If you’re planning on visiting the northern Spanish region of La Rioja, you probably have one thing on your radar…vino! There is arguably no other region as renowned for its wine culture as La Rioja with its red wine reputation spreading far and wide. It doesn’t take a wine expert to recognise the fabulous La Rioja wines. Many travel to the region just to savour the smooth reds that carry worldwide fame. And to say that the locals are proud of their wine heritage is a huge understatement. Every year, the charming town of Haro hosts a festival on the 29th of June to celebrate this beloved beverage. The day starts with a peaceful street parade and a special mass until the clock strikes lunchtime and celebrations descend into a crazy wine fiesta. The batalla de vino, the battle of wine, commences and everyone starts dousing each other in red wine! Watch as participants’ clothes turn red and a river of Rioja flows through Haro’s narrow avenues.
With that said, this diverse region offers so much more than just the pleasure of the grape. A trip here will see you enjoying lively cities, sleepy medieval towns, stunning nature and vast blue skies…not to mention the delicious regional pintxos. A majestic mountain backdrop will follow you on your cycling journey through this golden region. Pedal alongside history, stopping off at locations with fascinating architecture and old-world charm. We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in La Rioja so all you have to do is explore and drink a delicious glass of wine, or two!
Visit a Vineyard, Marqués de Riscal
Discover the conditions that make Rioja’s red wine so unbelievably irresistible. With an endless landscape of vineyards, it’s not hard to find a winery to explore. However, the Marques de Riscal vineyard undoubtedly tops them all with world-class wine varieties and a spectacle of modernist architecture designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. As one of the oldest wineries in La Rioja, Marqués de Riscal has spearheaded the winemaking business on a national and international scale, producing some of the most delectable wines in the world. On a visit here you can stroll through this beautiful bodega’s grounds and take a sip of its liquid gold.
A fabulous cycling journey through the vineyards of La Rioja, with some of the best wines Spain has to offer!
Pinch a Pintxos
Typically, exquisite cuisine thrives where exceptional wines are made, and La Rioja is no exception. The cuisine in La Rioja is a strong competitor to other regional palates producing star vegetables and extraordinary meats from its diverse landscape and climate. One thing that stands out is that La Rioja is a world full of tiny bites called pintxos – the region’s version of traditional Spanish tapas. They come in a technicolour of choice with delicious bite-sized portions of garlic-infused mushrooms, sardines topped with hot peppers, pulled pigcheeks, salted anchovies, a flavourful omelette…the list goes on. Hop from bar to bar trying scrumptious specialities accompanied by a glass of the house wine and then roll back to your cosy hotel. The perfect way to refuel after cycling in La Rioja.
Fall in Love with Logroño
Not many places will surprise you like the whirlwind city of Logroño. Unlike many sleepy Spanish towns, Logroño is full of excitement with animated streets, countless bars, clinking glasses and constant tapas. Its elegant buildings shine gold in the bright sunlight and its narrow streets are lined with al fresco seating and boutique shops. Besides its exciting atmosphere, the city has unmissable signs of a rich history from the towering cathedral, ancient architecture, medieval spires and patterned plazas. For centuries, Logroño has been influenced by the River Ebro and the courageous walkers of the Camino de Santiago, both of which have played a significant role in shaping the city’s landscape and culture. Learn about La Rioja’s historical past which breathes life into this thriving city.
Pedal alongside the River Ebro
Spain’s longest river, the River Ebro, has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape and agricultural practices of La Rioja. From its source in the Cantabrian mountains, the river runs through verdant forests, imposing canyons, striking valleys and secret villages. Its beautiful waters have fed into the fertile lands which support La Rioja’s vineyards and rich ecosystems. Cycle here where vultures and eagles will fly overhead as you pedal along and follow the bends in the River Ebro to experience a unique view of this relatively undiscovered countryside.
Discover Monumental Monasteries
One of the most ancient sites in Spain, the Suso and Yuso Monasteries will transport you back in time to the mid-6th century. Suso and Yuso, meaning “upper” and “lower” in archaic Castilian, exhibit an evolution of architectural styles and spiritual practises. The Suso monastery is built on higher ground with a beautiful blend of Visigothic, Mozarabic, and Romanesque architecture, reflecting the monastic community founded by Saint Emilian. The Yuso Monastery, on the other hand, was later constructed on lower land presenting a stunning display of Renaissance and Baroque splendour.
Apart from their beautiful exteriors, both monasteries hold deep significance in Spanish history as the “birthplace of the modern written and spoken Spanish language”. The first words of the Castilian language, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world today, were written and recorded inside these monasteries. If you’re a lover of history and language, a visit to these monumental monasteries is a must.
Meander the Vivancos Wine Museum
What can only be described as an oenophile’s dream, discover the world of wine at the Vivancos Wine Museum. Wine culture is nearly as ancient as civilization itself and has served as a significant symbol in religion and society. Possibly the best and most comprehensive wine museum in existence, a visit here provides a true sensory experience dedicated to showcasing the relationship between humans and wine over 8,000 years of history. Give rein to your senses and explore 5 exhibition halls and a collection of grapevines which boast more than 200 varieties from around the world.
For more information about our cycling holidays in La Rioja, give us a call on 020 3432 1540.