the many vineyards in the area.
// The Albariño grape variety
Finally, it was time for lunch.
I am not a wine connoisseur but I will tell you this, the Albariño was quite excellent! Fresh and crisp, it was exactly how bright, sunny days would taste like.
// What happened to the spread?
Needless to day, everyone was quite happy after consuming a few glasses of Cambados’ ‘vino del mar’.
The day ended on a high– if not dizzying– note. With stomachs full and spirits high, it was a perfect day indeed!
For those visiting Galicia, Cambados is really a must-see. I highly recommend that you include it in your itinerary, even for just a day trip.
For more details on Cambados, visit their website here.
This post is part of my series on my recent travel to Spain aboard the Al Andalus. Read my previous posts here:
Photo Diary: A Sweet Day in Astorga
Marques de Riscal: Where Tradition and Innovation Coexist
The Ancient City of Zaragoza
Tren Al Andalus: The Palace on Wheels
The Way of St. James: The Journey Begins
This trip was made possible by:
this looks like such a gorgeous place! loving all your photos!
styleandchocolates.blogspot.com
Thnak you so much, Celyn! 🙂