Unforgettable experiences enjoying wine in La Rioja

Calle Laurel in the capital of La Rioja is famous for its tapas, and is always full of people wandering from bar to bar trying something different in each one. The counters of every bar are covered with little plates, and you’ll see that each bar has its own speciality, some of which have become traditions, like the mushroom tapa “champi”. Of course, there’s Rioja wine, and a lively atmosphere that keeps you wanting more.There are more unusual ways to explore Logroño through wine. For example, you can take part in one of the wine pairings and tastings accompanied by music in the CATARTE programme, or go on one of the narrated walks through the old town centre. These walks tell you local legends about wine, and usually end with a tasting at one of the city’s wineries. And if you’re a tapas fan, other good places to try them in La Rioja include Calahorra and the Herradura area of Haro.

There are over 500 wineries in the area of Rioja, and more than 80 open their doors to the public to show us their vineyards, their production processes, how barrels are made, where their legendary vintages and wine collections are stored... Visiting one of these “temples of wine” is an experience for all the senses. Some of them even offer tasting courses with a diploma at the end. One place you must stop on your trip is Haro, where you’ll find some of the oldest and most famous wineries in the entire area of La Rioja. Haro’s devotion to wine is pure passion.

You can also explore the world of wine with activities among the vineyards. Many hotels and companies offer experiences like photo walks, segway tours, or pony trekking in the vineyards, or picnics surrounded by grapevines, family games and competitions, fun mountain bike routes… There are activities to suit the needs of all travellers.

Yes. Flying over the vineyards, especially in October and November when they turn yellow and red, is an amazing experience worth trying at least once in the area of La Rioja Alta. From the balloon you can see villages and castles, and the river Ebro surrounded by yellow and ochre poplars. You can toast your flight with sparkling wine from La Rioja, and follow up with a light lunch of local dishes.Once back on the ground, there are other ways to experience the grape harvest. Several wine tourism companies offer a chance to take part in the harvest, and give you the chance to be the first to try the new vintage in a winery, or bottle it yourself to take home.