All set to get to the airport for our 11.55 flight to Bilbao. We checked in and had a long hike to Gate A86. There was a long queue at the bar. I treated myself to a red wine, but not a Rioja. Our seats have been changed since we first booked. As usual there were numerous people (mostly men) waiting to board with their massive hand luggage bags. Some of them needed to be stowed, free of charge of course.Our flight went very smoothly (apart from the usual nasty sandwich) and we arrived a bit early. It took a while to find the car hire place. We got a VW with six gears. No map anywhere to be bought or given.
We arrived at the hotel with its impressive roof, set in the grounds of its own vineyard. They offered us a free wine tour the following afternoon. After settling into our room, we found the terrace bar and ordered a glass of the local wine each: I had a white Finca Montico Verdejo and Richard went for a Sauvignon Blanc. My wine was very fresh with an earthy, mineral taste. Then we plumped for a bottle of Marques de Riscal Reserva 2014 DOC Rioja, a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuela grapes. We ordered a beef tenderloin with Camembert and rocket and enjoyed our meal in the sun, overlooking the local church of St. Andrew's. I also had a creme brulee for dessert.I didn't sleep very well in our room 9; worrying about our children. I am still reading a Hamish Macbeth book by the same author as the Agatha Raisin books, but this time set in Scotland.
