Located in north-central Spain, Rioja is famous for its vineyards and its idyllic villages and countryside, yet offers so much more, from kayaking to mountain biking to walking the Camino de Santiago. Rioja is the place to visit for a real taste of Spain.
This province in the North of Spain is a marvellous region to meander through in a motorhome or campervan.
We only had three days; you should take more time!
‘’Enjoying La Rioja, a region of wine par excellence in Spain, in an Adria motorhome or campervan is one of the best possible combinations to do, as a couple or family.’’
We left Madrid and head to Haro, the capital of the DO Rioja. There we were able to enjoy its old town, its history and understand its importance in the development of the wine trade in the region and in Spain.
Then we headed to San Vicente de la Sonsierra to visit one of the most fashionable wineries currently: Hacienda López de Haro. After a visit and wine tasting we finished the day having dinner in a “choco” (typical family-owned restaurant) in the town and camped in the same winery courtesy of the owners.
We visited the award-winning winery "Marques de Murrieta" - the best winery in the world (2023). We took a guided tour of its innovative facilities and finished with an excellent tasting experience.
Just a few incredible memories from our short visit to the Rioja region – recommended!
Famed for its annual ‘Batalla de Vino’ (‘’wine battle’’) where thousands of bottles of red are sprayed around the crowds, with rowdy tapas bars and a great place to soak up (literally) the unique vibe. The Haro Wine Festival starts around June 23rd with the main event on the 29th June. Warning! It gets messy.
The provincial capital offering lively medieval streets with a little more verve, a must-see foodie destination.
Known for its farming and its food scene, with a great choice of restaurants. Technically on the cusp of the Basque region we would add it to any itinerary.
Full of historical and architectural gems to marvel at.
This ancient fortress town is a confusing series of concentric rings, to wander around and get lost, in a nice way.
The finest example of La Rioja’s neoclassical style.
For many people, Rioja is simply a good quality red wine. Which of course it is., but it is so much more. It could be a rich and complex 15-year-old Rioja Gran Reserva. It could be a light and fresh Rioja Joven, fresh from the latest harvest (“joven” means young). Or it could be a fruity white or rose. Rioja offers a rich and complex range of wines to suit any palate.
Worth knowing:
There are three types of Rioja:
Rioja Tinto (red Rioja):
The most common type of Rioja wine and is made primarily from Tempranillo grapes. Aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels, with some wines aged for much longer.
Rioja Blanco (white Rioja):
Made from white grapes such as Viura and Malvasía. Aged for a minimum of six months in oak barrels.
Rioja Rosado (rosé Rioja):
Made from a blend of red and white grapes, and aged for a minimum of six months.
Noting of course, the warning that vehicle and wine do not go hand in hand, and to never drink and drive; a motorhome of campervan is a great form of independent travel with your own accommodation.
Here are our vehicle recommendations:
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Great for couples, this iconic new generation motorhome is the best way to follow the sky, thanks to its renowned sunroof and panoramic window, for ‘atrium-style’ living.
Superbly stylish and comfortable motorhomes, you will love the living space, which is light and airy, flowing between the dinette, kitchen and rear bedroom. Complemented with the boutique-hotel style bathroom and lots of practical storage, makes for an easy, likeable touring machine.
Available on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and on the Fiat Ducato, in a choice of layouts.
Great for large families and groups, this best-selling ‘alkoven’ (overcab) motorhome, delivers on space, comfort and above all, sleeping places for ‘extra-large adventures’.
Expect sleek lines and spacious practical interiors, with up-to 6 homologated seats and up-to 7 sleeping places. Available on the Fiat Ducato, in a choice of layouts.
There are nearly 100 vineyards you can visit. Amongst the best are Marques de Murrieta; Hacienda López de Haro; Bodegas Lecea; and Bodegas Franco Espanolas. Do your research and pre-book your visits.
So much choice and variety, our recommendation would be Logronos old town with its 50+ restaurants and tapas bars. Expect nice foodie experiences in a “choco” wherever you roam.
In abundance, check out the Parque Natural Sierra de Cebellera for 23,000 hectares of forests and wildlife.
The region is ideal for cycling, with quiet lanes and old villages to stop in, great scenery and places of historic interest.
Not for everyone but the coastal town La Herradura is famed for this activity. Or just hang out on the beach and go swimming.
