Abadía Retuerta, ranked number 29 in the Top 50 destinations for wine tourism
Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta is a 5-star hotel and winery, and a leading destination of experiences at the heart of the Duero Valley, near Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). The resort has recently been ranked within the top thirty destinations for wine tourism, according to the World’s Best Vineyards 2022. In this new edition, Abadía Retuerta now features at number 29, three places higher than last year, on this prestigious list: it is ranked the third-highest winery in Spain, from a total of five Spanish destinations to feature in the Top 50.
The World’s Best Vineyards is an organisation comprising over 600 wine and travel experts from all over the world, who seek to identify the very best wine tourism experiences on leading vineyards. Each year they reveal their Top 50 viticultural experiences, i.e. the best destinations for enjoying wine, learning how vines are grown and seeing how the wine is produced. They also take into account various complementary factors, such as the guided tours of the estate, the quality of the available accommodation and the excellence of the gastronomy. This year, once again, they have voted Abadía Retuerta onto their list: it is now classed within the top 30 wine tourism destinations in the whole world.
For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta: “Our mission is to spark moments of joy in our guests and visitors, by showcasing the natural and historic heritage that has been passed down to us. That’s why we are truly honoured to be ranked within the Top 50 vineyards in the world: it spurs us on to improve even further, and keep flying the flag for Spanish excellence on the international stage.”
2022 has been a particularly special year for Abadía Retuerta, because this May the estate received its own Protected Designation of Origin for its wines. This seal of quality, granted by the European Union, endorses their wine as a product of guaranteed origin, quality and tradition. Furthermore, it certifies the estate’s outstanding soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the area’s specific climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities, and wine full of local personality. “Yet again, our tenacity, determination and strength has been rewarded: we have successfully revived a historic winery, following a work philosophy based on ecological viticulture and a careful study of the climate”, adds Valero.
A unique haven of experiences
Abadía Retuerta is a leading 5-star hotel and winery in the Duero Valley, less than two hours from Madrid. It is located within the stunning estate of a 12th-century monastery, originally founded by the Premonstratensian Orden in Spain.
The project’s origins are in wine, but it has now become so much more, driven by an ongoing passion to create unique and memorable experiences. The estate spans 700 hectares of land (185 of which are vineyards), with over 8,000 m2 that include spaces full of history and thirty luxurious hotel rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), with full butler service available. It offers a wide range of experiences linked to wine, gastronomy — its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Michelin Green Star and two Repsol Suns — nature, art and wellbeing, the latter of which is focused around Santuario Wellness & Spa. All of this, and much more, is why Abadía Retuerta is now considered a leading resort for luxury experiences, and one of the most sustainable hotel destinations in the world, as proven by its Green Globe certification. Furthermore, the estate’s winery, one of the most innovative in Europe, has won various prestigious international accolades; for example Wine Spectator magazine has included Abadía Retuerta within its Top 100 Wines. Also, the estate has recently been granted its own Protected Designation of Origin status.
At Abadía Retuerta, time stands still and feelings run high. The estate brings together history, gastronomy, wine, wellbeing, art and sustainability, amid truly breathtaking surroundings.
Abadía Retuerta now holds the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: the Protected Designation of Origin of Vino de Pago
The new classification, Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta (PDO), is a further endorsement of the winery’s outstanding achievements, following over eight centuries of winemaking on the estate
· This recognition is a credit to the forward thinking, excellence and profound knowledge of this pioneering winery in the Duero Valley
· Enrique Valero, CEO at Abadía Retuerta: “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and determination. We have a unique approach to winemaking: our wine enhances and reflects all the personality of the surrounding lands, right here at the heart of the Duero Valley”
Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta has been awarded the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: it now holds the Denominación de Origen Protegida (Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO) of Vino de Pago. Following a very long registration process, this classification has now been ratified in the European Union’s Official Journal.
In the term Vino de Pago, a “pago” refers to a plot of land with its own particular soil and microclimate characteristics, setting it apart from other neighbouring plots. This prestigious recognition is therefore an endorsement of the estate’s soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the local climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities. In Spain, this label is at the very top of the wine classification scale, which goes up from Table Wine, Regional Wine, Quality Wine with Geographic Indication, Protected Designation of Origin, Qualified Designation of Origin, and finally Vino de Pago as the uppermost category.
Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, notes that “we are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and our determination. We do not mindlessly follow the latest trends: our sole aim has always been to revive this noble and historic winery, while maintaining a unique approach to winemaking that really does enhance and reflect all the personality of the Duero Valley”. This leading winery, in the municipality of Sardón de Duero (in Spain’s Golden Mile of Wine), is defined by excellence and a devotion to the craft: “It was Saint Norbert of Xanten, founder of the Premonstratensian order of canons regular, who said ‘Seek peace and pursue it’. This phrase has been a great inspiration to us, encouraging us to respect the rhythms of nature and history, and to adhere to this age-old philosophy. Our priority is to uphold the legacy passed down to us: we strive to maintain the estate’s unique winemaking tradition”, adds Valero.
A unique winemaking tradition
This recognition is an endorsement of Abadía Retuerta and its long history of winemaking, right at the heart of the Duero Valley. As historians have established, this is a deeply-rooted tradition that dates back to the early Christian era. The grapevine was brought to Spain by the Romans, and they planted it all over the north of the peninsula, including the lands around the Duero and what would become Abadía Retuerta. Ten centuries later, the Christians founded their monasteries, including the Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta, which was established in 1146 following a substantial donation of lands and vineyards. In the Duero region, the monks persisted with their cultivation of grapevines and, gradually, they mastered the art of winemaking. They learnt how to get the most out of the region’s lands, which were sunny yet cold in winter, and hot and dry in summer. Thanks to the vines’ adaptability and strength, the resulting wine would become one of the region’s best products.
These are the foundations upon which the pillars of Abadía Retuerta are built. Their team’s guiding philosophy is to revive an ancient winery, uphold a rich local winemaking tradition and help the surrounding lands reach their full potential. This striking estate, in the Duero Valley, is home to eight long centuries of winemaking heritage. Just over thirty years ago, it was revived by an experienced team under the guidance of wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, aided by renowned vigneron and former director of Château Ausone and Château Belair, Pascal Delbeck. Today’s final confirmation of the PDO Vino de Pago is a testament to their many years of effort: they have tirelessly worked to create unique and imitable wines, striving for excellence at each and every step in the winemaking process.
A long line of prestigious awards
This new achievement, the PDO Vino de Pago classification, is the latest in a long line of awards and prizes that certify Abadía Retuerta as one of the world’s greatest winemakers. One such highlight was the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 winning the award for the World’s Best Red Wine (Red Wine Trophy) at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK). It was also the first Spanish winery to feature for three consecutive years in the Top 100 Wines in the World, published since 1988 by the accredited American magazine Wine Spectator, with the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial. In particular, the 2012 vintage reached number 12 on this list.
Year after year, the Pago and Petit Verdot wines have been rated very highly in renowned publications such as the Robert Parker Wine Advocate, the aforementioned Wine Spectator, Guía Peñín and Guía Gourmets. Pago Valdebellón 2014 won the Top Medal Master in the Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters (as awarded by The Drinks Business), and Pago Negralada 2014 was awarded Platinum Best in the Best Northwest Spanish Red Category at the 2017 International Wine Challenge, in addition to the Great Gold Medal in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Pago Garduña 2013 was considered by Robert Parker’s taster, Luis Gutiérrez, to be the Best Syrah in Spain.
As regards the Blanco LeDomaine, the British wine critic Jancis Robinson has given it a superb review, and its second vintage on sale was chosen as the best white wine in Spain by Verema.com.
The vineyard plots at Abadía Retuerta
Abadía Retuerta is a unique place where the past lives on in the present, and where centuries of tradition and culture remain intact. The River Duero defines the surrounding landscape, creating unique conditions for winemaking. An expert team with great dedication, know-how and patience really get the best out of this terrain: they respect the natural cycles and help the vines adapt to the harsh climate of the region, in order to produce one of the estate’s prized assets: its world-class wine.
Abadía Retuerta creates wines that express all the personality of each individual plot in the vineyard. Only the very best wines are released for sale, as and when the vintage is of a high enough standard. The estate spans 700 hectares, 180 of which are set aside for vine growing. These vineyards are split into 54 small plots, divided according to their soil composition, and each one is planted with a single grape variety. Syrah takes up 10%, Tempranillo 70%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%. The remaining 10% is divided between Merlot, Petit Verdot and a number of white varieties.
ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
5th June 2022, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine brought together friends and other esteemed guests for a special dinner to commemorate the hotel’s tenth anniversary.
It was a perfect moment to reflect on some of the highlights of their first decade in business.
RENOWNED HOSPITALITY
From the outset, the aim of Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was to be able to invite guests to its striking enclave. Today, it is synonymous with unrivalled hospitality, authenticity and excellence in its treatment of guests and visitors, thanks to its butler service.
Amid an estate that spans 700 hectares, with a breathtaking 12th-century monastery, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has become a must-visit for all those longing to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature, in a place where they can enjoy local and avant-garde cuisine, unwind in the Santuario Wellness&Spa, and revel in the estate’s exclusive, world-class wines.
This five-star hotel measures 8000 m2, and it has thirty luxurious bedrooms, three of which are suites. The rooms are all exquisitely decorated, and they overlook a rippling sea of vineyards, providing the tranquillity and privacy that guests need.
Since 2020, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has been included in the exclusive list of Leading Hotels of the World.
IMPECCABLE, PRIZEWINNING GASTRONOMY
The cuisine offered by Abadía Retuerta is a true spectacle for the senses, and is sure to impress all those who visit. Its gastronomy has garnered numerous awards, most notably from the Michelin Guide and the Repsol Guide. The estate has four distinct eateries, each with a unique and surprising menu.
The estate’s flagship restaurant is Refectorio, which has held a Michelin Star since 2014, a Green Star since 2020, as well as two Repsol Suns. Under the guidance of head chef Marc Segarra, its menu is deeply rooted in the surrounding lands: Segarra uses locally sourced produce to capture the essence of the region and pay tribute to its people. He proudly showcases produce from over 50 local suppliers and 30 towns and villages, from all nine provinces of Castilla y León.
Vinoteca, Calicata Terroir Bar, Jardín del Claustro (the Cloister Garden) and Pool Bar (the latter two of which only open in summer) round off the resort’s offering for foodies. In all of them, the guiding philosophy is a focus on high-quality local and seasonal food.
AN ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERE
All those who choose Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine can feel safe in the knowledge that they are supporting a business that believes in sustainability, that looks after the environment, makes use of natural resources in an ethical way, and seeks to boost the local economy. This haven of experiences was awarded Green Globe certification in late 2021, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. A mere 650 hotels have been granted this endorsement, only four of which are in Spain.
One of its key projects with regards to sustainability is the Monks’ Vegetable Garden. This allotment spans 1200 m2 and sits on the banks of the River Duero, exactly where the monks used to grow their own produce centuries ago. The crops are cultivated with traditional methods, under the philosophy of biodynamics. This garden has become the natural pantry for all of the hotel’s restaurants, providing them with superb seasonal produce. With this project, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine once again proves its commitment to the local, as well as respecting nature and its seasons.
A LONG TRADITION OF WINEMAKING
With over 30 years of history and a winemaking tradition dating back more than eight centuries, Abadía Retuerta finds its true essence and raison d’être in its single-plot Pago wine, which reflects all the personality and uniqueness of the local terroir. The abbey’s monks were the first to grow grapes and make wine on this site, right on the banks of the Duero, with its long tradition of winemaking. Today, the winery is perfectly integrated into the stunning surroundings, and Abadía Retuerta is one of the most renowned wine producers in the area.
The estate spans 700 hectares, and its vineyards are divided into distinct plots or “pagos”: there is the Pago Negralada (100% Tempranillo); Pago Valdebellón (100% Cabernet Sauvingnon); Pago Garduña (100% Syrah) and Petit Verdot (100% Petit Verdot).
Abadía Retuerta is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced wineries in Europe. Designed by French wine expert Pascal Delbeck, its current consultant, and aided by the viticulturist and wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, it was one of the first facilities in Spain to move wine using gravity alone. Its system for lifting tanks with cranes, as well as its own patented system for transferring wine, are particularly noteworthy.
The estate’s unique wines have won numerous prizes and awards. For instance, Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 won the prize for Best Red Wine in the World – Red Wine Trophy, at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK).
UNWIND AT SANTUARIO WELLNESS & SPA
A true oasis, right at the heart of nature. Santuario Wellness & Spa was opened in 2015, as a haven of wellbeing. It is built into an underground space where the abbey’s stables used to be, while several openings ensure 80% natural light, making a warm and cosy environment. It measures over 1000 m2, and its water is extracted from a well at a depth of 120 metres, before being decalcified and, after undergoing reverse osmosis, stored in a 120,000-litre tank, thereby providing a quality of drinking water similar to natural mineral water.
Santuario Wellness & Spa strives to innovate: it has its own Spa Sommelier, who designs a tailor-made experience that matches guests’ physical and emotional needs and expectations. The philosophy is based on traditional Tibetan medicine and its key elements, namely wind, fire, earth and air.
One of the exclusive holistic experiences, as offered by Santuario LeDomaine Wellness & Spa since 2020, is the session with Tibetan Singing Bowls, as part of the Balancing Ritual VibraHealing®. This rounded experience focuses on relaxation and reaching a state of balance in both body and mind.
A TASTE FOR ART
Fine art is important to Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. The estate has its own open-air museum, by the German sculptor Ulrich Rückriem, as well as a private collection with over 170 works. These pieces range from the 12th to the 21st century, by artists including Palma il Giovane, Guardi, Panini, Joan Miró and Rückriem. There are also French tapestries, antique Spanish furniture, paintings, sculptures, reliefs and rugs. One of the latest additions to the collection is ‘Rumor de Límites V’ (1959) by Eduardo Chillida, a unique piece sculpted in steel, which is currently on loan to the Museo San Telmo in San Sebastián. In its place, guests can contemplate ‘Lotura’ in the Jardín de Hospedería, also by Chillida. Furthermore, in 2021, a new artists’ residency project was launched, in which national and international artists are invited to live and work at the resort. The first guest artist was Abderrahim Yamou (Casablanca, 1959).
The ancient Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta has become much more than a hotel and winery. It is a project that strives to uphold and enhance a legacy that goes back over nine centuries, with a sense of responsibility and generosity. This commitment to sharing the estate’s heritage with today’s generations, and ensuring that it lives on into the future, is the reason why Abadía Retuerta seeks to add ever more value to its own history. This is done by fostering creativity right now, in the 21st century, and this can be seen in its gastronomy, winemaking and genuine engagement with art. A year ago, a new art project was launched with the aim of getting more out of the existing collection, and further expanding it. A fundamental aspect of this project is to collaborate with other cultural agents, understanding culture here as a vital social driving force that can lead to brighter futures.
AWARDS
Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has received multiple accolades in the field of luxury and sustainable experiences. The most recent one is the Green Globe certification, which endorses this resort as one of the most sustainable in the world, thanks to the environmentally-friendly policies brought in over the years. Abadía Retuerta also featured in Travellers’ Choice 2021, by Trip Advisor, based on the exceptional reviews and opinions submitted to the travel platform over the past year. With this honour, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is deemed to be one of the best hotels in the world.
The hotel also won the 2021 “Best Wine Tourism Experience” from the International Wine Challenge, as well as the LHW Membership Award 2021 as “Best Hotel for Remarkable Experiences”, according to Leading Hotels of The World, the exclusive list of over 400 luxury destinations in 80 countries. Other awards include the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, granted for the fifth year running; the Best Wine Tourism Management Award, presented at the 12th Edition of the Wine Markets and Distribution Business Awards in 2018; and the 2018 CN Traveler Award in the category of Best Hotel for Getaways in Spain. In 2019, the CN Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards voted Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine as Best Hotel #2 in Spain and Portugal. It was also chosen, in 2019, as the Best Luxury Hotel in Spain by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
The New York Times commended Abadía Retuerta as a must-visit destination, naming it one of its 52 places to go in 2018. Furthermore, TripAdvisor users chose it as the Best Hotel in Spain, 2018. In 2017, it was named Hideaway of the Year in the distinguished annual Andrew Harper awards and Best Hotel in Spain and Portugal at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Tatler Travel Guide selected it as one of the 101 best hotels in the world, and The Telegraph 50 as one of the best hotels in Spain for spring and summer.
Another noteworthy recognition was the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace award by Óptima Castilla y León. Similarly, the Valladolid Provincial Council granted Abadía Retuerta the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace, business category award.
In late 2019, the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) awarded Abadía Retuerta the certification of Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP), which has since been renewed in 2020. This recognises Abadía Retuerta’s commitment to sustainable development and the environment, with only 31 wineries having been awarded this certification in Spain.
ABOUT ABADÍA RETUERTA
Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is located less than a two-hours’ drive from the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the heart of the Duero Valley, on the outskirts of Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). It is home to a 5-star hotel and a world-class winery, set in the grounds of a 12th-century monastery originally founded by the Premonstratensian Order in Spain. The estate spans 700 hectares (including 200 hectares of vineyards), while the hotel itself is 8000 m2, with 30 exclusive rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), eight of which are located in the old stables. It also offers a full butler service.
The resort offers a wide range of experiences, related to wine, gastronomy, nature, art and wellbeing. Its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Green Star and two Repsol Suns, and the estate now also has Green Globe certification, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is the ideal destination for unwinding in the name of wellness, or where business and pleasure can come together. The estate’s winery is one of the most innovative in Europe, and its wine has won international accolades, even being featured in Wine Spectator’s list of the “100 Best Wines in the World”.
Abadía Retuerta is one of the most sustainable resorts in the world!
Abadía Retuerta, one of the most sustainable resorts in the world, according to Green Globe
- Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials
- This recognition has only been awarded to 650 hotels in the world, just four of which are in Spain
- This Green Globe certificate is the latest in a long line of awards granted to Abadía Retuerta, including the Michelin Green Star for the restaurant Refectorio, the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, and the Family-Responsible Company certification
Eve’s article in Elite Magazine about the amazing Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine
Sardón de Duero, January 2022.- Abadía Retuerta, the five-star hotel and winery located in the Duero Valley, has been granted the Green Globe certificate, which commends the site as one of the most sustainable destination resorts in the world. A total of 650 hotels around the world have been given this recognition, just four of which are in Spain.
Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials. In order to gain this recognition, resorts must meet certain standards set by the organisation, with regards to aspects such as corporate social responsibility, conservation, and the responsible management of waste, energy and water.
Abadía Retuerta successfully passed the exhaustive audit, carried out independently and in situ by the international organisation, thanks to the sustainable practices implemented in all its work areas. They include the conservation of the site’s natural legacy, the ethical and sustainable management of resources, investment in renewable energies, caring for the surrounding environment, supporting local suppliers and their produce, cultivating a vegetable garden, engaging with social issues, reducing waste, and offering experiences related to nature. All of this has led to Abadía Retuerta being certified as a sustainable tourist destination.
This is the latest in a long line of awards and certificates that laud this destination of experiences as a truly sustainable resort. These include a Michelin Green Star for the flagship restaurant Refectorio, awarded in recognition of its focus on local and seasonal produce, as well the cultivation of as its own vegetable garden; the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, granted by the Spanish Wine Federation for the ethical and sustainable management of both the winery and the environment; and the Family-Responsible Company certification, from the Fundación Más Familia, awarded for the “Responsible Choices” programme that includes flexible workspaces (i.e. working from home or elsewhere) as well as the investment in internal training (0.5% of total turnover) that Abadía Retuerta has brought in for its collaborators.
For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, “it is an honour for Abadía Retuerta to receive the Green Globe certificate, and to be named as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. It is truly gratifying that our many years of hard work has been acknowledged in this way, in terms of our sustainable management and our vision for excellence in tourism, both of which we are strongly committed to achieving”. This award further highlights the destination’s commitment to sustainability, and Valero adds that “we will keep working with these aims, strengthening the policies we’ve already brought in, but also setting ourselves new challenges. These include our new “Plastic-Free” initiative for 2022, our Woodland Management Plans, and a more active contribution to the implementation of a circular economy, via renewable energy”.
A Sustainable Experience
Sustainability is one of Abadía Retuerta’s fundamental pillars, a view now shared by many tourists. Sustainability has gone from being a trend, to being a key aspect of travel. “Tourists no longer just restrict their search to the location, history or reputation of the destination. Today, they want to make sure that their getaways are sustainable and environmentally-friendly, with forays into nature. They also want to stay in places that champion the local culture and produce, while making as little environmental impact as possible”, notes Valero.
Abadía Retuerta is home to a rich historical and natural legacy, with a 12th-century church and over 700 hectares of land. It is renowned for its winemaking, gastronomy and first-rate hospitality, ensuring that it stands out as a leading resort of experiences, both nationally and internationally. Recently, it won a 2021 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award, as voted for by customers. It now aims to become the most sustainable destination for a relaxing getaway.
Abadia Retuerta and Bazaar by José Andrés Collaborating on Epicurean Events
LOS ANGELES, CA;—In a four-part event from November 13-16, The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills plays host to legacy Spanish winery and estate Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine. The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Beverly Hills has been a destination for unique culinary experiences since its launch in 2008, and now welcomes one of Spain’s most distinctive historic properties for a series of singular events. The traditional Abadia and the contemporary Bazaar represent two sides of the Spanish gastronomical coin, coming together for a series of tastings beginning on November 13 with an invite-only Sommelier Lunch; an invite-only Wine Collector’s Dinner on November 14; and culminating on November 15 and 16 with a ticketed wine pairing menu offered at The Bazaar.
A collaboration between Chef de Cuisine Holly Jivin of The Bazaar and Executive Chef Marc Segarra of Refectorio, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine, the ticketed ten-course tasting menu offered on November 15 & 16 will showcase signature dishes from both restaurants, paired with Spanish wines from Abadia Retuerta. Tickets, priced at $150 per person, are available via Tock.
Dishes that will be served throughout the series include Sopa Castellana, a traditional Spanish garlic-laced soup; oysters with a radish and black olive emulsion; sausage with kale and mint; and crayfish with bread and almond soup. Wine pairings will consist of several vintages of Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Blanco de Guarda, a mature and layered white wine made with 80% sauvignon blanc grapes as well as verdejo and a small amount of godello.
Abadia Retuerta was founded in the 12th century as the Abbey of Santa Maria de Retuerta, once home to a monastery, and located in the fertile wine region of Sardón de Duero on the left bank of the Duoro River. The original Romanesque and Gothic structures still stand alongside modern additions including sprawling vineyards, a hotel and spa, swimming pool, and Michelin-starred restaurant, making it one of Europe’s most desirable resort wine-tourism destinations.
“From the first moment I stepped foot on the historic property of Abadia Retuerta, I was enchanted by the serene beauty melding old with new,” says Ricardo Gomez, General Manager at The Bazaar. “After months of planning amongst our teams, we’re ecstatic to bring these two renowned Spanish culinary concepts, The Bazaar and Abadia Retuerta’s Refectorio, together to celebrate both our similarities and our differences in a unique set of events at SLS Beverly Hills.”
With an exclusive group of wine collectors and sommeliers gathering to experience the largest tasting ever of Spain’s iconic Abadia Retuerta wines, the winery is embarking on its most ambitious introduction to the U.S market since its founding in 1996.
For more information on the collaborative event series at The Bazaar and to purchase tickets, please visit Tock.
About SLS Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills
After making a critically acclaimed splash with its 2008 debut, thanks to excellence in hospitality, cuisine, and design, the SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills continues to define modern luxury at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Following a multimillion-dollar room renovation and with robust dining options from Culinary Director Chef José Andrés, including two Michelin Guide recognized restaurants—Somni (Two Michelin Stars) and The Bazaar (Michelin Plate) —as well as three-meal lobby restaurant Tres, in-room dining and the Altitude sixth-story rooftop pool deck, the hotel was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as the “#1 Hotel in the World” in 2019. Additionally, Ciel Spa by Pearl offers a full suite of wellness and salon services and 30,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function spaces include a ballroom, conference rooms, and Garden Room & Terrace with retractable skylight roof. As part of The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of world renowned hotels and resorts, SLS Beverly hills is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program. Visit www.slsbeverlyhillshotel.com for more information.
About ThinkFoodGroup and José Andrés
Founded by Chef José Andrés and his partner Rob Wilder, ThinkFoodGroup is the creative team responsible for renowned dining concepts in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Texas, the Bahamas, and most recently in Orlando and New York City. The nearly 3 dozen restaurants share a variety of culinary experiences that span from food trucks to world-class tasting menus, including two with two Michelin stars: minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C., and Somni at the SLS Beverly Hills.
Twice named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation and recipient of the Worlds 50 Best Icon Award, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup. For more information, visit www.thinkfoodgroup.com.
About Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine
Dating from 1146, the Abadía Retuerta estate is nestled on 1,730 fertile acres in the heart of Spain’s Duero wine region. It is a unique destination offering a grand travel experience that combines a luxurious hotel with award-winning wines, exceptional gastronomy, an exclusive Spa and an array of unique experiences.
Imbued with the charm and lore of a by-gone age, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is among the most highly rated hotels in Europe, taking guests back in time while immersing them in the comforts and luxuries of today’s most savvy hospitality. Acclaimed for its award-winning single terroir wines, Abadía Retuerta winery is among the most advanced in Europe in combining ancient wine-making traditions with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.
Among the amenities and activities: 24-hour butler service, mountain biking and horseback riding on the estate, tours of the winery, helicopter rides to view the ancient landscape from the air, and falconry displays.
The Abadía Retuerta estate is less than a two-hour drive or train ride from Madrid. For further information and reservations: reservations@ledomaine.es; Tel. +34 98 368 0368.
About Refectorio by Marc Segarra
Refectorio, the abbey’s original dining hall with a vaulted Gothic ceiling and a 17th-century fresco, today is a one-Michelin-star sanctuary of haute cuisine. A biodynamic vegetable garden adopting the sustainable techniques and methods used by the abbey’s original monk inhabitants in the 12th century provides organic produce for the estate’s restaurants, including Refectorio.