Discover Navarra: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Nestled in northern Spain, Navarra offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class wines. This region, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Rioja, is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Wine Regions
Towns and Villages
Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, is renowned for its annual Running of the Bulls festival. Beyond this famous event, the city boasts charming medieval streets and excellent pintxos bars.
Olite is a must-visit for its fairytale-like castle and surrounding vineyards. The town’s narrow streets and Gothic architecture transport visitors back in time.
Estella, known as the “Toledo of the North,” offers a mix of Romanesque churches, palaces, and bridges. It’s an ideal base for exploring nearby wineries.
Wine Producers
Bodegas Ochoa in Olite is a family-run winery with a history dating back to the 14th century. Their guided tours offer insights into sustainable winemaking practices.
Señorío de P. Peciña in Mendavia produces exceptional red wines. Their vineyard tours showcase the unique terroir of Navarra.
Bodegas Chivite in Cintruénigo is known for its high-quality wines and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. Don’t miss their flagship Colección 125 range.
Accommodations
The Hotel Tres Reyes in Pamplona offers luxurious rooms and easy access to the city’s main attractions. Its on-site restaurant serves excellent local cuisine.
For a unique experience, stay at the Parador de Olite, housed within the town’s medieval castle. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards from your room.
Hotel Tximista in Estella is a converted 18th-century mill offering modern amenities and a peaceful riverside location. It’s an ideal base for wine tours in the area.
Dining
Rodero in Pamplona holds a Michelin star and offers innovative Navarran cuisine. Their tasting menu paired with local wines is a culinary journey through the region.
For traditional fare, visit Asador Olaverri in Huarte. Their wood-fired grilled meats and vegetables showcase the best of Navarran gastronomy.
La Casa del Reloj in Olite serves delicious regional dishes with a modern twist. Their extensive wine list features many local labels.
Wine Shops & Bars
La Vinoteca in Pamplona offers an extensive selection of Navarra wines. Their knowledgeable staff provides excellent recommendations for local and international labels.
Bodega de Sarría in Puente la Reina combines a wine shop with a cozy bar. Sample regional wines by the glass while enjoying traditional pintxos.
El Goloso in Tudela specializes in organic and biodynamic wines from Navarra. They host regular tasting events featuring local winemakers.
Other Shops
La Alacena de Aragón in Pamplona sells gourmet products from Navarra and neighboring regions. Pick up local cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils to pair with your wine purchases.
Artesanos del Pimiento in Lodosa is the place to buy authentic Pimientos del Piquillo, a staple ingredient in Navarran cuisine.
Mantequería Leiza in Pamplona offers a wide range of local and international cheeses. Try the Roncal and Idiazabal, two PDO cheeses from Navarra.
Attractions
Visit the Museo del Vino de Navarra in Olite to learn about the region’s winemaking history. Interactive exhibits showcase traditional and modern viticulture techniques.
Explore the Monasterio de Leyre, a 9th-century monastery with stunning views of the Yesa reservoir. The monks produce their own wine, which visitors can taste and purchase.
Take a stroll through the Parque Natural de Bardenas Reales, a unique semi-desert landscape. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers hiking trails and photogenic rock formations.
Events
Attend the Fiesta del Vino de Navarra in Olite, held annually in August. This wine festival features tastings, workshops, and live music in the picturesque setting of Olite Castle.
Experience the Fiestas de San Fermín in Pamplona, famous for the Running of the Bulls. While not wine-focused, it’s a unique cultural event that showcases Navarran traditions.
Visit during the Semana del Pintxo in Pamplona, typically held in April. Local bars compete to create the best pintxos, often paired with Navarra wines.
Appellations
The Navarra DO (Denominación de Origen) covers most of the region’s wine production. It’s known for diverse styles, including reds, whites, rosés, and sweet wines.
Rioja DOCa extends into southern Navarra. Wines from this area can be labeled as Rioja, offering a different expression of the appellation.
Look for wines from the Pago de Arínzano, Spain’s first Vino de Pago in Navarra. This single-estate designation represents the highest quality level in Spanish wine classification.
Grape Varieties
Tempranillo dominates Navarra’s vineyards, known locally as Tinto del País. It produces full-bodied red wines with cherry and leather notes.
Garnacha (Grenache) thrives in Navarra’s climate, yielding fruity reds and rosés with vibrant strawberry flavors.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Viura (Macabeo)
Main Wine Styles
Navarra produces a diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to robust reds. Rosado (rosé) wines are a regional specialty, often made from Garnacha grapes.
Red wines dominate production, ranging from young, fruit-forward styles to complex, oak-aged reservas.
White Wines
Navarra’s white wines are gaining recognition, particularly those made from Chardonnay and Viura grapes. They offer refreshing citrus and apple notes.
Food Specialties
Cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew) pairs perfectly with Navarra’s robust red wines. The dish showcases the region’s excellent lamb.
Pimientos del piquillo (stuffed peppers) complement the area’s rosé wines. These sweet-spicy peppers are a local delicacy.
- Pochas (fresh white beans)
- Cogollos de Tudela (lettuce hearts)
- Queso Roncal (sheep’s milk cheese)
Drives & Walks
The Ruta del Vino de Navarra (Navarra Wine Route) offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. It’s ideal for wine tasting and exploring local culture.
Hike the Camino de Santiago as it passes through Navarra, stopping at wineries along the way. This historic pilgrimage route offers stunning landscapes and cultural experiences.
Bardenas Reales
Explore the unique desert landscapes of Bardenas Reales Natural Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides striking photo opportunities and hiking trails.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
Day 1: Start in Pamplona, visit Bodegas Ochoa, and explore the historic city center.
Day 2: Drive to Olite, tour Bodegas Pagos de Araiz, and visit the Royal Palace of Olite.
Day 3: Head to Estella-Lizarra, taste wines at Bodegas Irache, and walk a section of the Camino de Santiago.
Week-long Navarra Experience
Combine wine tasting with cultural experiences, visiting key towns like Tudela, Tafalla, and Puente la Reina. Include outdoor activities in the Pyrenees and gastronomic tours.
Getting There & Around
Navarra is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from major Spanish cities. The closest airport is in Pamplona, the region’s capital.
- By car: Well-maintained highways connect Navarra to Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao
- By train: Regular services from Madrid and Barcelona to Pamplona
- By bus: Affordable option with connections to major Spanish cities
Renting a car is recommended for exploring wineries and rural areas. Public transport is limited outside major towns.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Navarra for wine tourism is during harvest season (September to October). Wineries buzz with activity, and the weather is mild.
Spring (April to June) offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities and wine tasting.
Festivals to Consider
- San Fermín (July): Pamplona’s famous running of the bulls
- Fiestas de la Vendimia (September): Wine harvest celebrations in various towns
Sustainability Efforts
Navarra’s wine industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices. Many wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic methods.
Bodegas Ochoa leads in sustainability with solar power and water conservation initiatives. Visit their eco-friendly winery for a green wine experience.
Language Tips
Spanish is the primary language in Navarra. Basic Spanish phrases will enhance your wine tasting experiences:
- Vino tinto/blanco/rosado – Red/white/rosé wine
- Bodega – Winery
- Salud – Cheers
Learn local wine terms like “Txakoli” (slightly sparkling white wine) to impress sommeliers and locals.
Further Resources
Enhance your Navarra wine journey with these valuable resources:
- Navarra Wine: Official website for Navarra’s wine region
- Navarra Tourism: Comprehensive guide for planning your trip
- Wine apps: Vivino or CellarTracker for tracking your Navarra wine tastings
Join online wine forums or local tasting groups to connect with fellow Navarra wine enthusiasts and gather insider tips.
