Ronda to get Viticulture Centre of Training

Last week the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and representatives from the Ronda city council signed an agreement to create a centre of wine development in the city, one of just 43 lighthouse projects being planned around Spain.

Valued at 2.5 million Euros the project will see Ronda become home to a centre of training and wine development, cementing the developing status of Ronda wines as important to wine production in Spain, and adding to the nations export potential.

The old water tower in the industrial area of Ronda has been chosen to be redeveloped and would include an experimental wine tasting area, laboratory analysis, multimedia centre, and training for viticulturists. The centre is expected to be operational by the end of 2011.

Choosing the old water tower is seen as positive and would prevent decay of the architecturally impressive building which has been described as having historical interest, and with an area of 1285 sqm is certainly large enough, though is in an unusual location.

Source within the council suggest the location may not be completely suitable and by the time the project is eventually finalised may be relocated out of Ronda into the surrounding district.