Haro

The basics

From its public artworks to its annual events to its hearty gastronomy, almost everything in Haro revolves around wine. Nestled in the vibrant Ebro Valley and surrounded by hundreds of top-rated bodegas (or wineries), the town is one of the most popular bases for visitors looking to taste their way through northern Spain’s internationally celebrated Rioja region. And for a break between glasses, The Museum of the Culture of Wine, in the neighboring town of Briones, offers the historical context underlying the region’s long-standing vinous traditions.

That said, you don’t need to be a wine drinker to appreciate Haro’s highlights. In addition to the landmarks of its Old Town, local castles like the Castillo de Sajazarra, Castillo de Briones, and Castillo de Davalillo are well worth exploring.

Things to know before you go

• The wines of La Rioja are typically powerful and richly concentrated, and they can reach ABVs of up to 15 percent. Be sure to pace yourself if visiting multiple wineries, or plan tapas stops in between.
• Not all of the bodegas in Haro are open to the public, and it’s best to research where you want to go in advance—and make reservations—to guarantee your entry.
• Don’t want to drive or stray too far from town? A cluster of top-notch wine bodegas (the highest concentration of century-old wineries in the world, in fact) is located right in central Haro, near its train station.
• La Rioja is one of Spain’s coldest regions—its summers may be hot, but if you visit in winter, be sure to bundle up.

How to get there

The nearest major hub (and international airport) to Haro is Bilbao, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) north. Rental cars or driving tours allow visitors to freely navigate this relatively rural region. Haro is also served by local bus lines and a small train station, and there is a regional train station in the town of Logroño, 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Haro.

When to get there

June is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Haro, thanks to its two major annual events: the Haro Station Wine Experience and the Haro Wine Fight. Visit to take part in the revelry, though be mindful of crowds. For a (slightly) calmer experience, consider a visit in September to coincide with the annual grape harvest, as well as the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival in nearby Logroño.

Haro wine festivals

Wine is far and away Haro’s biggest highlight, and its annual event calendar reflects that focus. To experience the festivities, visit in late June to attend the Haro Station Wine Experience (La Cata del Barrio de la Estación), a fine wine tasting right in town. Every year, on June 28, the Haro Wine Fight (La Batalla del Vino) sees participants parade for several miles as they’re doused in red wine (be sure to wear white, as is tradition). And the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (also known as the Festival of San Mateo), in Logroño, is held in late September.