Haro Wine Festival, La Rioja

Wine barrels in Haro, La Rioja, Spain (source)

Are you an adult who loves wine, and is also in possession of an adventurous spirit? Then this summer, you really should go to Haro in Spain for an unforgettable experience!

Every year, the province of La Rioja holds the Haro Wine Festival between 28 and 30 June. On the 29th (Saint Peter's Day, or El dia de San Pedro), there's the Haro Wine Fight (Batalla del Vino, or San Vino), so that should give you a clue as to how rambunctious this event can be.

If this has piqued your interest - and if you've read this far, we assume it has - then let's inform you further. This blog will tell you all about the Haro Wine Festival and how it's a fabulous experience for free-spirited wine lovers…

The Haro Wine Festival was declared a 'Festival of Tourist Interest' in 1965, and has received many other honours since then. However, the festival has roots that stretch further into history.

Legend says that the festival was originally a territorial dispute back in the 13th century. The community of Haro clashed with their neighbours in Miranda de Ebro. In 1237, to distinctly mark the town lines, a judge told Haro residents to use purple banners on Saint Peter's Day. The residents had to march to the Riscos de Bilibio.

Somehow, as the years went by, people would start throwing wine at one another. Haro is famous for its red Rioja wine, after all. Thus, the Haro Wine Festival was born!

The Haro Wine Festival spans 3 days, so there's plenty to do while in La Rioja. To ensure you don't miss anything interesting, let's go over what happens each day.

27 June: Morning

If you're bringing your little ones, then arrive in La Rioja a few days early. In 2004, La Rioja introduced a children's wine fight, which is a more toned-down version of the main event.

On the morning of the 27th, make your way to the Plaza de la Paz. You can't miss it, as it's the main square.

Between 10am and 11am, the kids will make an offering to Saint Peter. Then, they'll toss grape juice or dyed water at one another for the wine battle.

Once things have calmed down, the children have a lunch of chocolate and biscuits. They'll also see bullfighting in the bullring. Don't worry: they use heifers for the event and no animals are killed.

28 June: Night

The night before the wine battle, head to the bustling Plaza de la Paz. Expect the plaza to start getting busy around 10pm, as people will head out for some food.

You can stay as long as you want, enjoying the music and dancing, as well as the amazing atmosphere with other visitors. Enthusiastic revellers will stay until sunrise even!

29 June: Morning

To fit in with the locals, dress in white for the Haro Wine Festival. Consider adding goggles, diving masks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes (not flip-flops) for protection. Around 7am, you'll want to head up the mountain.

You can either walk the entire way or take the complimentary buses. If you opt for the latter, then go early to avoid long queues. If you've hired a car, you can drive yourself up. But you should leave early too, as the traffic gets bad and the parking lots fill up quickly.

Make sure you bring your own wine! Even though this is a wine festival, there won't be any for sale, so stock up beforehand. Entrance is free though.

At around 8:30 or 9am, Haro's mayor (Sindico Regidor) will lead a horseback procession to the Chapel of San Felices de Bilibio. Upon reaching the chapel, they'll put a banner on the highest rock, and a traditional Catholic mass is celebrated.

Then, a rocket's fired, and the wine battle officially begins! This is where everyone lets loose, throwing wine and squirting water guns at one another.

You can expect the fight to completely end around 10:30. Everyone will go back to town to get cleaned up.

29 June: Afternoon and Night

Go back to the Plaza de la Paz to have lunch. Usually, they'll serve pork chops, snails, and vine shoots.

Afterwards, they'll release wild cattle into the bullrings for thrilling bullfights. There are also numerous DJs and live bands playing, meaning there won't be a lack of parties.

30 June: Morning

With most of the action now over, it's time to rest up. Once you're ready, you can either explore the local area or head home.

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Where you should stay will depend on what your plans are.

If the sole purpose of your holiday is to see the Haro Wine Festival first-hand, then book a room at Eurostars Los Agustinos. Not only is the hotel in a quaint 14th-century convent, but it places you in the city centre too. Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

You can also go camping at Camping de Haro. The campsite is only 1 km away from Haro's old town, and you'll get in touch with nature during your time there.

Otherwise, if you want to explore La Rioja, we'd suggest staying in Tirgo at Hotel Solar de Febrer. You'll sleep in a stunning restored country mansion that's surrounded by gorgeous gardens, and you'll be only a few steps from the River Tiron. There's free on-site parking, making this hotel a fantastic base while you see the various sites in La Rioja.

If you've hired a car at Bilbao Airport, then it won't be difficult to get to Haro. Simply get on the Bo. Gaztañaga/N-633, which continues on to Ctra. a Mungia/BI-631. Continue on BI-631 to Bilbo, follow AP-68 to Miranda de Ebro Errepidea, take exit 8, and take N-124 to C. de la Vega in Haro.

As for public transport, you have 2 options: train or coach. You can take a train from larger Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian. Again, book your ticket early to avoid disappointment. If you want to take the coach instead, there are many pickup points from cities such as Bilbao, Logrono, Madrid, Santander, Vitoria, and Burgos.

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