The Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route boosts the economy of the Tierra de Barros region
The Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route has become a driving force and catalyst for the Tierra de Barros region in recent years. This route, part of the Wine Routes of Spain Product Club, encompasses not only Tierra de Barros but also the Matanegra, Ribera Alta, and Ribera Baja areas in the province of Badajoz, and Montánchez and Cañamero in the province of Cáceres.
The Route is currently participating in the 25th edition of the Extremadura Wine and Olive Fair (VINAC), a leading event for wine professionals and enthusiasts, held in Almendralejo from March 25th to 27th.
Josefina Barragán, Councilor for Commerce, Markets, and Tourism for the Almendralejo City Council, highlighted the economic boost the Route provides to the municipality. This project, involving local wineries, restaurants, and businesses, has also led to an increase in tourism to the city.
“This is a very specific type of tourism. A highly professional type of tourism that represents a significant financial investment in the trips taken,” stated Barragán, who also emphasized the support the Route receives from the Badajoz Provincial Council.
This increased influx of visitors is confirmed by Isabel García, the technician for the Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route, who pointed out that tourists participating in the experiences offered by the project leave the region with a positive impression and are even surprised after attending tastings at wineries that produce biodynamic or organic wines. She also noted that the Tierra de Barros region, in Almendralejo, boasts the only Cava Museum in Spain.
SUPPORT AND GREATER VISIBILITY
The Wine Route also provides support and visibility to its members. Catalina Bustillo, founder of the company “Cata con Cati,” stated that belonging to the project is key for small businesses located, as is her case, in rural areas.
“It gives us a lot of exposure, and we can access tastings that we otherwise couldn’t, or participate in platforms and fairs,” said Bustillo, who has been part of the Wine Route since its inception and has witnessed how, over the years, the number of visitors who choose her company to enjoy wine tourism has increased.
“Cata con Cati” offers diverse experiences related to wine culture, such as tastings while birdwatching or pairings under the stars. Its founder emphasized that Extremadura is currently enjoying a positive international position because there is demand for the varieties that the land offers, as well as fresh, fruity, and less acidic wines, although she acknowledges that infrastructure needs improvement to attract tourists to the region.
