Haro, the capital of the Rioja wine

Welcome to Haro, the heart of the really tasty Rioja wine region! Miles and miles of vineyards with a highly respected tradition, nowadays a Protected Designation of Origin. They have so much wine, they even have a Battle of wine, an event where locals throw thousands of litres of wine at each other. But Haro is also patrimony: their nobility built themselves the most beautiful abodes. And for nature: Haro is located at the gate of La Rioja, where the Ebro River enters this region. To top it all, it has delicious tapas to enjoy with a glass of red. So, are you ready to discover everything about Haro, the capital of the Rioja wine?

Haro is located between three mountains, next to Ebro and Oja-Tiron rivers. In the Medieval Ages a lighthouse was built here, hence Haro’s name (from Latin “pharus”). It made sense because the river Oja-Tiron was fit for ships. Initially, people lived at the Bilibio mountain, but slowly slowly everybody moved to Haro and abandoned Bilibio. Guess the reason: Haro was a great place to plant… vineyards!

A bit of history

Haro appears in the chronicles already on the 10th century. Pretty soon it became a very important, strategic town. From this time, you can visit the “Torreon”, the only tower remaining from the 12th century fortress that defended Haro. It is a great visit because nowadays it is an Art Museum.

The entire old town was protected by a city wall, and it had three entrances. Nowadays two of them are preserved, and they show 15th century arches. Over the centuries, Haro was offered as a gift by kings to the families that helped them at war. It was turned into a feud and its lords would be counts. This county lasted until 1811, when all the feuds were abolished for good in Spain. 

The important nobles that inhabited Haro left a great patrimony for us to visit. Not to be missed are the palaces of the Haro counts, Tejada, Paternina and Salazar. Also, a bit further, over the Ebro River, there is Gothic style bridge, built on the 13th century. Of course, after many battles and floodings it has been repaired sometimes, but it is still impressive!

Haro locals were quite religious as well, so under the protection of the Constables of Castile they built the Santo Tomás church at the foot of the hill of La Mota, the original centre of Haro. As it often happens in Spain, Santo Tomás temple was built over an earlier church, of which we can still appreciate the beautiful façade, in the Plateresque style. 

However, the most ancient worship takes place at the Saint Felices of Bilibio chapel. This place is so gorgeous, it was voted in 2014 as the best corner of Spain, together with the Roman Alcantara bridge. 

Haro Wine Festival

26200 Haro, La Rioja, España

Now, I told you before that people used to live first at Bilibio, until the 10th century. Bilibio is a rocky mountain, not even 5 kilometres away from Haro. From here you can enjoy an amazing view over Ebro River. It is also a great place to meditate. At least, this is what a hermit thought in the 5th century, when he decided to establish himself here. He was a holy man, and as such he was appreciated. When he died, his body was buried where he had lived, and thus the place became a place of worship. Eventually, a chapel was built so people could attend mass here. All this is very normal in Spain, but not what happened next. 

Over the years, people started to stay there after mass to have lunch, and then as prank they would through wine at each other. These jokes in the beginning were not at all esteemed, specially from the well-dressed ladies. However, it ended up turning into a huge battle camp of wine throwers. Anything that works as a recipient will do, and thousands of wine (what a waste!!) are used every year in this super fun battle. You can see for yourself in this video! 

Haro, capital of Rioja wine

Haro is known above all for the quality of its wine. Climate, soil, the variety of the local grape… all together, they result in very fruity and balanced wines. Aged in oak barrels, they gain great aromas and an exceptional longevity. Apparently, even when it is bottled, the wine will continue to improve. French wine specialists knew this already on the 19th century. This is why, when they suffered a devastating epidemy that ended most of their vineyards, they came here in search of the Riojan best vines. 

Enjoy a glass of wine "La Rioja" in medieval Haro

26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

The world of the wine is fascinating. If you want to know more about it, this tour leaves from San Sebastián and visits the main bodegas. The guide knows everything and you will learn a lot about our most famous wine, the Rioja! 

However, if you are staying in town, you can walk around the train rails and visit the local bodegas. The bodega owners decided to establish themselves right around it, in order to improve their business. And if you are feeling dizzy and hungry afterwards, you can always go to La Herradura, the tapas area! 

How to get here and where to stay

Haro is very well located, close to Vitoria, Logroño and Miranda de Ebro, at the crossroads of three regions. As I just explained, you can get here by train, but it is very slow. Therefore, I would advise you to arrive by car instead. If you travel and work, there are great apartments where you can stay. If you travel light, with friends and on a budget, this is a very economic and useful lodge, where you can even rent bikes to tour the area. 

I think Haro fills every item of any checklist: great wine and food, spectacular patrimony and a wild festival! So waste no more time and come and meet Haro, the capital of the Rioja wine.