Wine Wars - Tourist Information

Tourist Info

Click on map for the larger version

LA RUTA DEL VINO– THE WINE ROUTE

A least one day in La Rioja should be spent exploring the countryside. One of the best ways to get a feel for the region is to drive or bike along the wine route or La Ruta del Vino. (See Map). The wine route is actually three different excursions, one through each of the wine sections of La Rioja, and can be covered in a day. But a leisurely drive over the rolling plains is recommended, with a stop at one of the many villages for an unrushed lunch.

The farmland is dotted by storybook towns like Badarán and Viguera. Near San Millán de la Colloga are the two monastic complexes of Suso and Yuso, considered the birthplace of the Spanish language.

At Santo Domingo de la Cazada, an important way-station for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, the Procession of the Hundred Maids is a tribute to the young women the Moors demanded as payment from the Christians before the La Reconquista.

The villages of San Vicente de al Sonsierra, La Bastida, and Briñas are important vineyard centers. Without overdoing it, at each stop taste the local wine. If you will just ask, the locals will proudly tout the unique merits of their regional wines.
Many reminders of a rich Spanish and Roman history are found throughout La Rioja. A well-preserved Roman bridge crosses the Ebro River, and nearly every town has a medieval church or monastery that doubled as fortification. For those who like their history truly ancient, a series of tracks made by Cretaceous dinosaurs can be seen along the flanks of the Picos de Urbion mountains.

The soft, undulating hills of La Rioja make for perfect bicycle country. Cylcists are often spotted pedaling through the villages and for the most part are respected in Spain, though the roads are narrow. While Spanish roads are generally well annotated, occasionally a crossroad will lack a crucial sign. The best advice if lost is to take the most logical route but not be afraid to ask, as the Spanish are very friendly and helpful when giving directions. Though a smidgen of the native language helps, hand signs and a map can work miracles. There are few roads in La Rioja Alta,so eventually many people conveniently end up back where they began.

In Spain, no festival would be complete without a bullfight, or corrida. Haro’s small but attractive ring hosts mostly amateur aspiring matadors, or novilleros. The wine festival corrida is reserved for the last day before the Wine Battle. The bullfight participants gather at the Plaza de Paz, led by the mounted Alguacil or bailiff wearing a Philip II costume. Close behind are the mule-skinners and señoritas decked out in traditional dress in a parade through Haro to the bullring.

The week-long wine festival is a union of three ancient holidays--San Juan, San Pedro, and San Felices—that were rolled into one centuries ago. The local landlords, bourgeoisie, and Church officials decided there were too many holidays, seriously damaging the local work-ethic. “We like to work, but we love to live well,” said local resident Ramon Perez. “The good life is more important to a Spaniard than a lot of money.”

With their many saint’s days and all-night celebrations, the Spaniards have a well deserved reputation as serious partyers. And of course there is the wine. Spain has more land planted in grapes than any other country. Wine is consumed all day and at lunch and dinner to quench thirst, as water might be used in other countries. La Rioja has become synonymous with Spanish wine and Haro, La Rioja Alta’s wine capital, celebrates its principal product with a week-long summer wine festival, culminating on June 29 with the Wine Battle.

HARO’s WINE MUSEUM

For wine enthusiasts and tourists alike, a visit to the Wine Museum is well worth the five-block walk from the plaza to the commercial center of Haro. A compound houses both the Wine Museum and the Oncological Center, displaying regional oncological artifacts and delving into the story not only of winemaking, but of La Rioja itself. Sr. Manuel Ruiz Hernandez director of the Oncological Center took time to explain the different grapes and soils of La Rioja.

“Our tempranillo grape is a noble grape that ages extremely well,” Manuel explains “It is Spain’s indigenous grape. The others like garancha, pinot noir, and cabernet are all imports. Wine grapes were first brought to Spain 4,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, and later by the Greeks and Romans. Remember, the great vineyards of California began with wine grape stock from Spain.” The signature grape earned its name because it is the first to ripen--early, or temprano.

POMPLONA – THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS
Celebrated one week before Fiesta in Pamplona, The Wine Battle is a convenient stop for anyone heading to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. July 7-17.

THE FACTS

Many American and European airlines fly to Madrid, including Iberia and Spainair.
There are also flights into Bilbao, two hours’ drive from Haro. However, a good alternative is to fly to Madrid and rent a car at the airport for the four hour drive to Haro. The N-1 highway from Madrid will take you through another major Spanish wine district, Duero, before it ends the cathedral city of Burgos. There, the N-1 feeds into N–232, which leads to La Rioja and Haro. The Wine Battle takes place in the summer, which in Spain is usually dry and hot during the day; however, the surrounding foot hills can cool down at night to sweater weather.
Bar-hop like the Spanish. Stop at each bar along the street between the main square and the hilltop church, have one glass of wine, and then leisurely move on to the next bar.

HOTELS
Los Agustinos
A former convent turned prison, this 65- room boutique hotel has all the atmosphere of a medieval manor. With spacious hallways, a patio, and a grand room furnished with antiques, it can transport any guest back a half a millennium.
It is centrally located four blocks from the central plaza and within walking distance of both the winery Bodega district and the Wine Museum.
Doubles from $85 US
Calle San Agustin, 2
34-941-31-13-08

Hotel Ciudad de Haro
Carretera. Naciola 232 Km 41
34-941-31-12-13
Doubles from $150 US

Hotel Luz
Calle Camillo Jose Cela, 1
34-941-30-47-48
Doubles from $80 US

RESTAURANTS
Vega
There is a tapas bar in front room with the restaurant in back serving local specialties
Dniner for two $45 to $54 US
941-31-08-72

Casa Terete
Specialty wood- fired lamb
Lucrecia Arana, 17
Diner for two $46 to $50 US
941-31-00-23

TAPAS
Meson Atamouri
Fabulous selection of tapas, each $9 to $12 US
Plaza Juan Garcia Gato, 1
941-303-220

SITES
The Wine Museum and Oncological Center
Bertón de los Herreros, 4
Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
34-941-31-05-47

THE WINERIES -- BODEGAS
Bodegas Muga
Barrio La Estacion
941-31498
Open Monday Friday 11 a.m. English tours, 2:30 p.m. Spanish tours
Except Friday, 11:30 a.m. Spanish tours
Admission: $4 US

Bodegas Bilbainas
Barrio La Estacion
610-486-999
Open Monday - Saturday. Call 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for reservations

Bodegas Rioja Santiago
Barrio La Estacion
941-310-200
Open Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Admission $4.00 US

Other bodegas in Haro are available for tours if called in advance.

SHOPPING
The best bargains are, of course, the wines. Haro is dotted with numerous wine shops offering a wide variety of Spanish wines, such as:

Selecion Vinos de Rioja
La Paz Square
34-941-30-30-17

La Catedral de los Vinos
Santo Tomas St, 4
34–941-31-21-43

Vinicola Jarrera
Calle Castilla, 3 and Calle Santo Tomas, 17
34-941-31-14-25

TOURIST INFORMATION
A very helpful regional tourist office:.
Beronia
Monseñor Florentino Rodríguez
s/n. 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
941-30-33-66
riolta@arrakis.es
www.beronia.org






Tourist Info Click on map for the larger version LA RUTA DEL VINO– THE WINE ROUTE A least one day in La Rioja should be spent exploring the countryside. One of the best ways to get a feel for the region is to drive or bike along the wine route or La Ruta del Vino. (See Map). The wine route is actually three different excursions, one through each of the wine sections of La Rioja, and can be covered in a day. But a leisurely drive over the rolling plains is recommended, with a stop at one of the many villages for an unrushed lunch. The farmland is dotted by storybook towns like Badarán and Viguera. Near San Millán de la Colloga are the two monastic complexes of Suso and Yuso, considered the birthplace of the Spanish language. At Santo Domingo de la Cazada, an important way-station for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, the Procession of the Hundred Maids is a tribute to the young women the Moors demanded as payment from the Christians before the La Reconquista. The villages of San Vicente de al Sonsierra, La Bastida, and Briñas are important vineyard centers. Without overdoing it, at each stop taste the local wine. If you will just ask, the locals will proudly tout the unique merits of their regional wines. Many reminders of a rich Spanish and Roman history are found throughout La Rioja. A well-preserved Roman bridge crosses the Ebro River, and nearly every town has a medieval church or monastery that doubled as fortification. For those who like their history truly ancient, a series of tracks made by Cretaceous dinosaurs can be seen along the flanks of the Picos de Urbion mountains. The soft, undulating hills of La Rioja make for perfect bicycle country. Cylcists are often spotted pedaling through the villages and for the most part are respected in Spain, though the roads are narrow. While Spanish roads are generally well annotated, occasionally a crossroad will lack a crucial sign. The best advice if lost is to take the most logical route but not be afraid to ask, as the Spanish are very friendly and helpful when giving directions. Though a smidgen of the native language helps, hand signs and a map can work miracles. There are few roads in La Rioja Alta,so eventually many people conveniently end up back where they began. In Spain, no festival would be complete without a bullfight, or corrida. Haro’s small but attractive ring hosts mostly amateur aspiring matadors, or novilleros. The wine festival corrida is reserved for the last day before the Wine Battle. The bullfight participants gather at the Plaza de Paz, led by the mounted Alguacil or bailiff wearing a Philip II costume. Close behind are the mule-skinners and señoritas decked out in traditional dress in a parade through Haro to the bullring. The week-long wine festival is a union of three ancient holidays--San Juan, San Pedro, and San Felices—that were rolled into one centuries ago. The local landlords, bourgeoisie, and Church officials decided there were too many holidays, seriously damaging the local work-ethic. “We like to work, but we love to live well,” said local resident Ramon Perez. “The good life is more important to a Spaniard than a lot of money.” With their many saint’s days and all-night celebrations, the Spaniards have a well deserved reputation as serious partyers. And of course there is the wine. Spain has more land planted in grapes than any other country. Wine is consumed all day and at lunch and dinner to quench thirst, as water might be used in other countries. La Rioja has become synonymous with Spanish wine and Haro, La Rioja Alta’s wine capital, celebrates its principal product with a week-long summer wine festival, culminating on June 29 with the Wine Battle. HARO’s WINE MUSEUM For wine enthusiasts and tourists alike, a visit to the Wine Museum is well worth the five-block walk from the plaza to the commercial center of Haro. A compound houses both the Wine Museum and the Oncological Center, displaying regional oncological artifacts and delving into the story not only of winemaking, but of La Rioja itself. Sr. Manuel Ruiz Hernandez director of the Oncological Center took time to explain the different grapes and soils of La Rioja. “Our tempranillo grape is a noble grape that ages extremely well,” Manuel explains “It is Spain’s indigenous grape. The others like garancha, pinot noir, and cabernet are all imports. Wine grapes were first brought to Spain 4,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, and later by the Greeks and Romans. Remember, the great vineyards of California began with wine grape stock from Spain.” The signature grape earned its name because it is the first to ripen--early, or temprano. POMPLONA – THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS Celebrated one week before Fiesta in Pamplona, The Wine Battle is a convenient stop for anyone heading to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. July 7-17. THE FACTS Many American and European airlines fly to Madrid, including Iberia and Spainair. There are also flights into Bilbao, two hours’ drive from Haro. However, a good alternative is to fly to Madrid and rent a car at the airport for the four hour drive to Haro. The N-1 highway from Madrid will take you through another major Spanish wine district, Duero, before it ends the cathedral city of Burgos. There, the N-1 feeds into N–232, which leads to La Rioja and Haro. The Wine Battle takes place in the summer, which in Spain is usually dry and hot during the day; however, the surrounding foot hills can cool down at night to sweater weather. Bar-hop like the Spanish. Stop at each bar along the street between the main square and the hilltop church, have one glass of wine, and then leisurely move on to the next bar. HOTELS Los Agustinos A former convent turned prison, this 65- room boutique hotel has all the atmosphere of a medieval manor. With spacious hallways, a patio, and a grand room furnished with antiques, it can transport any guest back a half a millennium. It is centrally located four blocks from the central plaza and within walking distance of both the winery Bodega district and the Wine Museum. Doubles from $85 US Calle San Agustin, 2 34-941-31-13-08 Hotel Ciudad de Haro Carretera. Naciola 232 Km 41 34-941-31-12-13 Doubles from $150 US Hotel Luz Calle Camillo Jose Cela, 1 34-941-30-47-48 Doubles from $80 US RESTAURANTS Vega There is a tapas bar in front room with the restaurant in back serving local specialties Dniner for two $45 to $54 US 941-31-08-72 Casa Terete Specialty wood- fired lamb Lucrecia Arana, 17 Diner for two $46 to $50 US 941-31-00-23 TAPAS Meson Atamouri Fabulous selection of tapas, each $9 to $12 US Plaza Juan Garcia Gato, 1 941-303-220 SITES The Wine Museum and Oncological Center Bertón de los Herreros, 4 Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 34-941-31-05-47 THE WINERIES -- BODEGAS Bodegas Muga Barrio La Estacion 941-31498 Open Monday Friday 11 a.m. English tours, 2:30 p.m. Spanish tours Except Friday, 11:30 a.m. Spanish tours Admission: $4 US Bodegas Bilbainas Barrio La Estacion 610-486-999 Open Monday - Saturday. Call 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for reservations Bodegas Rioja Santiago Barrio La Estacion 941-310-200 Open Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Admission $4.00 US Other bodegas in Haro are available for tours if called in advance. SHOPPING The best bargains are, of course, the wines. Haro is dotted with numerous wine shops offering a wide variety of Spanish wines, such as: Selecion Vinos de Rioja La Paz Square 34-941-30-30-17 La Catedral de los Vinos Santo Tomas St, 4 34–941-31-21-43 Vinicola Jarrera Calle Castilla, 3 and Calle Santo Tomas, 17 34-941-31-14-25 TOURIST INFORMATION A very helpful regional tourist office:. Beronia Monseñor Florentino Rodríguez s/n. 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain 941-30-33-66 riolta@arrakis.es www.beronia.org