Next, we come across a beautiful glass and wood display case reminiscent of the counters in Galician grocery stores of the last century. Places where you could be served a cup of wine or sold a sprayer. Inside, a series of documents are displayed that tell us about the origins of the Condado do Tea Wine Festival, such as a copy of the minutes from the fourth Condado wine tasting held on August 9, 1963, and a sash worn by the jury members who awarded the prizes. Also on display are copies of books about winemaking and the different bottle models most commonly used in the wine industry.
Furthermore, inside this display case, we also find the apron of the members of the “Confraternity of Condado do Tea Wine and Sparkling Wines.” This cooper's apron is placed beneath the oath of the "Gran Capítulo dos Viños do Condado do Tea" (Great Chapter of the Wines of the County of Tea), which each member must swear upon entering this order.
THE WELL
We arrive at one of the most unique features of this castle: this well at our feet. Approximately 15 meters deep and almost entirely hewn from stone, this well is known to all the residents of Salvatierra thanks to the famous legend that links it to Queen Urraca. According to tradition, this was the entrance to a secret passageway that crossed into Portugal under the Miño River, used by the Leonese queen to cross the border unseen. Beyond legends, archaeologists believe it was actually a cistern for storing rainwater to ensure a water supply in case of a siege or blockade of the castle by enemy troops.
