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Less than an hour southwest of Madrid, Valquejigoso Vineyard is a classic example of Spanish winemaking excellence. The vineyard has been planting grapes since 1997, with a majority of the area centered around all red varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Negral. The entire estate can be seen during a private tour, whose scenic terroir includes rolling hills, meadows, forests, and a unique winery designed to integrate with the natural environment.
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Valquejigoso Vineyard
Madrid
The magic of
Aranjuez
AlcaLá de Henares
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Casa José
Casa José is a dining experience not to be missed. Helmed by chef Fernando del Cerro, the family-run restaurant offers two tasting menus with a heavy emphasis on produce sourced from local vegetable gardens and meat from local farms complemented by an impressive wine program. Downstairs is an atelier where patrons can watch the chefs at work, while upstairs boasts a cozy dining room.
More than anything, Michelin-starred Montia is an intentional restaurant rooted in the land, with a doctrine of designing dishes that are faithful to the surrounding mountainous area. Working with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors, the chefs here create what they call “wild cuisine” showcased across two seasonally rotating tasting menus. Food can be paired with unfiltered, sulfate-free natural wine, which is often characterized by its cloudiness and its funk—further proving that Montia is not just another traditional Spanish restaurant.
Montia
Alcalá de Henares
Royal Palace of Aranjuez
El Escorial
Situated about 30 minutes outside Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO World Heritage-designated town teeming with history and beauty. Visit Colegio Mayor, which made Alcalá the first planned university city of the modern age. Stop at Plaza de Cervantes, a statue dedicated to the hometown hero who wrote the world-famous Don Quixote. Visit the largest Medieval Fair in Europe, explore the town’s museums and live theater, and be sure to share a few plates of famous tapas before heading out.
Though Madrid’s own Royal Palace is a sight to be seen, just 45 minutes out of the city brings you to the town of Aranjuez, whose own royal palace is not to be missed. The exterior and interior of the official spring residence of Spain’s royal family are just as lavishly as you might expect, but what stands out most here are the three ornate gardens. The Parterre Garden is the most properly manicured, the Prince’s Garden is the largest, and our favorite, the Island Garden, sits between two flowing rivers and is accessible via a small bridge over a canal.
Dubbed the Capital of Inquisition, El Escorial is an influential monastery perched in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama just north of Madrid. The monastery was the retreat of a mystic Spanish King Phillip II, and in his final years of reign it became the site of the greatest political power of the time. The monastery’s austere design at the hands of Juan Bautista de Toledo, a Spanish pupil of Michelangelo, broke with the architectural traditions of the period and inspired Spanish architecture for years to come.
A picturesque drive through the mountains takes you to this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled along the banks of the Jarama River. This ancient forest is especially enchanting during the fall months, when the leaves of the beechwood trees transform from green into striking shades of gold and red. Legend has it that goblins and fairies once lived in the forest, luring humans in with their sweet songs and turning them into animals. Since the forest is a part of a Sierra de Rincon Biosphere Reserve and is protected land, the only way to properly explore is at the hand of a guided tour—which is free and can be booked in advance or the day of.
Hayedo de Montejo
Just over an hour due north of Madrid lies the first monastery in Castille, Spain, the Monastery of El Paular. The monastery is located close to the small town of Rascafria, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Originally founded in the 14th-century, the monastery is a physical embodiment of centuries of evolution and change, boasting a beautiful flamboyant gothic facade and housing spectacular works of art. For the most hands-on visit, embark on a daily guided tour with a monk. Be aware, all tours are given in Spanish.
Monastery of El Paular
Considered one of the best-preserved villages in Madrid's gorgeous Sierra Norte mountains, La Hiruela is a bucolic paradise steeped in Spanish charm. A visit to this quaint, 12th-century village is much like traveling back in time. Visitors will find compact, Medieval-style stone houses, wild gardens, a plethora of open meadows, and fruit trees. The few inhabitants of La Hiruela, less than 75 people total, can often be found looking after their cows and orchards, while wild cats freely roam the streets.
La Hiruela
Break out of the city capital and venture further afield. Here, we’ve laid out day trips places to visit from Madrid in gastronomy, art and culture.
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Casa Jose
Monita
Magic
Casa Jose is a culinary gem that beckons food enthusiasts to savor an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled in the charming town of Aranjuez, this restaurant's inviting ambiance and warm hospitality create a delightful setting for guests.
A culinary gem that invites diners to embark on a delightful gastronomic journey. The restaurant's charming ambiance and warm hospitality create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Monita takes pride in serving a delectable array of dishes, meticulously prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Valquejigoso Vineyard, located in the enchanting region of Madrid, Spain, is a captivating destination for wine aficionados. Nestled amid the scenic countryside, this prestigious vineyard boasts vast expanses of lush vineyards, cultivated with utmost care and expertise.
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Peñalara
Sierra de Gredos
