We organized a weekend in Toledo, the so-called Imperial city, to celebrate World Chaîne Day. On the 22nd travelling by bus we visited two wineries in the town of Villanueva de Alcardete to recognise this special day.

“Cueva” is a sparkling wine which names the region where it is produced. It is a fizz exceeding the standard quality according to the regulations and is audited by an external control body to confirm this.

The professionals of the winery explained the different methods to make these wines and our Bailli Délégué Rosa Román formally signed one of the barrels on display. The “caldereta” themed lunch featured three different types of Manchego stew prepared on a fire in the field. It was magnificent!

Dinner was celebrated at the Superior School of Gastronomy and Hospitality in Toledo.  Manuel Conde, its Director as well as being Bailli of Toledo, hosted the evening. An extraordinary team of students from the faculty prepared and served a frankly wonderful dinner in a special atmosphere. Throughout we were served wines from the Bodega Cuevas Santoyo. These included their famous “Cuevas Santoyo Gold 24” – indeed a luxury.

On the morning of Sunday 23rd we had an excursion called “Toledo underground” to visit some of the city’s famous catacombs.

Lunch was a tasting menu with typical regional products was served at the Asador Palencia de Lara. Prepared by our confrère Tomás Palencia we were delighted to learn that he had recently been elected as President of La Asociación Provincial de Hostelería y Turismo de Toledo (The Provincial Association of Hospitality and Tourism of Toledo).

To conclude, Bailli Délégué Rosa Román gave everyone a bottle cooler engraved with the Chaîne’s logo. It was a great weekend in Toledo celebrating World Chaîne Day!

Remedios Seijo
Pair