What to see in Haro, the capital of the Rioja wine region
If you are looking for a plan to enjoy wine tourism, don’t miss the city of Haro. Known for its cultural wealth, the town stands out for its great artistic heritage and its historic quarter, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. In addition, what makes this land famous is the number of wineries and vineyards in the area. Haro is known as the capital of Rioja and there you can find an infinite number of plans to visit wineries in Haro.
Due to the phylloxera plague in 19th century France, a disease caused by an insect that sucked the sap from the wine crops, many winemakers had to abandon their vineyards and find new areas to exploit. Haro was one of the towns where they settled, and today it is one of the most important wine tourism spots in the wine culture.
The city, offering experiences for all ages, attracts up to 50,000 tourists a year. Visits to wineries, tastings and samplings to learn more about the history and production process of Rioja wines. If you are interested in getting to know a winery from the inside, don’t hesitate to visit Bodegas Bilbaínas, a century-old building with one of the largest areas of underground cellars in La Rioja. In 1925, its wine became part of the Rioja Designation of Origin and was awarded the title of Supplier to the Royal Household.
Whether you are wine lovers or not, Haro is always a good option for a different kind of day out. In addition to its great wine tourism offer, you can also visit the Plaza de la Paz and start a nice walk through the city centre. The most outstanding building in this location is the Town Hall, built in the 18th century in neoclassical style. Apart from the coat of arms and the Baroque clock, the most striking feature is its decoration with old wooden barrels, indicating that we are in the land of wine.
The city also has several museums where you can delve into the culture of La Rioja and learn a little more about its history. You can visit the Torreón Museum, whose building forms part of the old walls of Haro and is dedicated to contemporary art, or stroll around its open-air museum: sculptures that can be found around the city and which pay homage to the ancient trades of the inhabitants of Haro.
And what would wine be without gastronomy? If you get hungry, you don’t have far to go. We suggest a route of pinchos and tapas in the area of La Herradura, the best place to pair good wines with local culinary products. This classic tapas area covers several streets in the city centre, reminiscent of the famous Calle Laurel in the capital of La Rioja, and is one of the areas with the most essence and atmosphere in the town. Haro has everything you need to end your wine tourism getaway on a high note.
