Discover Navarra: Spain’s Hidden Wine Gem
Nestled in northern Spain, Navarra offers a captivating blend of rich history, diverse landscapes, and exceptional wines. This region, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Rioja, boasts a unique wine culture that’s ripe for exploration.
Towns and Villages
Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, is renowned for its annual Running of the Bulls festival. Beyond this spectacle, it offers a charming old town and excellent pintxos bars.
Olite is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Its medieval castle and surrounding vineyards create a picturesque setting for wine tasting.
Estella, a stop on the Camino de Santiago, blends pilgrimage history with local wine culture. Don’t miss its weekly market for regional products.
Wine Producers
- Bodegas Ochoa: A family-run winery with a history dating back to the 14th century, known for innovative blends.
- Chivite: Produces high-quality wines, including the acclaimed Colección 125.
- Bodegas Nekeas: Located in the Valdizarbe sub-region, offering guided tours and tastings of their award-winning wines.
Accommodations
Pamplona offers a range of options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Consider staying at the Gran Hotel La Perla, a historic establishment in the heart of the city.
For a unique experience, book a room at the Hotel Castillo de Gorraiz, a castle-turned-hotel surrounded by a golf course and vineyards.
In Olite, the Parador de Olite allows you to stay within the walls of a medieval castle, offering a truly immersive experience.
Dining
Navarra’s cuisine is a delightful mix of traditional and innovative dishes. Try local specialties like cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew) and pochas (white beans).
In Pamplona, visit Restaurante Europa for Michelin-starred cuisine that showcases local ingredients. For a more casual experience, explore the pintxos bars along Calle San Nicolás.
In wine country, Restaurante Tubal in Tafalla offers an excellent wine list paired with regional dishes.
Wine Shops & Bars
Navarra offers numerous wine shops and bars for tasting local wines. In Pamplona, visit La Vinoteca for an extensive selection of regional wines.
For a unique experience, head to El Jefe de las Pochas in Pamplona. This bar specializes in local wines and traditional Navarran cuisine.
In Olite, La Casa del Vino provides tastings and sells wines from small, local producers.
Other Shops
For local products, visit La Caprichosa in Pamplona. They offer a range of Navarran cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal goods.
In Estella, Aromas de Navarra sells locally-made soaps, oils, and herbs, perfect for souvenirs.
Ultramarinos La Confianza in Pamplona is a historic grocery store selling traditional Navarran products since 1892.
Attractions
Beyond wine, Navarra offers diverse attractions. Visit the Museo de Navarra in Pamplona to explore the region’s history and art.
The Bardenas Reales Natural Park provides stunning desert landscapes, ideal for hiking or cycling.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Monastery of Leyre offers a glimpse into Romanesque style and boasts panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
Events
The San Fermín Festival in Pamplona (July 6-14) is world-famous for the Running of the Bulls.
Wine lovers should attend the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) in Olite, typically held in late August or early September.
The Semana del Pincho in Pamplona (March) showcases the region’s culinary creativity with a pintxo competition.
Appellations
Navarra has three main wine appellations:
- D.O. Navarra: The largest, covering most of the region’s wine production.
- D.O. Pago de Arínzano: A single-estate appellation known for high-quality wines.
- D.O. Pago de Otazu: Another single-estate appellation, focusing on premium wines.
Each appellation has unique characteristics influenced by its terroir and winemaking traditions.
Grape Varieties
Navarra’s diverse climate and terroir support a wide range of grape varieties. Tempranillo and Garnacha dominate red wine production.
White varieties include Viura, Chardonnay, and Garnacha Blanca. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also thrive here.
Main Wine Styles
Navarra produces a variety of wine styles, reflecting its diverse terroir. Red wines range from full-bodied Tempranillo blends to lighter Garnacha-based wines.
Rosado (rosé) wines are a regional specialty, often made from Garnacha. White wines showcase both local and international varieties, with crisp, aromatic profiles.
Food Specialties
Navarra’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Don’t miss Cordero al Chilindrón (lamb stew) or Pochas (white bean stew).
Pimientos del Piquillo (stuffed red peppers) and Espárragos de Navarra (white asparagus) are local delicacies. For dessert, try Cuajada, a creamy sheep’s milk pudding.
Drives & Walks
Explore Navarra’s wine country on the Ruta del Vino de Navarra. This scenic drive connects charming villages and top wineries.
For nature lovers, the Camino de Santiago passes through Navarra, offering beautiful walks and historic sites. The Bardenas Reales desert landscape provides unique hiking opportunities.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Explore Pamplona, visit Bodegas Ochoa
- Day 2: Tour Olite’s medieval castle, taste at Bodegas Pagos de Aráiz
- Day 3: Discover Tudela, visit Bodegas Chivite
5-Day Cultural & Wine Experience
- Day 1-2: Pamplona (San Fermín festival if in July)
- Day 3: Olite and surrounding wineries
- Day 4: Bardenas Reales and Tudela
- Day 5: Estella and the Camino de Santiago
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Pamplona Airport, with connections to Madrid and Barcelona. Bilbao Airport offers more international flights and is about 2 hours away by car.
Renting a car is the best way to explore Navarra’s wine regions. Major car rental companies are available at both airports. Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine touring. Vineyards are lush in spring, while fall brings harvest activities.
Avoid July 6-14 if you’re not interested in the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, as accommodation prices soar. Winter can be chilly but offers peaceful winery visits.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Navarra wineries are embracing sustainable practices. Bodegas Ochoa uses solar energy and practices organic farming. Bodegas Chivite focuses on water conservation and biodiversity.
Look for wines certified by Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP) for eco-friendly options. Some wineries offer eco-tours highlighting their sustainability initiatives.
Language Tips
Spanish is widely spoken, but learning a few Basque phrases can enhance your experience. Key wine terms:
- Tinto – Red wine
- Blanco – White wine
- Rosado – Rosé wine
- Bodega – Winery
- Salud – Cheers
Further Resources
The official Navarra Wine website offers up-to-date information on wineries, events, and wine routes. Wines from Spain provides comprehensive guides to Spanish wine regions.
For general travel information, visit the Navarra Tourism website. Consider downloading the Navarra Wine Route app for on-the-go winery information.
