Haro: Old Town, Wine and Culture

Haro brings together several highlights that can be weighted differently when planning your trip: the historic old town of La Herradura, wine culture in the Barrio de la Estación, cultural venues and a long circular walking route. If you are looking for a hotel in Haro, you can first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. This gives your hotel comparison a concrete connection to your travel plans.

Old Town, Museum and Theatre

The old town, known as La Herradura, was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1975. The Torreón Museum is housed in the only surviving remnant of Haro’s 12th-century defensive walls. As a department of the Museo de La Rioja, it houses a collection of contemporary art. This site therefore brings together evidence of the town’s fortifications and an art collection.

The Teatro Bretón also illustrates a historic change of use: it opened in May 1842, after the former church of the San Agustín monastery had been converted for use as a theatre. Its current cultural programme includes cinema, theatre festivals and exhibition spaces. If you are planning to see a particular film, festival or exhibition, check the current programme, as offerings may change.

Wine Culture and Gastronomy

The Barrio de la Estación is an emblematic district of Haro, with the world’s highest concentration of century-old wineries. A visit lets you trace the development of wine and architecture over the past century. At CVNE, the visitor experience includes a wine venue, a barrel room designed by the legendary architect Gustave Eiffel, a bottle cemetery and the Casa Jardín. If you plan to visit this stop, check the current visitor arrangements, as some details may change.

The gastronomic route through La Herradura highlights Riojan cuisine and a selection of cazuelitas, sandwiches, banderillas, pinchos and tapas. Wines from the comarca can also be sampled as cosechero, crianza or reserva. In contrast with the Barrio de la Estación, the focus here is explicitly on food as well as wine. Anyone wishing to get to know Haro through its regional cuisine will find a different emphasis here from that of the architecture and wine venues.

Circular Walk and Trail Markings

The Ruta Los Valles starts at Plaza de la Paz in Haro’s historic centre. This circular route is 29.190 km long and has a low to moderate technical difficulty level. Along the way, it passes through vineyards, grain fields, natural areas and small pine groves; signs point out the landmarks Chozo and Lagar Rupestre. The distance and technical difficulty are important details when considering whether this walk should be a main focus of your stay. The route and conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Another hiking option is the GR stage that begins in Haro. It is marked with two horizontal white and red stripes.

Date and Origins of the Batalla del Vino

The festival calendar may also play a role in planning your dates: the Batalla del Vino takes place every year on June 29. Its history dates back to a pilgrimage to the cave of the Riscos de Bilibio, where San Felices lived. The date and historical origins provide two different points of reference for the event: its recurring date and its history. If you are planning your trip around the Batalla del Vino, check the additional programme information for that year.

Discover more destinations: Sorzano, Calahorra, Badarán, Navarrete, Lagunilla del Jubera, Alesón, Los Molinos de Ocón, Ezcaray.

For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.