La Rioja is a region full of warmth, beauty and tradition. Known worldwide for its exceptional wines, it offers so much more than just a glass of Rioja. Rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by the Sierra mountains and dotted with ancient monasteries, medieval villages and lively town squares.
It is also one of Spain’s top culinary destinations. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy bodegas serving traditional dishes, La Rioja is a paradise for food lovers. Here, seasonal produce and age-old recipes meet creative chefs and modern gastronomy, making every meal an experience to savour.
The region invites you to slow down and enjoy life’s pleasures: wandering through cobbled streets, sharing Pinchos in a bustling plaza, or watching the sun set over endless vines with a glass of wine in hand. The landscape is as generous as its people, from the rugged hills and green valleys to the golden stone buildings that glow at dusk.
We chose La Rioja not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its spirit: a blend of tradition, hospitality, fine wine and extraordinary food. It is a region that knows how to celebrate life, and we can’t wait for you to experience it with us.
La Rioja is one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, producing reds, whites and rosés that have become symbols of quality and tradition. The landscape is home to more than 500 wineries, ranging from family-run cellars hidden beneath cobbled streets to strikingly modern estates designed by world-famous architects.
Each glass carries the character of the land, shaped by centuries of expertise and a climate perfectly suited to the vine. Favoured even as a tourist destination by Spaniards themselves, visitors to La Rioja can explore wine routes, tour atmospheric underground caves where barrels quietly age, and enjoy tastings that reveal the subtle differences between crianza, reserva and gran reserva.
In La Rioja, wine is more than a drink, it is history, culture and celebration poured into a glass.
La Rioja is known across Spain as one of the country’s finest culinary regions. Its cuisine is built on some of the best ingredients the Iberian Peninsula has to offer. To this is added the richness of locally grown olives, which produce high-quality olive oil, and fertile land that yields seasonal vegetables and fruit of exceptional flavour.
Traditional dishes such as patatas a la riojana (potatoes with chorizo), chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb chops grilled over vine shoots), and hearty stews showcase the earthy flavours of the region, while Michelin-starred chefs reinterpret these ingredients with creativity and flair.
The most vibrant expression of this food culture is found in Logroño’s Calle Laurel. This lively street, only about 200 metres long, is lined with between 50 and 80 tapas and pintxo bars, each serving its own speciality paired with a local wine. From grilled mushrooms topped with prawns to seared tuna or roasted peppers, every stop brings a new taste to discover.
Moving from bar to bar with friends, glass in hand, is more than a culinary experience; it is a way of life, a joyful ritual that embodies the spirit of La Rioja. Discover all the different Pinchos you can try at Calle Laurel here.
Few regions in Spain offer such varied and breathtaking scenery. Snow-dusted mountains, sunlit valleys and endless vineyards form a patchwork that changes colour with the seasons. The River Ebro winds its way through the land, feeding the vines and shaping fertile plains. For nature lovers, La Rioja offers countless hiking trails, birdwatching, and even hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards at dawn.
The famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage passes directly through the region, bringing travellers from all over the world. Many pilgrims say that the stretch through La Rioja, where vineyards roll into the horizon and villages offer a warm welcome, is one of the most beautiful of the entire route. Whether you seek adventure, reflection or simply peace in nature, La Rioja provides it in abundance.
The region is steeped in history, with landmarks that have shaped Spain’s cultural identity. At San Millán de la Cogolla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, monks once penned the first written words of the Spanish language.
Medieval villages such as Laguardia, with its fortified walls and underground wine cellars (like el Fabulista), transport visitors back in time. Romanesque bridges cross gentle rivers, while castles crown the hilltops as reminders of La Rioja’s strategic past.
Every place you visit, you feel history beneath your feet, not as something distant, but as part of everyday life, preserved and cherished.
What makes La Rioja truly unforgettable is its people. Known for their friendliness and hospitality, they treat visitors like family and know how to make every moment feel like a celebration.
This joy for life is never more visible than during San Mateo, the harvest festival held in Logroño each September. Starting 20 September (the day after our wedding!), for a week, the city bursts into colour with parades, concerts, traditional dances and wine flowing freely in the streets.
Grapes are pressed in el Espolón, and music fills every corner as locals and visitors celebrate side by side. You can also take part in numerous activities such as concerts, tastings, and bullfights.
Visit a bodega and learn how Rioja is made.
Eat 5 different pinchos at Calle Laurel.
Our favourite Pinchos are Champis and Torreznos!
Visit the old town & stroll the streets of La Rioja's capital
Join the start of the "San Mateo" harvest festival.
Don't forget to wear white and one item of red!