If you feel like spending a weekend on the Ribera del Duero Wine Route, but you have already seen the best known places, we have prepared this post so that you can discover other municipalities and enjoy our land from a different perspective.

1. Castrillo de Duero- The village of “El Empecinado”.

Castrillo de Duero is the easternmost town in the province of Valladolid. Its main attraction is linked to the historical figure of Juan Martín Díez, “El Empecinado”. Born in 1775 in this small village, his name and legacy have endured over the centuries, becoming a symbol of resistance and the fight for freedom.

The nickname “Empecinado” is directly related to the “pecina”, the dark, thick mud that abounded in the Botijos stream, which runs through the village. Over time, this nickname, so closely linked to the nature of the place, ended up becoming a symbol of the tenacity and perseverance of Juan Martín Díez, who took this spirit to its maximum expression during the War of Independence in 1808.

In the centre of the village, the Town Hall square is dominated by a sculpture of this guerrilla fighter. Furthermore, one of the most special moments in his life, and one that is still alive in the collective memory of the village, is his wedding to Catalina de la Fuente, a resident of Fuentecén. This event is still celebrated as a theatrical performance involving the locals, who every year proudly perform it, transporting visitors to another era.

For those interested in learning more about the life and work of “El Empecinado”, the Interpretation Centre dedicated to his figure offers a visit on weekends. There, you can explore documents, objects and stories that will immerse you in the fascinating story of a man who became a legend.

2. Olivares de Duero- Landscapes by the Duero River

Just 38 kilometres from Valladolid, on the right bank of the Duero River, lies a riverside spot that holds history, art and traditionin its heart : Olivares de Duero.

One of the town’s greatest prides is its parish church of San Pelayo. This majestic Gothic building, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1979, houses works by some of the most famous names in sacred art. Here, you can admire the creations of the renowned Juan de Juni, as well as works from the workshops of Diego Valentín Díaz and Gregorio Fernández, and the enigmatic Maestro de Olivares.

Continuing with the heritage, in the heart of the town centre, stands the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Virgen de la Estrella, a place of devotion where the image of the town’s patron saint is kept.

The village also has a peculiar building that attracts the attention of the curious: “El Mesón”. This historic place is famous for having housed kings such as Charles V during their time in the region, adding a touch of nobility and mystery to the streets of Olivares.

Its Renaissance bridge with seven arches, ordered to be built by the Catholic Monarchs in the 16th century and which links Olivares de Duero with Quintanilla de Onésimo, is a real eye-catcher.

For nature lovers, Olivares de Duero offers the perfect setting for hiking. Routes such as La Ribera, La Atalaya or Las Solanas allow visitors to explore riverside landscapes full of charm, where every step reveals a new corner to discover.

For those who wish to discover all that Olivares de Duero has to offer, the town has a seasonal Tourist Office, where you will receive all the information and recommendations to make the most of your visit.

3. Valcabado de Roa – The Balcony of La Ribera

In the southwest corner of the province of Burgos, in one of the points where we can find the most vineyards in the Ribera del Duero, we come across a corner that looks like something out of a painting: Valcabado de Roa.

This picturesque village, perched 900 metres above sea level on an ochre terrazzo, rises up like a natural balcony, offering unique views of the area. It is known as “the Balcony of the Ribera”, as from its viewpoint you can see part of six provinces, turning each sunrise and sunset into an unforgettable spectacle.

A curiosity of this place is that the streets of Valcabado de Roa are grouped longitudinally along the cornice of the moor, offering an incredible landscape from their windows. Another striking detail in this place is its unique set of eaves, which unfold like protective hats over the roofs of the houses.

A special corner of the village is the group of traditional bodegas (wine cellars) located in a small grove of gall oaks, just to the left of the access road. These bodegas, with their wooden doors and earthen roofs, are a true postcard of the local winemaking tradition.

For lovers of hiking and cycling, Valcabado de Roa offers a not-to-be-missed experience: the path “between the air and the backwater”. This path connects the town with its neighbour Pedrosa de Duero, and runs through peaceful and evocative landscapes, perfect for a day of outdoor exploration, either on foot or by bicycle.

4. Adrada de Haza- A Tower of Vacceo origin

Adrada de Haza is a historic village that invites you to immerse yourself in a journey through time and nature. One of the first places you should visit in Adrada de Haza is the Parish Church of Santa Columba. This impressive temple houses an artistic treasure inside: a 16th-century altarpiece with 18 panels and a carving of Santa Columba, made by the renowned school of Juan de Juni.

Nearby is the Romanesque chapel of Cristo de los Remedios, a place that exudes tranquillity and spirituality. And if you fancy a relaxing stroll, don’t miss the Humilladero.

But Adrada de Haza is not just about history, it is also an ideal place to enjoy nature. The “Entrambasaguas – Vadillo” recreational area is perfect for a family day out, surrounded by green landscapes and fresh air. Here, the little ones can run and play while the adults enjoy a good picnic.

Another obligatory stop is the fountain “del Hambre”. It is said that its diuretic waters have the peculiar property of awakening the appetite, so much so that those who drink from it cannot resist stopping to eat there.

Adrada de Haza also holds secrets from ancient times. The tower that stands on the site of “La Casa de los Moros” is a vestige of the past that connects the town with its Vaccean history. This keep was built using the limestone slabs of the wall of an ancient Vaccean castro, which was dismantled almost to its foundations to give life to this new structure. The construction of the keep, which required an enormous technical and economic effort, suggests the existence of a solid and well-established power in the region during this period.

5. Rejas de San Esteban – Historic-Artistic Site

Just 9 kilometres from San Esteban de Gormaz is Rejas de San Esteban, a hidden gem in the Ribera del Duero region of Soria, which has been recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Historic-Artistic Site since 2007.

In architectural terms, Rejas de San Esteban follows the classic model of a medieval settlement, with a castle dominating the landscape from the top of a hill, and streets running east-west from Calle Real.

This village is nestled between two hills that guard its past: El Castillo and La Loma. The former, the site of a Muslim fortification, hides underground galleries that have revealed tombs, vestiges of a past steeped in history. Meanwhile, from La Loma you can see the meandering course of the river Rejas or Madre, which flows until it meets the Duero.

Among its historical remains, it is believed that on Ribaribaldo Peak there may have been a Muslim watchtower that maintained visual communication with Alcozar Castle and the watchtower of Quintanilla de Tres Barrios, creating a surveillance network in the region.

One of the greatest treasures of Rejas de San Esteban are its two churches, exceptional examples of arcaded Romanesque architecture on the border of the Duero: San Martín and San Ginés. The church of San Martín, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1980, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture which, together with San Ginés, invites visitors to contemplate the beauty of medieval architecture at its best.