The Wine Route
One of the distinguishing marks of La Rioja's identity and its most important symbolic element is, without a shadow of doubt, wine. Not merely as a product and economic activity, but also as a social and cultural reference for an area in which an important part of the traditions and festivities revolve around wine.
10 km from the capital, on the N-232, we find Fuenmayor, a village of wine cellars, with an interesting old quarter. The traditional wine route begins here, once the site of Real Sociedad Económica de Cosecheros private association, founded on 12th April 1788 in the building known today as El Palacio.
12 km from here is Cenicero, where one can visit the centuries-old cellars that house the best Rioja wine.
Continuing along the N-232, we find San Asensio, the cradle of claret, around which a bloodless battle traditionally takes place in July. Many of the cellars date from the 17th-19th centuries. Its economy is based on the grape and the making of quality A.C Rioja wines.
After slaking our thirst with such a delicious drink, the route continues through Briones, 2 km from San Asensio. The next stop is Ollauri. 4 km further on we arrive at Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. Its cellars are renowned world-wide. The way back, on the N-232, is through Briñas, San Vicente de la Sonsierra and ábalos.
