Peñafiel Castle and Provincial Wine Museum

Peñafiel castle is 210 metres long and only 20 wide, on top of a hill above the town, with views of three valleys, those of the Duero, the Duratón and the Botijas stream. Because of its shape it is called the stranded ship. It began to be built in the 10th century, but what you see is mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries; it has been a National Monument since 1917. In its south courtyard is the Provincial Wine Museum, and the visit combines the two.

The tower in the middle of the ship

The 34-metre keep stands in the centre of the enclosure and divides it into two courtyards. The castle is always visited with a guide. From the top you dominate the town and the three valleys that surround it.

The Wine Museum, on your own

In the south courtyard, the Provincial Wine Museum tells the story of wine and the five designations of origin of the province of Valladolid. It is seen on your own with the same ticket, at your own pace: between the castle and the museum, the visit usually takes an hour and a half, and somewhat longer if you linger in the museum. At weekends a tasting can be booked for €9.20.

Opening hours and tickets

• 1 April to 30 September: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.
• 1 October to 31 March: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
• Closed: on Mondays, on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 and 6 January.

The last castle visit is 40 minutes before closing. The joint ticket costs €6.60 and is free for accompanied under-12s; groups pay €5. It is bought at the ticket office or in advance at valladolidesvino.es, and is also included in the Ribera Friendly tourist card, sold by the tourist office in the Plaza del Coso.

Getting up

On foot from the Plaza de España or the Plaza del Coso, along Calle Subida al Castillo: short but steep. You can also drive up to the esplanade. On some public-holiday long weekends the town council lays on a free bus to the castle.

Coming down to the town

On the way down, the Plaza del Coso is a short walk away, and for eating, the Molino de Palacios roasts milk-fed lamb to order. In the afternoon, a winery visit completes the wine day.