Bierzo: Wine on Spain’s Pilgrim Trail

Wines and mines have been part of Bierzo’s history since Roman times.  After the remains of Saint James were discovered in the ninth century, pilgrims, too, became part of Bierzo’s heritage.  In fact, some locals will tell you that the Mencía grapes grown in Bierzo were first brought to the region by pilgrims headed toward the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where Saint James is buried.  Monks who came to Bierzo from France to serve the pilgrims expanded the area’s vineyards.  The history of Bierzo is tied to its vineyards, mineral resources and monastic tradition.

Today, the Bierzo DO is considered one of Spain’s up-and-coming wine regions.  Several new bodegas have been established since the region achieved DO status in 1989; their owners are bringing in the latest equipment and innovations, which appear to be combining well with the region’s best wine grapes.  Bierzo wines are winning awards and production continues to increase.

Buy Bierzo Wine

Bierzo Geography and History
The political region in which the Bierzo DO lies is called El Bierzo, part of the province of Castilly y León   Bierzo’s climate is unique among Castilla y León DOs.  The Bierzo is located in a valley that is sheltered by surrounding mountains from the effects of Castilla y León’s continental climate, particularly fall frosts.  Temperatures range from winter lows of 30° Fahrenheit to summer highs near 90°.  Bierzo gets about 28 inches of rain each year.  The area was once an ancient lake, and its alluvial soils are rich and varied.

Bierzo was colonized by the ancient Romans, who quickly began to exploit the area’s mineral resources.  Roman slaves built hydraulic systems and created an artificial lake, Lake Carucedo, to help extract gold flakes from the mines at Las Médulas, near Ponferrada.  Las Médulas is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see not only the area’s natural beauty but also visit the ruins of the ancient Roman mines and hydraulic works.