Snack and share these delicious treats off the beaten path in Northern Spain.
Just two hours north of Madrid, the drive across Spain’s northern plateau through the Castilla y Leon region will see you past hundreds of miles of sweeping farmland, gorgeous vineyards, medieval fortresses and crumbling castles. Encompassing the provinces of Rueda and the city of Valladolid and Segovia to the south and Ribera del Duero to the east, the region is home to more than 200 wineries and has long been on the map of oenophiles and travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
While viticulture in this area dates back to the 11th-century monks who lived here, the region has seen a rise in another important trend of late. Featuring an abundance of molecular-inspired tapas bars, palatial monasteries turned five-star hotels with Michelin-rated restaurants and intimate tasting rooms to boot, the area has been dubbed the “Tapas Capital of The World,” thanks in part to the success of the National and International Tapas Competition, which takes place in Valladolid during the first week of November every year. It’s a place that takes its food just as seriously as its wines and from tasting the legendary lechazo asado (fire roasted lamb) in the farmhouse restaurant of Michelin rated La Botica to Castilian inspired tapas bars found around Valladolid, here’s your guide for the best eats around the region.