Oil and wine, two of Rioja Alavesa’s treasures

Harvest in the Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour
Harvest in the Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour

Among the vineyards that characterise Rioja Alavesa, we can find one of the great unknowns of the region: olive trees and olive oil. A perfect two-day plan to discover two of the region's treasures: olive oil and wine.

On the first day, we will spend getting to know the big brother of life in Rioja Alavesa: the olive tree. For centuries, more or less rooted, the olive tree has offered us its beautiful fruit and its rich juice, known as liquid gold.

We will visit Lanciego, a village of just over 660 inhabitants, where we will contrast modernity and tradition in one of its olive presses and immerse ourselves in the history of the olive tree in Rioja Alavesa. Learn about the evolution of the olive tree and the different ways of transforming it into oil and enjoy the lively flavour of Arróniz olive oil. There are also olive presses that can be visited in the towns of Barriobusto, Moreda and Oyón.

Olive grove in Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour
Olive grove in Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour

We recommend that you spend part of your first day visiting the streets of Moreda de Álava, as you are sure to be surprised by this town full of emblazoned houses and the remains of its ancient wall. Be sure to visit the parish church of Santa María, with its outstanding Baroque altarpiece and paintings. Very close to Moreda, you can find Labraza, a spectacular medieval village that conserves intact its wall and its charming medieval layout.

Heredad de Ugarte Winery. Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour
Heredad de Ugarte Winery. Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour

The plan for the second day, day 2, will focus on discovering the wine and gastronomy of this region. You can't miss a visit to one of the many wineries in Rioja Alavesa. There are endless options to choose from. We recommend that you visit two contrasting wineries.

One is older or family-run, and the other is more modern and innovative. If you get lost with so much on offer, we recommend that you contact one of the agencies and specialised companies in Rioja Alavesa, who will be delighted to design your route and advise you. And there's nothing like pairing wine with the region's delicious gastronomy. You can eat at one of the wineries that offer meals or opt for one of the many restaurants in the area.

In Rioja Alavesa you will find everything from the most traditional cuisine to the most innovative culinary proposals. Be sure to try the Rioja-style potatoes, the pochas (beans) and the famous chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb cutlets with vine shoots).

Vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour
Vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. ©BasqueTour

www.tourism.euskadi.eus

Service companies that you can hire:

Visits to wineries - www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com

Activities in the vineyard - www.cazaventuras.com

Activities in vineyards and Oleatourism - www.erroiz.eus

Where to stay          Where to eat

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