Rioja is the land of wine. It is possible to visit centennial warehouses and other smaller and familiar ones, during the visit accompanied by tasty wines. The Mediterranean wine-producing culture was, in the Middle Ages, closely associated with monastical life, since their main diffusers were the monks of these monasteries. The wine region in Rioja is located in the Ebro Valley. It borders in the north with the Mountain range of Cantabria and in the south with the mountain range of La Demanda, which makes it a perfect situation for grapevines. Haro is the most important centre of production, whose annual "Wine Battle" is considered to be one of the most original celebrations in the region. At the moment, more than 55,000 hectares of vineyard compose the Denomination of Origin of Rioja. .

Riojan towns are filled with traditions. Its fairs and folklore show the happiest side of the Riojan character. The wine culture is decisive for the fun, especially during the Vintage Festivals in Logroño on September 21st, or the Wine Battle in Haro on June 29th.

Other celebrations are based on La Rioja´s religious traditions. Examples of this are the processions like the one in Santo Domingo, on May 10th, or the ‘One hundred Ladies of Sorzano’ festivity which remembers the medieval tribute that Christians had to pay to the Arabs in the form of young girls.

In Lower Rioja, among its many interesting celebrations, stands out the ‘Robbery of the Saints of Arnedo’ on September 26th, with a representation of the fight between the Navarrese and the Riojan people over the possession of the image of San Cosme and San Damián. Another peculiar Riojan celebration is the ‘Dance of the Zancos of Anguiano’, where dancers go down a hill giving flight to their folkloric skirts, like human spinning tops.

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Rioja gastronomy

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Gastronomy