Most orgasmic experience ever!

Wednesday 26 Nov 09

Reached Logrono today, the capital of La Rioja region (pronounced La Rioha). Nothing great about the city. Very industrial like. Managed to find MNG but it was all winter clothing so ended up not buying anything. Can't find my magnet shop again. Damn.

Industrial looking city of Logrono

All's not lost as La Rioja is very much known for their red wines. The region is more uniform in their climate and soil, thus producing more uniform wines as well.

Our itinerary for the evening was a visit to Bodegas Muga, one of the finest wineries in La Rioja. It's a family owned business established in 1932. It's run by the 3rd gen now and owner Juan Muga was kind enough to bring us for a tour of the place.

The place, set in a 200+ year old stone house is simply awesome!! The first thing that greets you is the rows of oak barrrels. I was simply awed to be in the winery. Juan took us to the fermentation, maturing, bottling and aging process. They produce their own barrels! He spoke a bit too fast and his English was not that good. A pity really as I was really interested in the process.

They produce 50% for the local market and the rest are exported to various countries around the world, Malaysia included. Their distributor for us & Singapore is Cellermasters Wines. 80% of their wine are red, 10% white (mostly for exports), 7% rose and 3% is sparkling or cava.

Muga Winery factory

Juan and his wines, producing their own barrels, a 1968 harvest! and M'sia distributors

After the tour he took us to this lovely dining room complete with a fire place. I was still in esctacy and had that goofy grin plastered still. It was just so surreal to be here. We had an awesome 3 course dinner paired with 7 different types of wine! I'm not a red wine person but their reds were really easy to drink. The last red, Aro 2005, cost E120 a bottle! We had cava for the last round. Heaven.

The gorgeous dining room

Our food & wine

Cava, Spanish sparkling wine

Took some pics around the place before we left and I had to get a pic with Juan. I'm in love with Spanish wines. The winery was the best part of the trip so far. Extremely orgasmic. I can't describe the feling. It's just magical. I still have the silly grin. It's gonna be sweet wine dreams tonight.

Pics with Juan at winery facade