The final Toast in La Rioja - On the third day of festivities, we braced ourselves for the expedition ahead. After a few nights of hitting the town and drinking copious amounts of wine in San Sebastian, the most challenging part was upon us all: a 9 a.m. pickup to visit the nearby winery region La Rioja before divulging in another dining experience to remember!
As much as we all complained, we put on our big girl shoes, and the bus was packed and ready—albeit with a few sore heads amongst the birthday crew!
The first stop was Marques de Murrieta, revered as one of the region's largest and oldest wineries, for none other than a wine tasting and a tour of the immaculate grounds. The tasting soon alleviated the sore heads, and the gang was back in fine form. The picturesque garden setting, whilst sampling the delicious wines against the backdrop of endless vineyards and the architecturally splendid winery, was a site to behold.
Our venture to Haro, a town cradled in the heart of La Rioja and renowned for its emblematic red wines, further enriched the day's tapestry.
Upon arrival, we were led down the path through the quaint allure of this Spanish village and arrived at another Michelin-starred establishment, Nublo Restaurant. Nublo is housed within the walls of a 16th-century aristocratic dwelling, complete with a century-old wine cellar, and is a testament to culinary splendour. Upon entry, it wasn't just our footsteps that were halted but our very breath, captivated by the elegance that enveloped us. The space was absolutely stunning!
We were greeted with a few magnums of bubbles as a prelude to the symphony of flavours awaited us in a 17-course tasting menu. Each dish was a refined reflection of the chef's artistry, harmoniously paired with meticulously selected wines.
Lunch was filled with more heartfelt speeches from everyone to express their love for the birthday boy and our collective gratitude for the unforgettable odyssey that was the Festival of PP. There was not only laughter, but many of us struggled to hold the tears back. It is hard to describe the atmosphere, but one that we all treasure.
As the final curtains drew on the festivities, our farewells were not goodbyes but pledges to find paths back to one another, to rekindle the joyful embers of the friendships and memories we had forged. To our dear hosts, our hearts brim with gratitude for the love, fun, and unparalleled generosity you wove around us. To the moon and back, we cherish you both.
This was your most heartfelt post. I was feeling the love and cherished memories with friends. Pics again were stellar and the food…omg!!!!!!