La Rioja, Wine region in Northern Spain
La Rioja is an autonomous community in northern Spain that runs along the Ebro River between mountain ranges and is home to more than 500 wineries scattered across valleys and hillsides. The landscape shifts between vineyards with red soil, Mediterranean forests, and medieval villages where stone houses and historic churches line the streets.
The Suso Monastery in San Millán de la Cogolla was founded in the 6th century and holds the first written records of the Spanish language from the 11th century. The region's wine tradition began with Roman settlers and expanded through medieval monks who refined cultivation methods in the valleys.
The name comes from the Oja River, which winds through the vineyards and gave the region its characteristic identity. In village squares and cellars, visitors can see how harvest time shapes the daily rhythm and how barrel-making continues with methods passed down through generations.
Most wineries offer guided visits throughout the year that include tastings, walks through the vines, and insights into production. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during harvest time in September and October when cellars are busiest.
Hot air balloon flights over the vineyards offer morning views of monasteries and medieval towns along the Ebro. The Wine Culture Museum covers nine hectares and displays traditional techniques from grape selection to fermentation in restored historic buildings.
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