Wine culture

Grape growing has left deep marks on the territory of the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin and the way its people live. It is impossible to conceive the landscape without its vineyards, its gastronomy and festivals without its wines. Even the homes, churches and monuments would be different if it were not for the age old grape growing and wine production tradition of these lands...

The tradition features one of the most deeply rooted varieties in this Designation of Origin, the Albariño, which was brought by some Cistercian monks to the monastery of Armenteira (Meis) in the 12th century. It is true that this variety has evolved and has adapted so intensely to this zone, that there is nowhere else in the world where the quality obtained in the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin can be found. Not only has "the wine" adapted to this zone, the zones has also adapted to the wine...Some of the most significant evidence of this can be seen in its festivals and traditions, as well as the area's gastronomy and architectural heritage. Just a few examples are presented below:

Armenteira Monastery (Meis, Pontevedra)

The first written record of this monastery dates back to the 12th century. The church which belonged to the original building still stands, and shows the simplicity and symbolism of the Cistercian order, the congregation to which it belonged. The monks who still live there today are also part of this order. This monastery is linked to numerous legends, and is considered the birthplace of Albariño wine. Traditionally it is said that monks who lived here were responsible for bringing this grape variety to the Rías Baixas. It also has a connection to a number of illustrious figures from the literature of Galicia such as Alphonse X the Wise one and Valle-Inclán. The former wrote in the Cantigas de Santa María (Songs to the Virgin Mary) about the miracle of the abbot Ero, while the latter used it as inspiration for Aromas de leyenda (Legendary aromas). Web: www.monasteriodearmenteira.org

Albariño Festival (Cambados)

This festival, which takes place in the town of Cambados during the first weekend of August, has been listed as a "national touristic interest". The event is held to exalt the wine produced with the albariña grape. It dates back to 1953 and was a pioneer in Spain. It came into existence when a group of friends got together and decided to determine which of them could make the best Albariño. It is currently one of the most popular, deeply rooted gastronomic events in Galicia. As well as wine tastings featuring the products of the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin in the little huts erected along the Paseo da Calzada, the event also features a great variety of cultural and leisure activities.