Plan your wine tour

Imagine discovering, in just one picturesque neighborhood, the highest concentration of centuries-old wineries in the world. That’s what you’ll find in Haro’s deliciously walkable, “Barrio de la Estación.” If you want to get to the heart of how tempranillo and tradition come together in Rioja’s top vintages, this is the place to begin.

There’s plenty to explore in Haro, from historic palaces to contemporary art, but we think the best part about being here is the “Barrio de la Estación.” This barrio, also known as the Golden Mile, is one swell neighborhood—home to seven superb wineries, and a place where tradition and innovation converge happily.

The district came into its own in the mid-1800s, when winemakers arrived from Bordeaux to buy Rioja wines. French vineyards had been devastated by phylloxera but their ideas had not—a fruitful exchange of ideas ensued. The railroad was a breakthrough, speeding Rioja’s wines to faraway tables, and the Station was the place to be.

The wineries around the station represent the best of Rioja’s elegant style. Yet each place has evolved, including architecturally, with daring additions by the likes of Zaha Hadid fitting in with aplomb.

Another contrast to love here: Haro is surrounded by rolling vineyard-covered hills, and ancient rural villages. A drive into the surrounding landscape is an essential part of a perfect stay here.

In June, the wineries host “La Cata del Barrio de la Estación,” the Haro Station Wine Experience, offering selected tastings and perfect pairings by top chefs. Of course, a low-key approach is absolutely do-able: the wine and food are wonderful here all year round. (215 words).

Haro and its Barrio de la Estación are only about an hour from the Basque city of Bilbao. RomoTur specializes in experiences in both the Basque region and the Rioja wine country.

Day 1.

• Arriving to Bilbao international airport, we will transfer you the charming town of Haro where you can choose among some nice hotels. Our choice is Hotel Los Agustinos. The Hotel Los Agustinos, founded in 1373 as a convent, is a landmark building in the town of Haro. It then went on to be a military garrison, hospital, school and prison, and still conserves the inscriptions made by the prisoners on the columns of its beautiful cloisters.This listed building exudes history, whilst offering some comfortable, well-appointed facilities, making guests feel exceptionally privileged to stay at the Hotel.
• After check – in some relax time to discover this small village where you can breath wine every where.

Day 2.

• When you are ready to start your wine experience, walk down to visit the Barrio de la Estación. Seven wineries will wait for you.
• Our choice for your first day are Muga and Goméz Cruzado.
• Bodegas Muga are located in the historical Barrio de La Estación (railway station district) in Haro. The facilities are two centuries old, built mainly of stone and oak. Trip through the wine world is always a cause for surprise and a chance to learn. Discover the imposing wooden tanks, the calmness of the aging rooms, the heat and smell in the cooperage and take part in a unique experience.
  • Tour days: Monday to Saturday.
  • Prior reservation required.
  • Length: Approx. 60-90 minutes.
  • Tasting of 2 wines.
• The origins of Bodegas y Viñedos GÓMEZ CRUZADO date back to 1886, when Ángel Gómez de Arteche, a nobleman related to the Duke of Moctezuma de Tultengo, decided to start making and bottling his own wine in Haro, in the heart of Rioja Alta. Thus, a century-old cellar was born which would go on to make history in Haro and Rioja during the late 19th century.
• Premium visit:
• Private seated tasting of our collection’s most exclusive wines: Gómez Cruzado Blanco, Reserva, Honorable and the Terroir Selection’s representatives Pancrudo, Cerro Las Cuevas and Montes Obarenes. The tasting is accompanied by Iberian ham, cheese and olive oil from Rioja’s designation of origin.
• Our suggestion for Lunch is to try the traditional restaurant Terete, specialized in lamb chops grilled on old vine sticks.
• During the afternoon you can go on trying some other wines in Barrio de la Estación as some of the wineries have wine bars just to taste some of their best harvest with no need of making a full visit.

Day 3.

• This day you can try some other wineries in Haro, like Ramon Bilbao, although it is not located in Barrio de la Estación but offers a very interesting 360º virtual experience.
• Or why not a tour around the wonderful landscapes of Rioja vineyards and admiring also the architecture of Ysios, Marqués de Riscal, Viña Real, etc..
• We propose you to have lunch at Hospedería de los Parajes in Laguardia. After lunch enjoy a nice walking tour around this charming walled town with its well famous arcade:
  • The first piece of art we can see inside the church is the extraordinary front of “La Virgen de los Reyes” (The Kings’ Virgin) whose building, made of sculptured stone, dates from the end of the 14th century, although its polychromy belongs to the end of the 17th century.
  • It is made of stone and it consists of a double Gothic arch that is sharply pointed, forming five archivolts, all of them profusely decorated.

Day 4.

• Check out and transfer to Bilbao.
• You can leave the country without enjoying one of the most popular cities in the North of  Spain. A new city that has known how to reinvent It herself to become an attractive and modern city without losing its tradition. Enjoy the Guggenheim museum, El Casco Viejo with its popular Seven Streets (now there are more..) The walk along the  Abandoibarra, Ensanche quarter or Indautxu.
• Don’t lose the opportunity to try some of the best restaurants in the world, like Azurmendi, Nerua, Etxanobe, or just try our pintxos in any of the bars you will find along your walking.

Ask for your customized trip, let us know your preferred dates, number of participants, if you are taking your own car, or if you  prefere a private car and driver, guide, etc.