WINE TOURISM IN RIOJA ALTA

Finca Valpiedra, one of the five Familia Martínez Bujanda wineries, has achieved the ‘Wineries for Climate Protection’ certificate, the highest distinction in environmental sustainability for wineries. This prestigious international recognition is an achievement for the family, which reaffirms its firm commitment to sustainability and ecology in its estate, located in Fuenmayor (La Rioja). Finca Valpiedra, which has been part of the Asociación Grandes Pagos de España since its beginnings, has a privileged location, in one of the meanders formed by the Ebro River as it passes through La Rioja. Its spectacular landscape, distributed in three terraces that go down to the river itself, is divided into fifteen different plots with altitudes of over 400 metres. Finca Valpiedra reaffirms its environmental strategy after achieving this certificate, which is another step forward in the work that was already being carried out in all the family’s wineries, and for which they work conscientiously every day. In their crops, the use of pesticides and metals has been reduced to zero to reach a 100% organic production. The use of water resources has been optimised and all of them have photovoltaic installations for self-consumption. But it doesn’t stop here, as they take advantage of any […]

Vintae Wine Fest receives an award for Best Wine Tourism Experience The Spanish Association of Wine Cities (ACEVIN) gathered the winners of the VI Wine Tourism Awards ‘Wine Routes of Spain’ at the awards ceremony held at the Reina Sofia Museum (Madrid). One of these distinctions, specifically the mention for the “Best Wine Tourism Experience” went to our partner Vintae for the organisation of its Vintae Wine Fest festival. Along with the 20 winners (between prizes and mentions) of this edition, the event was attended by numerous members of the different Wine Routes of Spain, institutional representatives, tourism agents and specialised press. Fernando Valdés, Secretary of State for Tourism, as representative of one of the national bodies working with ACEVIN and the Wine Routes of Spain, expressed the will of the tourism administration that “wine tourism becomes a fundamental pillar of our international offer”. “Spain is not only the largest vineyard in the world, but it is also great in the generation of tourism products linked to this sector, in the creation of experiences”. “We are proud to have a product club such as the Wine Routes of Spain”, he said. Taking up the words of the journalist from Radio […]

The partner companies of the Rioja Alta Wine Route are triumphing at the international wine tourism events being held this autumn. Their rich and varied offer of activities and personalised experiences, which invites visitors to delve deeper into the culture of wine, is reaping its rewards, and receiving outstanding worldwide recognition. Specifically, our members have received three awards at the famous 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐨-𝐑𝐢𝐨𝐣𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐𝟑 Awards, won by Bodegas Beronia, Hotel Santa María Briones and Vintae Wine Festival. To these, we must add the one obtained by Vivanco, which has once again made it to the list of the 50 most amazing wine projects in the world. Bodegas Beronia: “Best Of – Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices”. The first winery in the world to obtain LEED V4 certification (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design), it also holds LEED GOLD and Wineries for Climate Protection certifications, which accredits the application of environmentally friendly techniques throughout the production process. The jury highlighted the sustainable design and energy efficiency of the new winery inaugurated in 2022. Under the oenological direction of Matías Calleja, oenologist and manager, this architectural project by IDOM (Gonzalo Tello and Borja Gómez) and landscaping by Isaac Escalante Camus, makes […]

After two years without enjoying the hustle and bustle of the National Pottery and Ceramics Fair of Navarrete N.A.CE., this weekend, 15th, 16th and 17th July, its fourteenth edition will take place. It will do so with a full programme of exhibitions, tributes, conferences, workshops and concerts that will place Navarrete, and the whole Rioja Alta Wine Route, in the spotlight and epicentre of pottery and ceramics. As the mayoress of this town, María Luisa Corzana, explained during the presentation of the Fair, “Navarrete has a soul of clay, it is its hallmark, and, as the only pottery centre in the north of Spain, we want to continue to be a key focus of knowledge”. On this occasion, moreover, with a focus on women and all those women potters who have played an important role throughout history, but who have not been sufficiently recognised. For this reason, and to give them the visibility they deserve, N.A.CE. will bring together in the Ceramics Forum women of recognised professional prestige, such as Ilse Schütz (creator of the Agost Museum and founder of the Ceramology Association), Isabel Fernández del Moral (Director of the ceramics area of the Barcelona Design Museum) or Pepa Jordana […]

Does your establishment captivate as soon as you see it? Do you offer a high quality service? An innovative experience? The Spanish Association of Wine Cities (ACEVIN) announces the VI edition of its Wine Tourism Awards ‘Wine Routes of Spain’, to recognise the work carried out by the companies and territories of each of the 34 routes, to improve the quality and the wine tourism offer of our country. These Awards highlight the commitment to a different type of tourism in which the culture and wine tradition of Spain become the driving force of the rural environment. In fact, the success of this approach attracts some three million visitors a year, according to data collected by the Spanish Wine Routes Tourism Observatory. The deadline for submitting applications is open until 4 July 2022. Those institutions, wineries, restaurants, wine shops, hotel establishments, museums, travel agencies, etc. that are part of ACEVIN’s Wine Routes of Spain product club with projects that fit into one of these 14 categories are eligible to apply. Best Wine Tourism Initiative Best Promotional Action Best Sustainable and Responsible Wine Tourism Destination Best Wine Tourism Municipality Best Winery Open to Tourism Best Wine Tourism Accommodation Best Gastronomic Offer […]

ADRA has been selected by CaixaBank in its €1 million programme for a total of 78 projects of local associations from all over Spain selected in the ‘Environment 2021 Call’ launched by the entity with the aim of improving natural heritage, through the protection of biodiversity, environmental innovation, circular economy and the fight against depopulation. This project will also be supported by Fundación Caja Rioja, an entity that has collaborated with CaixaBank in the launch of the call. ADRA will focus in this project on Land Stewardship, a useful tool for the conservation of natural heritage, which promotes agreements between owners of land/fincas/natural and agricultural areas, together with entities and associations dedicated to the study and conservation of nature. The aim of this project is to raise awareness of land stewardship and its importance for Rioja Alta, thus contributing to the preservation and enhancement of heritage and providing added and differential value both to the territory and to the companies, wineries and municipalities that implement this tool. In short, the aim is to work together, company-municipality-society, in the conservation of Nature, promoting responsible use of natural resources and taking advantage of the possibilities and opportunities offered by this type of voluntary […]

The Rioja Alta Wine Route is in perfect harmony with the autumn weather. Our gastronomy and our wines go perfectly with this season of the first cold weather, with cool nights and mornings and sunny afternoons. So, if you are planning a getaway for the next long weekend of the Constitution, you are in the best place you could imagine. Did you know that our route has been chosen as one of the most important in the world, according to the publication The Wine Routes of The World? Whether it’s because of our incredible landscapes dotted with castles, medieval bridges and charming villages or because of the endless experiences we can offer you, it’s no wonder that, before you leave, you already feel like you want to come back. With your friends, with your family, as a couple, our companies and partners can offer you leisure and adventure activities on the Rioja Alta Wine Route to suit your interests and your budget. If you fancy horse riding among the vineyards, you can do it; if you prefer to visit the city with the highest concentration of hundred-year-old wineries in the world, you can do it too; if you want to […]

The Rioja Oriental Wine Route is organising the 3rd International Congress of Historic Wine Cellar Districts, taking up the baton from the Rioja Alta Wine Route and Bodegas Lecea, which hosted the first two editions, and continuing in the line of valuing the Historic Wine Cellar Districts. Thus, on 4 and 5 November, the Centro Fundación Caja Rioja in Arnedo will host this international event, which can be attended in person or followed live via streaming. Numerous experts in the field will meet to discuss the reality of these historic spaces, the problems they face and the future prospects for a sustainable context and permanent activity. This edition will consider how to face the future of the work carried out so far in the identification and recovery of these wine-growing environments that are part of our memory, our culture and the history of our towns and villages. After twenty years of work, the winery districts are of interest to the heritage and society, but above all they need to reflect on their survival and ensure that this can be assured by themselves. But in addition to this reflective approach, the speakers and those attending the conference will be able to […]

There are many ways to follow the Camino de Santiago. There are those who take the opportunity to discover the artistic and cultural heritage they pass through on their way; others stop to admire the peculiarities of the natural landscape or those who choose to delight in the local gastronomy. Which of the three types do you identify with? If you are not quite sure, or if you think you are a perfect combination of all of them, you are in the right place, because the Way of St. James as it passes through the Rioja Alta Wine Route will exceed all your expectations. It is said that if the Way of St. James did not pass through La Rioja, it would have to be diverted, because the hospitality of this land is a reference for visitors and pilgrims who are willing to get to know it. Logroño is the end of the 6th stage of the French Way from Roncesvalles, Los Arcos-Logroño. The Way of St. James enters La Rioja from the Navarrese town of Viana and pilgrims enter the old part of the city via the stone bridge over the Ebro. The route runs along Calle Ruavieja, where […]

Are you coming as a couple or with friends, are you looking for a very special accommodation to give as a present to your parents, or maybe you prefer a rural cottage to spend a few days with your family? If your destination is already clear, accommodation on the Rioja Alta Wine Route will never be a problem. Tourist flats ideal for families with children, charming hotels for couples in love or rural houses for groups of friends… Whatever your needs are, you will find them with the quality, excellence and peace of mind that the Rioja Alta Wine Route guarantees. Accommodation adapted to every type of trip and, of course, to every budget. Because the Rioja Alta Wine Route always wants to be ‘Close to you’, in every sense of the word. And as in La Rioja good gastronomy is everywhere, many of these accommodations offer haute cuisine restaurant service. Experiences with smell, taste and sensations that will remain etched forever in your memory. Hotels and charming hotels Accommodation that stands out for its exclusivity. Centuries-old mansions that have been restored and converted into exclusive lodgings. Stone walls that hold secrets, legends and stories. And hotels that take care […]

On the Rioja Alta Wine Route we propose to encourage wine tourism with art. Therefore, on this International Museum Day we are going to invite you to enjoy the wonderful open-air museums that can be found in these municipalities. This proposal highlights the cultural heritage of La Rioja and, due to the health situation, it is a solid bet for all kinds of tourists, international and national, due to the safety offered by outdoor activities. An open-air museum includes sculptures and murals that are part of our environment and that make the town an artistic heritage. Are you coming to see them? In Logroño, we can enjoy sculptures that blend into the city’s landscape. The Fountain of the Illustrious Riojanos, commonly known as ‘Wet Backs’, and the busts of iconic figures such as Castroviejo, Zubía and Sagasta stand out. The equestrian statue of General Espartero, located in the Plaza del Espolón, also stands out. In addition to these emblematic sculptures, there are other lesser-known but no less talented ones, such as those of the ‘IX Centenario’, ‘Homenaje a la mujer’, ‘Monumento a la familia’, ‘Naves de paso’… We must not forget the sculpture ‘The Crucible of wine civilisations’ located at […]

What do you fancy doing at Easter? Actually, it’s not a trick question, because the Rioja Alta Wine Route offers you so many suggestions that you won’t even be able to imagine. Bodegas Lecea, in San Asensio, invites us to take a ride through the vineyards in a horse-drawn carriage; but not before enjoying another interesting proposal: pruning the vines and recovering your strength with a Riojan lunch in the vineyard where you can enjoy homemade omelette, sausage, cheese and local bread. To end the day, a visit to the winery with wine tasting. Although if you prefer a hearty Riojan meal, at Lecea you can also enjoy potatoes with chorizo and vine-shoot chops, accompanied by a visit to the winery’s century-old cellars and a tasting of three of its wines. And for those who prefer to see only the four 16th century cellars, without staying for lunch, they can also do so, with a commented tasting of three wines. Without leaving the capital of La Rioja, Bodegas Viña Ijalba, the first organic winery in Rioja, tempts us with another suggestive proposal: to “become” grapes and follow the same route from the time they leave the vineyard until they are […]

The pandemic prevented it last year, all the more reason for the Vivanco Foundation to announce with even greater enthusiasm a new edition, the thirteenth, of the Pedro Vivanco International Print and Wine Award. An award that has placed our territory in the national and international spotlight of art and culture. In this competition, artists are asked to draw their inspiration from the sensorial and artistic universe of wine. Each year it brings together a greater number of national and foreign applicants, making the culture of wine in general and La Rioja in particular increase its notoriety around the world and arousing greater interest in visiting us. In this edition, the Vivanco Foundation and the Escuela Superior de Diseño de La Rioja (ESDIR) invite artists to send -until Monday 19th April- unpublished prints that have not been presented in other editions or awards, and that focus on the suggestive world of wine. Each author may submit a maximum of two works. The jury will meet on Friday 7 May, although it will not be an easy task, as this 2021 promises to be a very special encounter with the art of engraving. If the situation allows it, on Friday 25 […]

San Vicente de la Sonsierra offers a large number of attractions for wine tourists and, from now on, it will have two more. After months of work, work has now been completed on the “Enhancing the value of the Castle’s wine cellars” project, which has adapted two municipal-owned wine cellars for future visits. Through this project developed in 2020, these two coves will be incorporated into the guided tours offered by the municipal tourist office, which will greatly improve the tourist experience. On the hill of the fortress of San Vicente there are a hundred or so caves of different depths and surfaces. With the implementation of this project, this important heritage linked to wine culture and to the past, present and future of the town will be enhanced. The cellars in caves -calados- take advantage of the properties of the subsoil, which gives them a stable temperature and humidity throughout the year for the ageing and storage of the wine. These cellars are also part of the museum project developed, thanks to which visitors will learn a little more about the history of the cellars, the history of traditional winemaking and the wine cellars and the heritage of the […]

The agricultural organisation ARAG-ASAJA has launched a campaign to promote the consumption of Riojan foodstuffs. The campaign is called ‘The real taste of Christmas is very close’ and the Rioja Alta Wine Route has also collaborated in it to promote the agricultural sector and recognise the work of farmers and stockbreeders in La Rioja. The agricultural organisation also seeks to promote direct sales to provide an outlet for products such as wine, beef, kid and lamb, which are some of the products that are suffering the most from the restrictive measures of this health crisis. Another of the objectives of this campaign is to provide a positive view of the origin and quality of all the food produced in La Rioja. This initiative continues the work set in motion with the project ‘Better the Closer’ in which ARAG-ASAJA, with the collaboration of the Protected Geographical Indication Pimiento Riojano, the La Rioja Sheep and Goat Association (AROVI) and the local action groups CEIP-Rural, ADRA and ADR La Rioja Suroriental, promoted direct sales in La Rioja this year. As part of this campaign, ARAG-ASAJA offers producers who are agricultural professionals, that is, who are registered with the Agricultural Social Security or declare […]

In this Entrepreneurial Women’s Day the Rioja Alta Wine Route would like to pay particular tribute to all our members. Winemakers, hoteliers, chefs… all of them successfully run their respective businesses. They decided one day to undertake their own projects in the rural environment, with what it means in terms of job creation, settlement of the population and example for other entrepreneurs. For all these reasons, and many others, today is the day to remember Blanca Baños, manager of Bohedal Winery in Cuzcurrita, and one of the first women to assume this position in a Rioja Wine España winery; or Silvia del Campo from Calado 1880 Winery in Cenicero. On this day, we also cannot forget about Carmen Enciso,  winemaker for 30 years and a founding member of Valenciso Winery in Ollauri, nor of course of the Ayagar Wineries in Hormilleja, with Marivi directing it since 2004. There are also many women in the tourism sector, such as Elena Maiso and his newly opened cottage El Mirador de Eloísa in Rodezno; or Laura Lopez, in the front of an old 17th century mansion that has been restored and converted into the Hospederia Teatrisso in Cuzcurrita.   But there is much more female presence in the tourist hotel sector, as is the case with Angela […]

Our partner Ignatius Posada in Navarrete, has been included as an example in the Guide to Good Practice for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 of the Government of La Rioja. Rioja Alta Wine Route has collaborated in the publication of this guide which includes those projects subsidised by FEADER which, like Posada Ignatius, are considered to be of particular relevance. Posada Ignatius was inaugurated in April 2018 after a complete restoration of Duke of Nájera Palace. This is a 15th-century building that took three years to build. The result: a high quality hotel resource that did not exist in the region until its opening. Its uniqueness has made accommodation a tourist resource in itself, attracting visitors and generating economic flow in the municipality. In addition, it has created 6 jobs. The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 seeks to achieve sustainable management of natural resources and a more economically and socially balanced territory. Specifically, this Programme pursues the following objectives: Job creation, with special attention to young farmers and rural entrepreneurs and, within them, women; the modernisation of agricultural holdings to make their products more competitive on the market; the improvement and modernisation of irrigation infrastructure; the training of farm owners, through training courses and specialised advice; the […]