Complete guide to the Batalla del Vino of Haro 2026

What is the Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle) of Haro?

Every 29 June, the feast day of San Pedro, the small city of Haro becomes the stage for one of the most unique, outrageous and fun festivals in all of Spain: the Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle). Thousands of people dressed in white march in procession up to the Riscos de Bilibio, the cliffs that tower above Haro, to drench each other with thousands of litres of red wine. Yes, you read that right: Rioja red wine hurled from leather wine skins, buckets, water pistols, garden sprayers and any imaginable container.

The result is a surreal spectacle: a mountainside stained purple, thousands of drenched people laughing under the June sun, and a festival that has no equivalent anywhere else in the world. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2011, the Batalla del Vino draws visitors from across Europe and the Americas every year who come specifically to live this unique experience.

“The Batalla del Vino is the most generous festival in the world: here nobody drinks the wine — they give it away to the person next to them.”

If you stay at Casa Rural Río Tirón in Tormantos, you are just 20 minutes from Haro. It is the perfect base to experience the Batalla del Vino without the hassle: you arrive well-rested, enjoy the festival, and when you return you have the entire house to recover with your group of friends. In this guide, we tell you absolutely everything you need to know to enjoy the Batalla del Vino of Haro 2026.

History of the Batalla del Vino

The origins of the Batalla del Vino trace back to an ancient territorial dispute between the towns of Haro and Miranda de Ebro over the boundaries of their municipal lands in the area of the Riscos de Bilibio. For centuries, both towns claimed jurisdiction over these rocky crags that rise above the Ebro valley, where the hermitage of San Felices stands — a 6th-century hermit saint who lived in the caves of these cliffs and was the teacher of San Millán de la Cogolla.

Every year, on the feast of San Pedro, the townspeople of Haro would march in procession up to the hermitage to reaffirm their right over the territory. What began as a solemn act — mass, prayers and boundary markers — gradually transformed over the centuries into an increasingly festive celebration. Historical documents from the 18th century already mention that those attending the pilgrimage brought abundant wine and food, and that the day ended amid toasts, songs and a certain revelry.

The transition from religious pilgrimage to all-out wine battle was gradual. It is believed that at some point — nobody knows exactly when — the custom of toasting and splashing neighbours with wine became the central act of the festival. What is documented is that by the mid 20th century the battle had already taken its current form: crowds dressed in white hurling wine without mercy after mass at the hermitage.

In 2011, the Spanish Government officially declared it a Festival of National Tourist Interest, a recognition that has multiplied its international fame. Today, the Batalla del Vino of Haro is one of the most photographed and shared festivals in Spain, and regularly appears on international lists of unmissable festivals.

Date and schedule of the Batalla del Vino 2026

The Batalla del Vino is always held on 29 June, the feast of San Pedro, regardless of the day of the week. In 2026, 29 June falls on a Sunday, which means a perfect long weekend for a getaway. The Battle is part of the Fiestas de San Juan, San Felices and San Pedro in Haro, which run throughout the last week of June.

Here is the detailed programme for the day:

How to prepare for the Batalla del Vino

The Batalla del Vino is not a festival you can improvise. Preparation makes the difference between having a great time and having a mediocre one. Here is our tried-and-tested equipment guide, based on years of experience.

What to wear

What to bring (and what not to)

How to get to the Batalla del Vino

From Casa Rural Río Tirón (Tormantos)

If you are staying with us, you are in a privileged position. Just 20 minutes by car via the LR-111 and the N-232, a comfortable road that crosses vineyards with views of the Sierra de Cantabria. But be warned: on the day of the Battle, Haro comes to a standstill.

• Park before 6:00 in the morning. This is no exaggeration. After 6:30 it is already difficult to find a space. Centre car parks fill up first; look for parking in the outskirts, industrial areas or along the access road.
• Group coordination: our house sleeps up to 14 people. Coordinate the night before: a shared alarm, a quick breakfast and everyone out the door together at 5:30–5:45.
• Designated driver: if you plan to drink during the battle (it is inevitable), organise driving shifts or consider a taxi.

From Logroño

Logroño is about 45 minutes from Haro via the AP-68. On the day of the Battle there are special bus services departing from Logroño station early in the morning and returning in the afternoon. This is a convenient option if you do not want to worry about parking or the drive back.

Public transport

Haro has a railway station (Renfe, Miranda de Ebro – Logroño line) and an intercity bus stop. During the festival there are usually additional services, but it is wise to check timetables in advance. Bear in mind that afternoon return trains can be packed.

Practical tips to make the most of it

After many years of watching guests head off to the Batalla del Vino, these are the tips we always share with them:

1. Arrive early, very early. The build-up to the battle — the nocturnal climb with torches, the brass bands, the dawn over the vineyards — is almost as good as the battle itself. Many groups go up the night before and camp in the area. If you prefer to sleep comfortably at the rural house, get up early: leave by 5:30 at the latest.
2. Leave valuables at the rural house. Wallet with the bare minimum (some cash and ID in a waterproof pouch). Car keys in a zipped pocket. Nothing else.
3. Bring enough food and water. There are no food stalls at the Riscos (just the occasional drinks stand). The morning is long: from 7:00 until at least 12:00. In the sun, heat and with physical effort, you need to stay well hydrated.
4. Use a waterproof phone case. You will want to take photos — it is inevitable. Submersible pouch-type cases are cheap and save your phone. Buy them beforehand — they sell out in Haro on the day of the battle.
5. Prepare for the journey back. Leave a full change of clean clothes and a towel in the car. After the battle you will be drenched in wine from head to toe. Some people bring flip-flops for the walk back to rest their feet.
6. Book accommodation well in advance. Haro fills up completely during the San Pedro festivals. Hotels and accommodation in town are booked months ahead. Staying 20 minutes away at Casa Rural Río Tirón is the perfect alternative: availability, peace and quiet, and space for a large group.
7. Go with a group. The Batalla del Vino is much more enjoyable with a group. It is one of those experiences you remember forever, and having your friends alongside you (and hurling wine at them) makes it infinitely better.
8. Respect and enjoy. Although it is a battle, the atmosphere is festive and peaceful. Do not throw wine at anyone who clearly does not want to participate (basically nobody, as everyone comes prepared). Do not bring glass containers. Pick up your litter. And above all: let yourself go.

What else to do in Haro that weekend

The Batalla del Vino is the star attraction, but Haro has much more to offer. If you come for the whole weekend (the ideal plan), here are ideas to fill the days:

Visit wineries

Haro is the wine capital of Rioja. Its Barrio de la Estación (Station Quarter) has more century-old wineries per square metre than anywhere else in the world. Muga, CVNE, López de Heredia, La Rioja Alta, Roda, Ramón Bilbao... We have written a complete guide to the 10 best wineries in Haro with prices, opening hours and tips. Book visits in advance as demand is very high during the festival week.

Go pintxo-hopping in the old town

The Herradura — the main street of the old town — and the surrounding streets are packed with exceptional pintxo bars. Grilled mushrooms at Bar Beethoven, croquetas almost everywhere, and a culture of tinto de verano with a tapa that will make you feel as if you have been coming to Haro your entire life. A crawl of 4–5 bars makes for a perfect lunch.

Stroll through the historic quarter

Haro has a beautiful and compact old town. The Plaza de la Paz (the epicentre of the festivities), the Church of Santo Tomás (Gothic, with a spectacular portal), the Renaissance palaces and the cobbled arcaded streets all deserve a leisurely stroll — perhaps the day before the battle, when you can still walk around without being stained purple.

A route through La Rioja Alta

If you have the whole weekend, take the opportunity to explore the region. Briones (one of the prettiest villages in Spain, home to the Vivanco Museum), San Vicente de la Sonsierra (castle with incredible views), and Labastida in the Rioja Alavesa are all less than 20 minutes from Haro. Check our wine tourism in La Rioja section for more ideas.

Why stay at Casa Rural Río Tirón for the Batalla del Vino

Haro is a small city and during the San Pedro festivals it fills to bursting. Hotels in the centre are booked months in advance, prices soar and the nighttime noise can make it impossible to rest. Staying at Casa Rural Río Tirón, in the peaceful village of Tormantos, offers advantages that make all the difference:

• Just 20 minutes from Haro: close enough to come and go without trouble, but far enough to sleep in peace.
• Space for groups of up to 14: the Batalla del Vino is a group experience. Our house has 6 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, perfect for a group of friends who want to enjoy the festival together.
• Txoko with fireplace to recover: after the battle, nothing beats coming back to the house, showering, and gathering in the txoko with fireplace to share the stories of the day. Fire up the barbecue, open some bottles bought at the wineries, and you have the perfect evening.
• Private bathroom in every room: after arriving drenched in wine, you will appreciate each couple or group having their own bathroom — no queuing.
• Parking space for several cars: no searching for a parking spot at 2 in the morning.
• Peace and quiet for resting: Tormantos is a quiet village where you can actually sleep. In the centre of Haro, with the peñas and the open-air dance, that is mission impossible.