Haro

Regarded as the wine capital of Rioja, Haro is home to historic bodegas clustered around its train station district and a charming old quarter. Visitors come for winery tours, tastings, and the famous Haro Wine Festival with its wine fight.

Things to do

• Explore Barrio de la Estación — Wander the historic train station district where legendary bodegas like López de Heredia, CVNE, Muga and Bilbaínas sit side by side, many housed in beautiful 19th-century buildings.
• Tour López de Heredia — Visit this atmospheric century-old winery known for its underground cellars and the striking modernist tasting pavilion designed by Zaha Hadid.
• Visit Iglesia de Santo Tomás — Admire this soaring Gothic church with an ornate plateresque façade often called the 'cathedral of the Rioja vineyards.'
• Stroll Plaza de la Paz — Relax in Haro's main square, ringed with cafés and the elegant town hall, at the heart of the old quarter.
• Experience the Batalla del Vino — Join the famous Haro Wine Festival on June 29th, when thousands douse each other in red wine at the Riscos de Bilibio cliffs.
• Visit Museo Vivanco de la Cultura del Vino — Explore one of the world's most comprehensive wine museums, covering the history, art and craft of winemaking, located just outside Haro in Briones.

Food to try

• Cordero asado (roast lamb) — A Riojan classic, slow-roasted lamb often served in traditional asadores around Haro paired with the local wine.
• Patatas a la riojana — A hearty potato and chorizo stew flavored with paprika, a staple comfort dish of the region.
• Pinchos crawl on Calle Santo Tomás — Hop between bars along this lively street for small plates like mushrooms in garlic, morcilla, or grilled chorizo.
• Bodega winery tasting menu — Many bodegas pair guided cellar tours with tastings of Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja wines, often accompanied by local cheese and cured meats.
• Alubias rojas de Anguiano — Rich red bean stew from the region, typically cooked with pork products, a warming dish especially in cooler months.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear old clothes for the Wine Festival — During the Batalla del Vino, participants get thoroughly soaked in wine, so locals recommend white disposable clothing you don't mind ruining.
• Book bodega tours in advance — Popular wineries like López de Heredia and CVNE often require reservations, especially during peak harvest season in September.
• Respect siesta hours — Many shops and some bodegas close in the early afternoon, so plan visits around late morning or early evening.
• Sample wine like a local — In Haro bars, wine is often served in small tumbler glasses called 'chiquitos' rather than stemmed glassware, especially in casual tabernas.