The Castillo de Peñafiel measures 210 metres in length and was reconstructed in its current Gothic style during the 15th century. It houses the Provincial Wine Museum, which documents the evolution of viticulture in the Duero valley. The structure sits atop a narrow limestone ridge, overlooking the confluence of the Duratón and Duero rivers. Regional laws dictate the preservation of these medieval vistas, preventing modern development from obscuring the castle's distinctive ship-like silhouette.
Below the fortress lies the Plaza del Coso, a square consisting of 48 buildings with wooden balconies. Since the Middle Ages, these balconies have functioned as private viewing platforms for public events, including bullfights. The square remains an active site for the San Roque festivals held annually in August. The architecture utilizes local stone and timber, reflecting the agrarian history of the Valladolid province before the 1982 establishment of the Denominación de Origen status for the local Tempranillo wines.
Visitors to the region will find that traditional midday closures, or siestas, are strictly observed between 14:00 and 17:00. Dining typically follows the local timetable, with dinner service rarely commencing before 20:30. In this part of Castile and León, the culinary focus is frequently on lechazo, or milk-fed lamb, which is roasted in wood-fired ovens. This dish is protected by a specific geographical indication and is the standard accompaniment to the region's high-tannin red wines.