Haro is, without question, the wine capital of Rioja. A small city on the banks of the Ebro river where a density of century-old wineries is concentrated that has no rival in Spain —or probably in all of Europe. Its famous Barrio de la Estación (Station Quarter), declared a Site of Cultural Interest, gathers more historic wineries per square metre within just a few streets than any other place in the world.
If you stay at Casa Rural Río Tirón, you are just a 20-minute drive from this wine lover’s paradise. We have selected the 10 essential wineries —8 in Haro and 2 nearby that you cannot miss— with all the practical information to plan your perfect visit.
“Wine is the only art you can drink.”
1. Bodegas Muga
Founded in 1932, Bodegas Muga represents the essence of artisanal winemaking in Rioja. It is one of the few wineries in the world that keeps a master cooper on staff and makes its own oak vats. Every wine passes through barrel —you will not find a single stainless steel tank here.
The tour takes you through the cooperage facilities, the fermentation hall with French and American oak vats, and the impressive underground galleries where their wines age. The tasting usually includes the Muga Crianza, the Muga Reserva and, with luck, the Prado Enea or the Torre Muga.
2. CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)
Founded in 1879, CVNE (pronounced “coo-nay” by locals) is one of the grand dames of the Barrio de la Estación. Its century-old red brick building is already an architectural icon of Haro. Under its Imperial and Viña Real labels, it produces some of the most awarded Reservas and Gran Reservas in the entire denomination.
The guided tour takes you through the impressive barrel hall —one of the most photogenic in La Rioja— and the historic cellar where bottles from the late 19th century are still preserved. The tasting usually includes the CVNE Crianza, the Monopole white and an Imperial Reserva. If you can, book the premium experience that includes tasting directly from the barrel.
3. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
If you could only visit one winery in all of La Rioja, many connoisseurs would tell you to make it this one. Founded in 1877, López de Heredia is the oldest winery in Haro and probably the one that best preserves the essence of classic Rioja winemaking. Here, wines age for years —sometimes decades— in their underground cellars before being released to market.
The contrast between the historic winery and the spectacular shop-pavilion designed by Zaha Hadid (a futuristic glass and steel cantilever) is an experience in itself. The Viña Tondonia, Viña Bosconia and Viña Cubillo wines are living legends of classic Rioja.
4. La Rioja Alta S.A.
Another giant among the greats of the Barrio de la Estación. Founded in 1890 by Riojan and Basque wine-growing families, La Rioja Alta S.A. is synonymous with elegance and consistency. Its wines Viña Ardanza, Reserva 904 and Gran Reserva 890 are absolute benchmarks of classic Rioja, with vintages sought after like treasures at the world’s finest auctions.
A visit to this winery impresses with the scale of its facilities and the sheer number of barrels at rest. The main hall, with thousands of perfectly aligned barrels, conveys an almost cathedral-like feeling. The tasting usually includes the Viña Alberdi and Viña Ardanza at minimum.
5. Bodegas Roda
If the previous four represent centuries of tradition, Roda is the modern and sophisticated face of Haro wine. Founded in 1987, this winery focuses on selected plots of old vines and meticulous winemaking. The result is wines of concentrated and elegant expression that have won over international critics.
Its winery, situated beside the river Ebro with privileged views of the mountains, combines contemporary architecture with oenological functionality. Cirsion, its single-vineyard wine, is considered one of the best wines in Spain. The tour includes a tasting on a terrace with spectacular views.
6. Bodegas Bilbaínas
Founded in 1901 by entrepreneurs from Bilbao, this winery occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in the Barrio de la Estación. Its Art Nouveau façade is an architectural gem worth visiting for its exterior alone. Inside, the historic cellars preserve the atmosphere of the early 20th century intact.
Its best-known label is Viña Pomal, a classic that has graced Spanish tables for decades. The visit is less crowded than at other wineries in the quarter, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more peaceful and intimate experience.
7. Gómez Cruzado
Gómez Cruzado is the hidden gem of the Barrio de la Estación. Small, family-run and with a winemaking philosophy based on old vines and minimal intervention. Founded in 1886, it experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s that has made it one of the favourite wineries among connoisseurs.
What makes it special is the exceptional quality-to-price ratio of its wines and the personal attention you receive during the visit. Here there are no large groups or overcrowded tours: visits are usually with the winery’s own team, allowing you to ask questions, learn and truly enjoy the experience. The Honorable and the Pancrudo are two wines that are absolutely worth trying.
8. Bodegas Ramón Bilbao
Founded in 1924, Ramón Bilbao holds a special place in the Barrio de la Estación. Following a major renovation, the winery now combines tradition and modernity with facilities that include its own restaurant and spaces for gastronomic experiences. It is one of the most internationally recognised Rioja brands.
The visit stands out for its dynamic and educational approach, ideal for those new to the world of wine. They offer different experiences ranging from the classic tour to tasting and food-pairing workshops. Their Reserva Original and the Ramón Bilbao Limited Edition are wines that surprise with their accessibility and complexity.
9. Vivanco — Museum of Wine Culture (Briones)
Although technically not in Haro but in Briones (10 minutes from Haro), Vivanco is an absolutely essential visit. Its Museum of Wine Culture is considered among the 50 best museums in the world according to several international rankings, and is undoubtedly the finest wine museum in Spain.
The museum traces 8,000 years of wine history through an extraordinary collection: from Roman sarcophagi to works by Picasso and Sorolla related to the world of wine. After the museum, the winery tour and tasting on its panoramic terrace with views of the Sierra de Cantabria complete a perfectly rounded experience. Set aside at least half a day for this visit.
10. Marqués de Riscal — City of Wine (Elciego)
We close the list with a winery that is not in Haro but in Elciego (Rioja Alavesa), yet one that no wine lover can afford to miss. Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858, is the oldest winery in La Rioja. But what has turned it into an iconic global destination is the spectacular hotel designed by Frank Gehry: a sculpture of titanium, steel and glass that shimmers among the vineyards like a living work of art.
The tour takes you through the historic winery —where the “cathedral”, an enormous cellar with bottles from every vintage since 1862, is still preserved— and ends with a premium tasting. If the budget allows, dining at the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1 Michelin star) or even staying overnight is a unique experience. The drive from Casa Rural Río Tirón is a beautiful route through vineyards.
How to plan your visit to the wineries of Haro
The best time to visit
The wineries of Haro can be visited all year round, but there are particularly interesting times:
- September–October (harvest): The most exciting time. You will be able to see the grape picking, the bustle in the wineries and, with luck, take part in harvest activities. Book well in advance.
- Spring (April–June): Ideal temperatures for strolling among vineyards. The vines are green and the terraces of Haro at their best. Less crowded than summer.
- Winter (November–March): The quietest time. Fewer tourists, more personalised attention and the perfect excuse to enjoy the fireplace in the txoko when you return home.
- 29 June: The Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle), a festival of International Tourist Interest. Thousands of people gather on the cliffs of Bilibio to drench each other in wine. Incredibly fun madness.
How to book
Most wineries require advance booking, especially during peak season (April–October and bank holidays). Our tips:
- Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead for popular wineries like López de Heredia or Marqués de Riscal.
- Check the winery websites to book online. Many now have direct booking systems.
- If travelling in a large group, give advance notice: some wineries limit visits to 10–15 people per tour.
- Weekends and public holidays fill up first. If you can, visit on a weekday.
Recommended itinerary: a perfect day of wine tourism
This is our favourite itinerary for a full day of winery visits, tried and tested with our own guests:
- 10:00 – Winery 1: Start with a historic winery in the Barrio de la Estación (Muga, CVNE or López de Heredia).
- 11:30 – Winery 2: Take advantage of the proximity to visit another in the quarter (La Rioja Alta, Gómez Cruzado or Bilbaínas).
- 13:30 – Lunch in Haro: The old town of Haro is full of excellent bars and restaurants. Calle de la Herradura is ideal for tapas hopping. For a more leisurely lunch, try Terete (legendary roast lamb) or Beethoven.
- 16:30 – Winery 3: In the afternoon, a more relaxed visit. Roda for its terrace with views or Ramón Bilbao for its educational approach.
- 18:30 – Back home: 20 minutes back to Casa Rural Río Tirón to rest, light the fireplace in the txoko and share the bottles you will have bought.
“Our guests always return from Haro loaded with bottles, stories and an eagerness to go back the next day.”
Transport tips
- Designated driver: If travelling as a group (up to 14 people in our house), organise so that at least one person does not taste. The roads of La Rioja are beautiful but must be driven responsibly.
- Taxi or private hire: There are taxi services from Haro that know the winery routes well. Some offer a full-day route service.
- Organised tours: Several companies offer minibus tours with pick-up in Haro. Ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
- By car from Tormantos: 20 minutes via the LR-111 and the N-232. A comfortable road with vineyard views. At the house there is parking space for several cars with no problem.