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When summer arrives, the more than seventy villages on the Rioja Alta Wine Route come alive. The population grows and every corner becomes the perfect setting for celebrating traditions that have endured over the years, passed down from generation to generation. That is why, this summer, we invite you to immerse yourself in our festivities and discover the cultural richness and hospitable character of our people.
From pilgrimages to popular festivals, each village has something special to offer. One of the most emblematic fiestas is the ‘Batalla del Vino’ (Wine Battle), which is held every 29 June in Haro and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This event, declared to be of National Tourist Interest, is an explosion of colour and joy where participants throw wine at each other in an unbeatable festive atmosphere.
Another festival not to be missed is the ‘Batalla del clarete’ (claret battle), in the town of San Asensio. A fun festival where claret wine is the protagonist, with some 50,000 litres being thrown with all possible mechanisms: buckets, water pistols and plastic bottles. The event is always held on the last Sunday in July.
On 15 August, the Day of the Virgin, festivities multiply in all its municipalities. It is a key date where devotion and joy intertwine, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Parades, processions, concerts and open-air dances fill the streets of our towns, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
And when summer is coming to an end, it is time to celebrate the Riojan Grape Harvest festivities in the capital, Logroño. During these days, the city comes alive with important events such as the treading of the grapes, from which the first grape juice of the grape harvest is extracted and offered to the Virgin of Valvanera, patron saint of La Rioja. Another of the most important customs during these days are the ‘chamizos’, small places set up by the city’s ‘peñas’, where they offer their visitors the traditional ‘zurracapote’.
Past, present and future on the Rioja Alta Wine Route
The Rioja Alta Wine Route is a place where traditions are lived with intensity. At each festival, you can appreciate the deep-rootedness of local customs. But the most beautiful thing is to see how the new generations get involved and keep these traditions alive. Young people actively participate in the organisation and celebration of the fiestas, ensuring that the customs are not lost and are adapted.
At the Rioja Alta Wine Route festivals, the music and dancing of the orchestras is a must. These moments are the meeting point for sharing between generations, ensuring fun for everyone. In these festivals it is common to see children, teenagers, young people, adults and older people enjoying themselves together.
Nor can we talk about festivities on the Rioja Alta Wine Route without mentioning the gastronomy. During the festivities, tastings of our most traditional products abound: vine-shoot chops, choricillo, stuffed peppers, cod, vegetable stew… all accompanied by our exquisite wines.
But if there is one thing that really distinguishes the festivities on the Rioja Alta Wine Route, it is the hospitality of its people. We welcome visitors, or ‘outsiders’ as we say around here, with open arms, sharing the joy of the festivities and making them feel at home. This hospitality is an invitation to discover not only our fiestas, but also the beauty and cultural richness of our region.
This summer, we invite you to take part in our festivities. Experience the tradition, enjoy the gastronomy, dance at the open-air dances and share unique moments in an incomparably beautiful setting. The Rioja Alta Wine Route awaits you with open arms so that you can discover the authentic flavour of our festivities and take away unforgettable memories.
