Descalzos Viejos: The Art of Wine in a 16th-Century Convent, According to Forbes

At Travel Factory Andalucía, our pursuit of excellence always leads us to places where history and sensory pleasure merge into one. There are corners of our land that are not merely visited; they are felt. One of these magical enclaves is the Descalzos Viejos winery in Ronda—a place that has captured global attention and is currently a highlight of our blog following its recognition by the prestigious Forbes magazine.

International recognition: the Forbes Seal of Approval

It is no coincidence that Forbes has included Descalzos Viejos in its select list of the “21 must-visit wineries in the world”, according to the Wine Travel Awards. In such a competitive global wine tourism sector, the fact that Ronda stands alongside the great wine regions of France or Italy speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of this project.

Forbes values not only the wine but the transformative experience of visiting a winery where time seems to have stood still. It is a true pleasure to see how the dedication of our local winemakers places Andalusia on the map at the highest international level.

Between frescoes and vineyards: the magic of Descalzos Viejos

What makes Descalzos Viejos a cult destination is its location: the former oratory of a 16th-century Trinitarian convent, perched upon the majestic cliffs (Tajos) of Ronda. Imagine tasting a signature wine beneath the gaze of original restored frescoes, where the silence of the ancient convent is now only interrupted by the whisper of the breeze sweeping through the valley.

For the discerning traveller, entering this space feels like stepping into an art gallery where nature is the canvas and heroic viticulture is the brush. The contrast between the ancient stone of the convent and the modernity of its vintages creates a mystical atmosphere that is impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.

The exclusive experience: Private Ronda Plus with Travel Factory

At Travel Factory Andalucía, we understand that such a location demands an experience to match. For this reason, we have designed our Private Ronda Plus experience with a visit to Descalzos Viejos. This is not a simple tour; it is a day of total immersion in the magic of Ronda.

Our journey begins in Málaga, where we collect you in a private vehicle to head towards Rilke’s "dream city". After exploring Ronda’s most iconic landmarks with our hallmark exclusivity, the crowning jewel is a private visit to Descalzos Viejos. There, away from the crowds, you can enjoy a personalised tasting, understanding every nuance of their wines while overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the cliffs.

It is an experience designed for those seeking "experiential bespoke": the kind that cannot be bought, but is lived through heritage, knowledge, and, naturally, a glass of unforgettable wine.

The value of authenticity

The mention in Forbes is merely confirmation of the obvious: Descalzos Viejos is an essential gem for understanding the new era of Andalusian wines. At Travel Factory Andalucía, we feel privileged to be the bridge between these sacred places and the travellers who truly appreciate the difference.

Are you ready to discover why the world is talking about this winery? We invite you to book our private experience firsthand what Forbes has already identified as an essential destination.