We don't know if sociologist Zygmunt Bauman was a wine lover, but he would surely have appreciated the use of his term “liquid times” –which he coined to describe modernity– in this charming corner of Burgos.
Like the Polish-born thinker, sommeliers Diego González and Laura Rodríguez drew on the ideas of fluidity, change, flexibility and adaptation to give form to their small and welcoming wine room in the centre of the Castilian city.
Opened in December 2023 in the space once occupied by the legendary bar Qué Risas, the couple transformed that lively, late-night haunt into a relaxed lounge where locals and visitors alike now gather to enjoy wine, served with Diego and Laura's signature blend of relaxed professionalism and warm hospitality.
With impressive credentials and a wealth of professional experience –Diego, an Advanced Sommelier, was the Spanish Sommelier Champion in 2019 and Ruinart Challenge winner in 2022, while Laura, formerly head sommelier at the Michelin-starred Ambivium, won the Copa Jerez España 2023 and was a runner-up at the Ruinart Challenge 2024– the duo understands exactly what wine lovers want.
In reimagining the space, they decided to do away with the old Qué Risas bar counter. This not only fosters a more intimate atmosphere but also allows them to showcase one of the hallmarks of a serious wine bar: fine glassware. These glasses enhance the enjoyment of the 600-plus local and international wines that regularly rotate in Tiempos Líquidos’ “living wine list” and in the tastings and events they regularly host. A thoughtful touch that patrons appreciate is the free jug of water provided at each table, which Diego and Laura refill promptly –a small gesture with big hospitality impact.
What sets Tiempos Líquidos apart is its accessibility. This isn’t just a place for sommeliers and seasoned connoisseurs. Diego and Laura have managed to strike the perfect balance, welcoming casual and novice drinkers with open arms, free of pretension and full of enthusiasm. They explain each wine with clarity and competence, offering samples to ensure customers are satisfied with their choice. This open approach ensures that everyone feels at home, whether they're sipping their first glass of Godello or debating the nuances of a fine Burgundy.
Wine lovers can enjoy about two dozen wines by the glass starting at €3, or opt for bottles to enjoy on-site or take away. The food menu, though small, is curated with care: think potato salad, oxtail ravioli with mushrooms, or tripe from La Roca restaurant in Miranda de Ebro. There are also tempting snacks, such as anchovies, gildas, Ibérico ham, and Laura’s steak tartare, which is best sampled before moving on to a cheese platter. For a guided experience, the bar offers tasting formulas—four wines paired with four bites (€40) or six of each (€60)—as well as personalised gift cards, a thoughtful option for birthdays or Christmas.
Beyond becoming a benchmark in Burgos’ wine scene with its fresh and innovative selection, Diego and Laura aim to continue their own learning journey. “It’s about sharing but also pushing ourselves,” says Diego, as he prepares to embark on the WSET Diploma.
Their clientele includes everyone from discerning connoisseurs to curious newcomers and locals unafraid to explore a Galician red or a Jura white. Both Diego and Laura credit trailblazers like Paco and Maribé, wine merchants of Almavinos and El Lagar, for paving the way. “Without their years of hard work in this city, our job would be much harder,” they admit.
In a city steeped in tradition, Tiempos Líquidos rewrites the rules of the classic wine bar to become a charming haven for wine lovers. Undoubtedly, our favourite hangout in Burgos! Y.O.A.
