Eskuernaga: Wine Tradition and Architectural History

Eskuernaga, also known as Villabuena de Álava, brings together wine tradition, buildings from different periods, and a landscape along the Arroyo Herrera. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether wine tours, architectural history, or an activity among the vineyards should shape your stay.

Architectural History and Cultural Sites

The Iglesia de San Andrés was built in three phases between 1539 and 1728. Its stylistic range extends from the late Gothic to the Baroque. The long construction period and the different building phases offer insight into the development of church architecture over several centuries.

The mansion of the Marqués de la Solana also combines different periods of construction: it was built mainly in the 16th century, then extended with two wings in the 18th century. By comparison, the church’s architectural history can be seen in its three phases and broader stylistic range.

A relief of Santiago Matamoros adorns the Casa del Indiano. Ibaola Harriak is a cemetery with a megalithic aesthetic, integrated into its surroundings and offering an alternative to religious cemeteries. Eskuernaga is therefore home to a range of cultural sites, from religious heritage and an architectural detail to a distinctive cemetery design.

Every year on May 15, residents of Villabuena honor their patron saint. A chapel was restored in 1997. The annual date and the restoration represent different aspects of local tradition: a recurring commemoration and a building project.

Wine Tradition and Tours

In Villabuena’s traditional wine cellar district, an iron sculpture depicts a man operating a wine press. Here, the history of winemaking is part of the townscape. At Marquesa-Valserrano in Villabuena-Eskuernaga, a centuries-old family winemaking tradition lives on in the bottles produced there.

The full tour at Marquesa-Valserrano explains the winemaking and aging processes, followed by a tasting of three wines with a snack. The “Valserrano Origin” visit includes a tour of the family winery’s centuries-old cellars, followed by a tasting of two wines. The experiences differ both in the focus of the tour and in the number of wines tasted and the accompaniment: the full tour includes explanations of winemaking and aging, as well as a snack.

Villabuena’s wineries also offer wine tourism opportunities, including tours of their facilities and wine tastings. Check the specific availability of offers at individual wineries separately. If you are planning a visit, you can also check the relevant booking details in advance.

Vineyards and Landscape

In Villabuena, you can mountain bike along numerous routes through the vineyards. Cycling is a practical way to experience the wine-growing landscape actively. Conditions on individual routes can change, so check their current state before setting out.

The Arroyo Herrera flows through a deep valley, and Eskuernaga extends along both sides of the stream. This describes the landscape in which the town is situated; the mountain biking routes offer a different way to explore the vineyards. When planning your trip, you can weigh up architectural history, wine tours, and an outdoor activity without treating these distinct themes as the same thing.

Discover more destinations: Murgia, Hueto Arriba, Lukiano, Laserna, Amurrio, Quejana, Villanañe, Lapuebla Labarka.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.