Cigales is a small wine region located in the province of Valladolid, in the Castilla y León region of Spain. The area is known for its wineries producing red wines, made from the Tempranillo grape, along with white and rosé ones. Cigales has a long history of winemaking dating back to the 10th century, and it was an important supplier of wine to the Spanish royal court during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, Cigales is a popular destination for wine lovers and foodies looking for an authentic Spanish experience.

Cigales is home to several wineries that offer wine tastings and wine tours. One of the most popular is Bodegas Museum, which is located in a 16th-century castle and has a museum with exhibits about the history of winemaking in the region. Other notable wineries include Finca Museum, Pago de Valdoneje, and Sinforiano. Many of these wineries also offer tours of their vineyards, where visitors can see the grapes being grown and learn about the winemaking process.

Cigales is known for its hearty cuisine, with dishes like roast suckling pig and lamb stew being popular choices. The region is also known for its cheese, particularly the creamy sheep's milk cheese called Queso de Villalón, which is often served during wine tastings. For dessert, visitors can try the local specialty, rosquillas de Cigales, which are small, donut-shaped pastries that are dusted with sugar.

During wine tastings, visitors will learn that the main grape variety grown by wineries in Cigales is Tempranillo, which produces rich, full-bodied red wines with flavors of dark fruit and vanilla. Other grape varieties grown in the region include Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdejo, which are used to produce white and rosé wines.

The best time to visit Cigales' wineries is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the vineyards are in full bloom. During these seasons, visitors can take advantage of the many wine festivals and events that take place in the region. The Cigales Wine Festival, which is held in May, is one of the most popular, with wine tastings, wine tours, live music, and traditional food.

In addition to visiting the wineries and participating in wine tastings and wine tours, there are many other attractions in Cigales. The town of Cigales itself is a charming medieval village with narrow streets and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the nearby city of Valladolid, which is home to several museums and historic landmarks. The Ribera del Duero wine region, which is known for its robust red wines, is also just a short drive away and makes for a great day trip.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Cigales:

• Concejo Bodegas
• Tovar Bodega de Bodegas

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Cigales:

• Underground cellars tour and wine tasting at Tovar Bodega de Bodegas in Valladolid
• Underground cellars tour and wine tasting with light lunch at Tovar Bodega de Bodegas in Valladolid
• Carredueñas: The Wine You Dream Of – Tour & Tasting at Concejo Bodegas