Exploring Rioja Alta: Spain’s Wine Paradise
Rioja Alta, nestled in northern Spain, is a wine lover’s dream. This region boasts centuries-old winemaking traditions and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for oenophiles and travelers alike.
Towns and Villages
Haro, the wine capital of Rioja Alta, is home to numerous historic bodegas. Don’t miss the charming medieval village of Briones, perched atop a hill with panoramic vineyard views.
San Vicente de la Sonsierra offers a unique blend of wine culture and historical architecture. Visit Laguardia for its well-preserved old town and underground wine cellars.
Wine Producers
- La Rioja Alta S.A.: Known for traditional-style Reserva and Gran Reserva wines
- Muga: Offers cellar tours and tastings of their acclaimed wines
- López de Heredia: Famous for its long-aged wines and historic cellars
- Bodegas Bilbaínas: One of the oldest wineries in Haro, producing elegant reds
Accommodations
For a luxurious stay, book a room at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, designed by Frank Gehry. The Hotel Los Agustinos in Haro offers a more traditional experience in a converted 14th-century monastery.
For a unique experience, try the Finca de los Arandinos in Entrena, a modern hotel surrounded by vineyards. Budget-conscious travelers can find charming guesthouses in smaller villages like Ábalos or San Asensio.
Dining
Rioja Alta’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Try the Echaurren Restaurant in Ezcaray for Michelin-starred dining. For traditional Riojan dishes, visit Terete in Haro, famous for its wood-fired lamb.
Don’t miss the pintxos (Basque-style tapas) bars in Logroño’s Calle Laurel. For a vineyard dining experience, book a table at Bodegas Baigorri’s glass-walled restaurant overlooking the vines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Rioja Alta’s wine culture at these notable spots:
- La Vinoteca in Haro: Extensive selection of local wines
- Wine Fandango in Logroño: Modern wine bar with tapas
- Vinoteca El Lagar in Briones: Charming shop with rare vintages
- La Tavina in Logroño: Wine bar offering tasting flights
Many bodegas have on-site shops. Visit during harvest season for special deals on new releases.
Other Shops
Pick up local specialties and souvenirs:
- Mercado de San Blas in Logroño: Fresh produce and gourmet products
- Alfarería Naharro in Navarrete: Traditional pottery
- La Tienda de la Rioja in Haro: Regional food products and crafts
Look for D.O.Ca. Rioja certified products for authentic local goods.
Attractions
Beyond wine, Rioja Alta offers diverse attractions:
- Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in Briones: World-class wine museum
- Monasteries of Yuso and Suso in San Millán de la Cogolla: UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Castillo de Davalillo near San Asensio: 13th-century castle with vineyard views
Visit the Dinosaur Route in La Rioja for prehistoric footprints and fossils.
Events
Time your visit with these wine-centric events:
- Haro Wine Battle (June): Playful wine-throwing festival
- Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (September): Traditional grape-stomping and parades
- San Mateo Festivities in Logroño (September): Week-long celebration of wine and local culture
Check local winery calendars for seasonal events like harvest tours and barrel tastings.
Appellations
Rioja Alta is part of the D.O.Ca. Rioja (Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja) appellation.
Sub-zones within Rioja Alta include:
- Haro-Rioja Alta
- Nájera
- San Vicente de la Sonsierra
Look for wines labeled “Rioja Alta” for the region’s signature style, known for elegance and aging potential.
Grape Varieties
Rioja Alta’s vineyards are dominated by Tempranillo, the region’s flagship grape. This variety thrives in the area’s continental climate and high-altitude terroir.
Other important red grapes include:
- Garnacha (Grenache)
- Graciano
- Mazuelo (Carignan)
White wine production, though smaller, features varieties like:
- Viura (Macabeo)
- Malvasia
- Garnacha Blanca
Main Wine Styles
Rioja Alta is renowned for its age-worthy red wines. The region’s winemaking tradition emphasizes oak aging, resulting in complex, structured wines.
Common styles include:
- Crianza: Aged for at least 2 years, with 12 months in oak
- Reserva: Aged for at least 3 years, with 12 months in oak
- Gran Reserva: Aged for at least 5 years, with 18 months in oak
White Rioja wines, though less common, offer fresh, aromatic profiles with subtle oak influence.
Food Specialties
Rioja Alta’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Cordero al Sarmiento: Lamb grilled over vine cuttings
- Patatas a la Riojana: Potatoes with chorizo and peppers
- Pimientos del Piquillo: Stuffed red peppers
Don’t miss the region’s artisanal cheeses, like Camerano, which complement the local wines beautifully.
Drives & Walks
Explore Rioja Alta’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Camino del Vino (Wine Route) offers stunning views of vineyards and medieval towns.
Notable routes include:
- Drive from Haro to San Vicente de la Sonsierra, passing iconic wineries
- Walk through the vineyards of Briones, enjoying panoramic views of the Ebro Valley
- Hike in the Sierra de la Demanda for a contrast to the wine country
Itineraries
A 3-day itinerary for wine lovers:
- Day 1: Explore Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, visiting historic wineries like La Rioja Alta and Muga
- Day 2: Tour the medieval town of Briones, then visit Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture
- Day 3: Drive to San Vicente de la Sonsierra, explore its castle, and end with a tasting at a family-run bodega
For a week-long trip, add visits to Logroño, Laguardia, and nearby regions like Rioja Alavesa.
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO), about 1.5 hours from Haro. Alternatively, fly into Madrid and take a 3.5-hour train ride to Logroño.
Transportation options in Rioja Alta:
- Rental car: Best for vineyard hopping and exploring rural areas
- Train: Connects major towns like Haro and Logroño
- Bus: Economical option linking smaller villages
- Wine tours: Organized excursions with transportation included
Best Time to Visit
Rioja Alta shines in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer mild weather and vibrant vineyard landscapes.
Key considerations:
- Harvest season: September-October, exciting but busy
- Summer: Hot days, perfect for outdoor dining and festivals
- Winter: Quieter, ideal for cellar tours and cozy tastings
Sustainability Efforts
Rioja Alta is embracing eco-friendly practices in winemaking and tourism. Look for wineries with organic or biodynamic certifications.
Sustainable initiatives include:
- Water conservation in vineyards
- Solar-powered wineries
- Electric vehicle charging stations at bodegas
- Farm-to-table restaurants using local produce
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Spanish phrases enhances your experience. Key wine-related terms:
- Bodega: Winery
- Cata de vinos: Wine tasting
- Crianza/Reserva/Gran Reserva: Wine aging categories
- Salud: Cheers!
Further Resources
Enhance your Rioja Alta experience with these helpful resources:
- Official Rioja Wine website: Comprehensive guide to the region’s wines
- La Rioja Tourism: Official tourism portal with events and attractions
- Rioja Alavesa Wine Route: Information on nearby wine regions
- Apps: Download “Rioja Wine” for winery information and tasting notes
