La Rioja is the premier wine region of Spain. This small, central region is a road trip destination defined by gentle hills covered in world famous vineyards. It is the birthplace of the Spanish language, adding an important historical layer to the experience.
The landscape is covered in grapevines and historical routes. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path crosses this region, bringing centuries of history to its towns. You can visit the historic Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, where the first words in Spanish were written. The driving routes connect traditional stone cellars with futuristic wineries designed by famous architects.
La Rioja is welcoming and devoted to wine culture. It is a place of profound historical and culinary importance. You experience firsthand the historical and cultural origins of Spain. You will find beautiful historic villages and exceptional wine tasting experiences. Experience the powerful flavor of world renowned Rioja wine.
La Rioja highlights
- Logroño Explore the lively capital of La Rioja, where Calle Laurel serves some of Spain’s best pintxos and wines. The old town mixes historic charm with an irresistible food scene.
- San Millán de la Cogolla Monasteries The birthplace of the Spanish language. These monasteries (Yuso and Suso) are historically and architecturally extraordinary. The peaceful valley setting makes it even more magical.
- Haro The wine capital of rioja. Visit Haro’s famous “Barrio de la Estación,” home to legendary Rioja wineries. The town is especially lively during the annual Wine Battle in June.
- Laguardia A beautiful historic hilltop town surrounded by vineyards, known for its underground wine cellars. Walking its car-free streets feels like stepping back in time.
- Santo Domingo de la Calzada A key stop on the Camino de Santiago, famous for its cathedral with a live rooster inside. The historic town is filled with pilgrims, legends and charming architecture.
- Dinosaur Footprints (Icnitas) Explore the paleontological sites near Enciso. You can see well preserved dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous period.
- Briones A beautiful medieval village and home to the Vivanco Wine Museum, one of the world’s best wine museums. The hilltop views over the vineyards are absolutely breathtaking.
- Ezcaray Discover this charming mountain town in the Oja Valley. It is an excellent stop for nature lovers and traditional crafts.
The local Four
History of La Rioja
The first written words in the Spanish language were found in the historic Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla. For centuries, this small region has been a crucial stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The Camino brought travelers and ideas from across Europe.
Winemaking traditions here are centuries old. The unique soil and climate of the Ebro River valley proved ideal for grape cultivation. This region is Spain's geographical crossroads. Powerful kingdoms like Castile, Navarre and Aragon frequently battled for control. These territorial struggles shaped the landscape.
Today, historic stone wineries stand beside futuristic architectural designs. You drive through vineyards that have produced world class wine for generations. You will see linguistic history, pilgrimage routes and castles. This is a trip that allows you to taste the deep history of Spanish culture in every glass. Visit this region to experience the heritage of the Spanish language and world famous wine.