A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Haro: The Wine Capital of Rioja in Álava, Spain

Introduction

Located in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, in the north of Spain, Haro is a small city known for its rich history, its impressive architecture, and above all, for being the wine capital of the Rioja region. With its picturesque charm and world-renowned wineries, Haro offers a unique experience for wine lovers and travelers seeking a destination off the beaten path.

The Old Town of Haro

The old town of Haro is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, filled with historic buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable is the Church of Santo Tomás, an impressive example of Gothic architecture, and the Plaza de la Paz, where the Town Hall, a beautiful 18th-century building, is located. Also worth visiting is the Torreón Museum, a medieval tower that houses a collection of contemporary art.

The Wineries of Haro

As the wine capital of Rioja, Haro is famous for its wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings. Among the most notable are Bodegas Muga, Bodegas López de Heredia, and Bodegas Bilbaínas. These wineries are known for their high-quality wines, produced using traditional methods. A visit to these wineries is an opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the best wines of Rioja.

The Gastronomy of Haro

Gastronomy is another of Haro's great attractions. The city is famous for its pinchos, small tapas served in local bars and restaurants. Typical dishes include bacalao a la riojana, roast lamb, and vegetable stew. To accompany the food, nothing better than a glass of Rioja wine.

The Surroundings of Haro

The surroundings of Haro offer a variety of attractions for nature lovers. The Sierra de Cantabria Natural Park is ideal for hiking and bird watching, while the Ebro river offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. In addition, the city is surrounded by vineyards, which can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or by car.

Events in Haro

Haro is also the stage for several events throughout the year. The most famous is the Wine Battle, which is celebrated every year on June 29. During this event, participants throw wine at each other in a joyful and colorful celebration. Other events include Holy Week, with its religious processions, and the festivals of San Juan, San Felices, and San Mateo, which include music, dance, and fireworks.

Gastronomic Products of Haro

• Rioja Wines

  Haro is known for being the wine capital of the Rioja region, one of the most famous wine regions in Spain. Rioja wines are known for their quality and variety, from robust and aged reds to fresh and fruity whites. Haro's wineries offer wine tastings and tours of their facilities so that visitors can learn more about the wine-making process.

• Chuletillas al Sarmiento

  This is a typical dish from the Rioja region and very popular in Haro. It consists of lamb chops roasted on vine shoots, which gives them a very characteristic smoky flavor. This dish is usually accompanied by Rioja-style potatoes and a good wine from the region.

• Cameros Cheese

  Cameros cheese is a goat and sheep cheese produced in the nearby Sierra de Cameros. This cheese has a creamy texture and an intense flavor and can be enjoyed alone or in a variety of dishes. It is a highly appreciated product in Haro and throughout the Rioja region.

• Piquillo Peppers

  Piquillo peppers are a highly appreciated product in Haro's gastronomy. These small red peppers are roasted and hand-peeled, and then filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, fish, or cheese. Stuffed piquillo peppers are a typical dish of the region and a delight for food lovers.

Sporting Activities in Haro (Álava)

Hiking and Cycling

Haro offers a variety of hiking and cycling routes for all levels. You can explore the beautiful vineyards, mountains and natural landscapes of the region.

Wine Tourism

Although not a sport in itself, wine tourism is a very popular activity in Haro due to its fame as the wine capital of the La Rioja region. You can participate in winery tours, wine tastings and other wine-related activities.

Fishing

The rivers of Haro are ideal for fishing. You can spend a peaceful day fishing in the Ebro river or in any of the other rivers in the area.

Golf

If you are a golf lover, Haro has several golf courses where you can practice your swing and enjoy a day of golf.

Places near Haro

If you are in Haro and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Laguardia, in the Basque Country, is a charming tourist destination known for its impressive medieval architecture, panoramic views of the Rioja Alavesa vineyards, and exquisite cuisine, which includes world-renowned wines and traditional Basque dishes.

Briones, in La Rioja, Spain, is a charming medieval village, famous for its wine cellars and traditional cuisine. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, visit vineyards and taste delicious local dishes.