El Cubo de Tierra del Vino
Via de la Plata
El Cubo is the first town in the province of Zamora that pilgrims on the Via de la Plata reach, and it marks the entrance to the Tierra del Vino -- the Land of Wine. The name is a bit of a tease these days: the phylloxera plague of the late 19th century wiped out most of the vineyards, and very few vines remain. But you'll still see old bodegas around town, reminders of a time when winemaking was the economic backbone of this entire region.
The town sits on what was once a Roman mansio (way station) known as Sabaria. There's a shop, a pharmacy, a couple of cafes on the main road, and private albergue accommodation. It's not a place that will keep you long, but it's a practical stop.
The Tierra del Vino de Zamora is a designated wine region that extends over nearly 1,800 square km across 46 municipalities in Zamora province and 10 in Salamanca. Wine cultivation was the principal support of the rural economy here until well into the 20th century. The region received its Denominacion de Origen in 2007, and a handful of wineries have revived production -- primarily Tempranillo reds that are worth seeking out if you find a bottle.
The camino continues straight through El Cubo on the main road, crosses a short bridge, and turns left onto a secondary road. The walking ahead is through open agricultural land toward Villanueva de Campean.
Accommodation in El Cubo de Tierra del Vino.
| Albergue Turístico Torre de Sabre 17€ 20 Booking.com |
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