Life Among
the Duero Vines

Exploring the estate with one of its vineyard experts, you’ll discover how soil, aspect, climate and the changing seasons shape every vintage. Along the way, there are stories of the land, the abbey and the generations who have cared for it. Beneath the shade of centuries-old trees, over a country aperitif, there’s time to pause and enjoy the landscape that makes it all possible.

Inside the gravity-fed winery and centuries-old cellar, follow the journey from grape to glass with one of the estate’s expert winemakers. Taste wine directly from the barrel before enjoying a private guided tasting of the estate’s Selección Especial and prestigious Pago wines. Each glass tells a story of the land, the seasons and the decisions that shaped the vintage.

Beyond the vineyards lies the heart of the estate. Step through cloisters, chapter rooms and ancient stone passageways with the estate historian, as eight centuries of life gradually come into view. Monks once cultivated this land; generations since have continued to care for it, each adding another chapter to a remarkable story.

In the gardens of the Hospedería, meet a specialist falconer and come face to face with six magnificent birds of prey. Learn about the different species and the instincts that guide them, before watching as each takes to the air in a private flight exhibition. Against the ancient stone of the abbey and open skies of the Duero Valley, there is something captivating about seeing this centuries-old art practised at such close quarters.

Before dinner, join estate chef Marc Segarra in the Monks’ Garden, where herbs, vegetables and seasonal ingredients find their way onto the menu. Explore Marc’s cooking philosophy before taking your seat at Michelin-starred Refectorio. Beneath ancient stone arches, the meal unfolds slowly: garden tomatoes, artichoke, local lamb, game or artisan sheep’s cheese, accompanied by wines from the estate. Deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape, it’s a meal made for lingering over.

At Santuario Wellness & Spa, the art of pairing takes an unexpected turn. Guided by the Spa Sommelier, your private experience is shaped around how you feel, combining massage techniques, oils and sensory rituals. A revitalising body exfoliation and nourishing wrap prepare the skin before La Selección del Sommelier completes almost two hours devoted entirely to you.

After darkness falls, the Romanesque apse is silhouetted against some of the Duero Valley’s clearest night skies. With a glass of Abadía Retuerta wine in hand, look through the telescope as stars, planets and constellations come into view. There is little to distract. Just ancient stone, an immense sky and all the time you need to look.

Abadía Retuerta has a way of making time itself feel more valuable. A bird circling above the abbey. Wine drawn straight from the barrel. Dinner beneath ancient stone arches. The Milky Way slowly appearing in a black sky. Perhaps the real pleasure of slowing down isn’t doing less but giving the good things in life the time they deserve.