Haro

There are many reasons for which we decided to include this city in our journey through La Rioja: the gastronomy, the heritage, the landscape and, above all, the appreciated and famous wine cellars.

Our visit didn't run smoothly because most of the old part of town was in restoration. But we decided to make the best of it and enjoyed as much as we could, especially the wine and tapas.

The best is to forget about the car and to start walking into the remote streets, enjoy the palace-houses and the lovely Paz Square, center of the village, as well as the Herradura area with bars and restaurants for all tastes and budgets ;)

Capital of the Upper Rioja, to talk about Haro is to talk about good wine. Located on a small hill, it preserves part of its medieval charm (but as far as this aspect is concerned, I still prefer Briones).

I would start going through the neighborhood of the wine cellars. From there (and according to the time), I would go to have snacks in the center, in the area between Paz Square and Santo Tomás Church.

After these tapas, with some Reserva or Crianza wine, I would go get coffee in the Hotel de los Agustinos, its central cloister is wonderful. At the end of the day, I would go for a walk in the Vega Gardens, and end with the church of the same name.

The Lopez Heredia wineries are amazing, and are best-known for their Tondonia vineyard. Besides making an amazing wine, suitable for almost any time, the visit to the winery does not leave anyone indifferent, for its hearth and tradition are what lead to the creation of a great wine.