Landscapes of vineyards in La Rioja
Logrono Y The Rioja have a good time. To the obvious tradition of its wines, vineyards and its Appellation of origin , the stage of gastronomic vitality experienced by the region is added ( Spanish Gastronomic Capital last year) . If we add to all these advantages that it is one of the cities with the most bars and restaurants 'per capita' of the country, there is no doubt that Logroño is the autumn getaway you are looking for. As if this were not enough, the lack of rain and the heat this year have advanced the grape harvest, which guarantees that Although scarce, it will be of very good quality.
Wine barrels, La Rioja wineries
Starting tomorrow, Logroño will celebrate through its streets that wine universe that has given so much joy to the city. The main attraction is, of course, the splendid gastronomic offer that exudes the squares, bars and restaurants from the city.
Traditions aside, we suggest these stops on the route:
The grape, the star product
1) Route through La Laurel:
You cannot visit Logroño and not go to La Laurel (well, you can, but not at this time of year). The most famous street in the capital of La Rioja offers endless pinchos that you can enjoy with a good wine, of course. Each bar usually has its star skewer such as the mushroom, the battered ear, the marriage (boquerón + anchovy), the patatas bravas, the Moorish skewer, the grilled mushrooms and a long etcetera. Some wineries provide tourists with an oenological and gastronomic journey through routes paired with pinchos and wines at affordable prices, as is the case of Senda Olarra. To Laurel Street , its surroundings Bathrobe, San Agustin Y Laurel Crossing , and the neighbor San Juan Street , are popularly known as " The Path of the Elephants ", since it is said that everyone who enters leaves with a big trunk and on all fours.
two) Winery Walk:
Another option is to stroll through one of its wineries: there are centuries-old and endearing , others modern and pharaonic or by the smallest and most familiar. Dive into the La Rioja viticulture , where they are concentrated more than 500 wineries that have filled the earth with remnants of vineyards. Knowing its facilities, its vineyards, the production and aging of its wines and the secrets of the great wine families is possible.
Variety of pinchos in La Laurel
3) Gastronomic week:
During the patronal week of San Mateo , the rocks of the city, non-profit groups that collaborate in the programs and festive activities, carry out in the Marketplace of Logroño all kinds of tastings gastronomic dishes prepared by the peñistas themselves. Do not miss these typical acts of the Riojan festivals and do not forget to try their dishes traditional.
4) Winebus:
This peculiar bus will take you to discover the culture of Rioja wine . If you want to enjoy visiting wineries, unique landscapes of vineyards or places of great cultural importance without worrying about driving, this is your opportunity. On this wine route you can buy wine, taste it in the cellars and, above all, to enjoy of the landscape of La Rioja.
Landscapes of vineyards in La Rioja
5) Restaurants and wineries:
Being in the wine community and once involved in the ins and outs of its production, you will not be able to leave its cellars without first ordering a typical Rioja food to be enjoyed in the winery itself among barrels and the aroma of wine. The star dishes are grilled lamb chops, dried stems of the vines, or the wines of La Rioja with sophisticated new cuisine dishes or with the most traditional potatoes with chorizo "a la riojana" . It all depends on the winery you choose for your meal.
6) Wine Tours:
It is a group that brings together 9 of the most prestigious and recognized wineries of the D.O.Ca. Rioja and wine marketing consultancy, Vinomio . Its appeal is based on offering a tourist experience framed within the world of wine with infinite possibilities such as lunches, dinners and tastings, musical and humorous shows, art exhibitions... A unique and innovative place that will transmit sensations and unique experiences made in The Rioja.
7) The first must of the year, for the Virgin
If traditions are your thing, we recommend an anthropological immersion in the offering to the patron saint of La Rioja, the Virgin of Valvanera , who is offered the first grape must of the year. This must is obtained after the famous ' grape treading ' by two men who, barefoot, collect the first must in a jug to offer it to the patron saint.
*** You may also be interested in...**
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- La Rioja 'on fire'
Overview of Rioja wineries