Visiting the World’s Oldest (Former) Winery

Another stop…Antigua Bodega Giol. It had once been one of the largest wineries in the world. Now, it was more a tourist attraction with a pretty informative tour and big barrels with a chance to explore from above (the barrels) and inside (the barrels).

My new friend Rafael said it was a must see on our vineyard tour. It was the most unusual winery I had seen, and you can’t argue that the barrels are among the biggest on a public tour.

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Check out the size of these barrels. Note the “bridge” connecting the two lanes in the picture on the left below? Well, there was a ladder to go up on top of the barrels. See the “bridge” behind me in the picture on the right below? Challenge accepted!

This was a pretty rare opportunity to really take in (from above) how much wine this winery produced in its heyday.

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Want to squeeze inside the “doorway” in the metal barrels and explore inside? I am not afraid of heights but I was concerned about getting stuck in the “doorway.” It was a little higher off the ground and much narrower than it looks. I did stick my head inside for a quick peek. This is Rafael looking out from inside the barrel.

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And what winery tour leaves you hanging? Not this one.

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Upon leaving, you won’t miss the bull. Legend has it that by rubbing the bull’s balls, you’ll find good luck.

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