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TRAVEL
Each June, the city celebrates the fa-
mous Batalla del Vino, a festival as
popular as it is ancestral. Thousands
of people, dressed in white with a red
neckerchief, climb the hill of San Feli-
ces to recreate an old pilgrimage that
has transformed into a pagan ritual of
joy and camaraderie. Wine flows in
torrents—literally: litres and litres are
thrown among participants until ever-
yone ends up soaked in deep red. It is
wine turned into a symbol of union, ce-
lebration and life.
Travel notes
How to get there
From Madrid, you can take the A-1
towards Logroño and continue along
the LR-205 or the N-232 to reach the
heart of La Rioja. From Bilbao or Vi-
toria, the route crosses the Sierra
de Cantabria through vineyards and
time-honoured villages. A car is es-
sential to move freely around La Rioja
and discover all its corners and char-
ming towns
Lumbre (Casalarreina)
Recommended by Michelin, it offers
creative cuisine in a 17th-century
wine cellar with three tasting menus.
Where to Sleep
Hotel Santa María de Briones
In Briones, it occupies a 16th-cen-
tury manor house next to the medie-
val walls. The hotel has a Michelin
key and its restaurant has a Michelin
mention.
Where to eat
Venta Moncalvillo
In Daroca de Rioja, with two Michelin
stars and a Green Star. The Echa-
presto brothers offer traditional Rioja
cuisine with produce from their own
biodynamic garden and a wine list
featuring over two thousand wines.
Restaurante Arrope (Haro)
Modern Riojan cuisine in the historic
center. Local produce and wines from
nearby wineries.
Balloon flights
ARCO IRIS / Cuzcurrita del río Tirón
Hotel Arrope
In Haro, it occupies a 19th-century pala-
ce in the heart of the historic center with
a peaceful atmosphere, a garden with a
terrace, and a privileged location.
Restaurante Allegar
Located inside the Hotel Santa Ma-
ría de Briones, it is recommended by
the Michelin and Repsol guides. Chef
Juan Cuesta blends traditional and
avant-garde Riojan cuisine with local
produce. The pairing of local wines is
designed to enhance each dish.
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