Latest news with #Ronda
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Forbes
Beyond Rioja: 5 Underrated Spanish Wine Regions
Ronda, Spain at Puente Nuevo Bridge. Most travelers who come to Spain for wine often go to the same few places. Rioja. Jerez. Even Catalonia for cava. Spain remains one of the world's most influential wine-producing countries, with the largest vineyard area globally and the third-highest production in the European Union after France and Italy. As of 2024, domestic wine consumption reached 9.76 million hectoliters, a 1.3% increase from the previous year, driven in part by stable prices and a rebound in tourism that bolstered on-premise sales in restaurants and hotels. That same year, Spain's wine tourism industry was projected to generate $4.1 billion, representing 11% of the European market. Nearly 3 million people visited Spain for wine tourism in 2023, an 18.2% increase from the previous year. While much of this activity centers on established hubs like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the sector's expansion reflects broader interest in Spanish wine culture—including lesser-known regions now drawing attention for their distinct production methods and grape varieties. Beyond the major names, a quieter movement is reshaping the country's wine production and attracting a new kind of visitor as slow travel and quiet travel (and even silent travel) take greater hold over tourism. 'For discerning travelers or collectors, the Málaga wine region offers some incredibly unique finds,' says Nicky Lloyd, founder and CEO of Rootz Wine Tours, via email. 'In Axarquía and Manilva, look for aromatic muscat wines that showcase the purity and freshness of the Mediterranean landscape. Ronda's high-altitude wines have a distinct minerality and elegance that you won't find in many other places, offer a great ability to age and evolve over time. Antequera's wines, with a focus on local varieties and traditional winemaking methods, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.' These five underappreciated regions are gaining attention among travelers seeking something unfamiliar. Lovers Rock in Antequera, Spain. Antequera sits at a crossroads in Andalucía. Its history stretches back millennia, but its wine production has largely remained outside the spotlight. Local producers work with grapes sourced nearby and focus on small-scale bottlings with distinct characteristics. The area's climate and elevation allow for flexibility in winemaking approaches, but production remains limited. What the region offers is accessibility and a quieter setting just outside the main tourist corridors. Between Seville and Málaga, Antequera is easily reached but often overlooked, offering a slower pace and a more personal experience with its wines. Lloyd notes there's also a real push here towards eco-conscious viticulture. 'Unlike some of Spain's larger, more industrial wine regions, Málaga's winemakers often work with small, family-run operations that prioritize sustainability as a way to preserve the land for future generations,' Lloyd says. 'Organic and biodynamic farming practices are becoming increasingly popular, especially in places like Ronda and Antequera, where the terrain and climate lend themselves to low-intervention farming. Producers here are dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint, using organic fertilizers, and embracing natural pest control methods." Frigiliana is a village in the province of Málaga, located within Axarquía, a comarca—or district—of Andalucía in southern Spain. To the east of Málaga, Axarquía clings to steep hillsides that resist mechanization. 'Axarquia remains a very traditional place for wine production in particular,' says Lloyd. 'Here, old-world techniques still shape the character of the wines. The only way to prune and pick the grapes is by hand. They still use mules to plough the hillside in between the vines." Lindsay Gregory, founder and director of the Luxury Villa Collection, suggests a lack of rain is the major factor as well. 'They have to use local autochthonous grape varieties and methods, which need less water because of this,' says Gregory. 'Also, many of the wineries are mostly bio-natural or organic, so they have to be totally in tune with the land." The region is known for sweet moscatel wines, though red romé grapes native to the area are also widely used. With more than 2,200 hectares under vine, Axarquía is part of the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denominación and is home to numerous small wineries. Nearby Frigiliana is considered among the most scenic villages in Andalucía, and tastings are often paired with visits to whitewashed hill towns. Though not widely visited, Axarquía is the primary subzone for wine within the Málaga area, making it relatively easy to reach for those willing to move beyond the usual stops. El Puerto de Santa María in Andalucía, Spain. Part of the Cádiz-based Sherry Triangle, El Puerto de Santa Maria is frequently passed over in favor of Jerez de la Frontera. But this smaller town features historic bodegas and sherry houses producing high-quality wines with deep roots in the region's past. Producers focus on sherries including manzanilla, palo cortado and amontillado, often using methods passed down through generations. Family-run operations dot the town's narrow streets and offer access to tasting experiences in more intimate settings than those found in larger cities. El Puerto de Santa Maria is one of three key towns in the sherry-producing area, and though it receives less attention, it remains central to the region's identity. Traditional bodegas and aging facilities are still in use, and some are paired with on-site dining that features regional specialties. Ronda, Málaga, Spain. Perched above a deep gorge in southern Spain, Ronda has emerged as a serious wine destination with a focus on small, independent producers. "Malaga is a curious region. It has 49 wineries, 28 of which are in Ronda,' notes Lloyd. 'However, the area under vineyard is equally distributed between Axarquia, Antequera and Manilva. The majority of the wineries in Ronda are small boutique organic wineries with a production of less than 15,000 bottles per year. Whereas the coastal regions of Axarquia and Manilva mainly produce sweet wines and dry wines from muscat and Pedro Ximénez, Ronda has a greater focus on full-bodied, aged red wines.' Boutique operations work with varietals including petit verdot and malbec. Many tasting rooms are located just outside town, with views over the countryside and surrounding mountains. Some of the area's most noted wineries occupy restored historic buildings, including a 16th-century monastery. 'Ronda is definitely taking off as a wine destination in its own right,' says Gregory. 'The 'Sherry Triangle' is now firmly on the map thanks to local initiatives like International Sherry Week, which was founded by Chelsea Anthon 12 years ago, working with a growing list of English-speaking Sherry educators.' Lloyd echoes the growing tourism infrastructure in Ronda. 'The region has built up a solid following over the last 10 years for its consistently and well-made, high-quality, fruit-driven wines with good aging potential. The region offers an ideal climate for wine making with consistently warm springs and summers to encourage perfect ripening of the grapes.' Alquézar, Somontano de Barbastro, Huesca, an autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Set at the base of the Pyrenees in Aragón, Somontano has become a center for experimentation and modernization. The region's name means 'beneath the mountain,' and its diverse topography supports both native and international grape varieties. Growers work with moristel, parraleta, syrah, gewürztraminer and merlot. Winemaking here gained momentum in the late 20th century, and many producers combine modern facilities with long-established techniques. Wineries such as Sommos and Viñas del Vero have helped shape the area's reputation for innovation. With fewer visitors and proximity to historic villages and national parks, Somontano appeals to travelers seeking a quieter destination. The wines are varied, with crisp whites and structured reds, and the setting offers a contrast to Spain's more heavily trafficked regions.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Montgomery Zoo announces birth of endangered Pygmy Hippo, Anuket
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce announced the birth of a new animal Monday. According to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Anuket was born on February 9. Anuket is a female Pygmy Hippopotamus named after the Egyptian goddess of the Nile River. The Montgomery Zoo said Anuket has been spending her first month of life bonding with her mom behind the scenes. The zoo said the new hippo addition can now be viewed in the Pygmy Hippo nursing suite located near the Capybaras. Anuket made her public debut on March 14. 'Anuket is full of energy and eager to meet guests. Described as feisty yet full of love, she has already developed a strong personality and a particular fondness for watermelon. Her birth is especially significant as pygmy hippos are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This marks the eighth pygmy hippo birth at the Montgomery Zoo in the past nine years, highlighting the zoo's dedication to conservation efforts,' the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce said. The Chamber of Commerce said the Montgomery Zoo has a successful history of breeding Pygmy Hippos through the Species Survival Plan. Previous calves bred at the zoo are: Ronda (2024), Meela (2023), Hadari (2022), Betty Rose and Blanche (2019), Levi (2018) and Monty (2016). According to the Chamber of Commerce, all seven calves have been placed at other accredited facilities to support the continued growth of this endangered species. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alumni donates $50 million for new Washburn health facility
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Washburn University will use a $50 million gift to build a new healthcare education facility, the university announced Thursday. The donation comes from the former CEO of Burger King and Quiznos Sub, Greg Brenneman, and his wife, Ronda. Greg Brenneman was also president and chief operating officer of Continental Airlines. The couple are alumni of the university, graduating in 1984. 'We are honored and humbled to be able to make this gift to, among other things, turbocharge Washburn's ability to reimagine healthcare education using state of the art technology in a new building,' Greg Brenneman said, in a news release issued by the university. The announcement was made as part of a celebration of the university's 160th birthday. 'This gift puts the institution in elite and unique company among higher education institutions across the country,' Lori Hutchinson, university spokeswoman said. Who will Topeka Zoo monkeys pick for the Super Bowl? The university announced the school of business has been renamed the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business. The nursing school has been renamed the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing in honor of Ronda's late sister, a Washburn nursing graduate. 'Since graduating from Washburn, the Brennemans have achieved remarkable success in their own lives yet have consistently returned to our campus to share their time, resources, wisdom and innovative vision for future leaders,' JuliAnn Mazachek, university president said. The university said the new healthcare education facility will be an 'innovative facility bringing all health-related disciplines together, simulating real-world, integrated healthcare delivery.' For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
