Well, I’m back again, because it’s time to bring you another episode of Rioja Paired, my new 4-part docu series about one of Spain’s most famous wine regions, Rioja. I am actually most excited about this episode, where we move from my roots in Alabama and my home in San Sebastián to the Rioja Wine Regions, starting with Rioja Alta.

If you don’t know, Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Each area contributes distinct characteristics to the wines produced there, thanks to differences in geography, climate, and soil. Episode 2 is focused on Rioja Alta, which is where a lot of the power and is centered in this region, thanks in part to a spot we visit in the episode, the Barrio de la Estación in Haro. This is where the train picked up wine to distribute throughout Europe and Spain, connecting this wine region with the rest of the world.

Join me in this episode, as I start by diving into the vibrant energy of Calle Laurel in Logroño, where I’ll introduce you to pintxos (mushrooms, anyone?) paired with young, fruity Rioja reds. Then, we’ll explore Haro’s legendary wine bars and vineyards, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly.

In this episode, we also pop in to one of my favorite Rioja restaurants, Michelin-starred Nublo, where we have the most AMAZING wine pairing with some seriously avant garde cooking. One of the highlights of the trip, and something that was totally new to me, is visiting the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso with the head of Rioja DOCa, José Luis Lapuente, where we explore the historical roots of the Spanish language. Finally, I cap it all off with a sunrise wine tasting from a hot air balloon—a truly magical moment that actually had me quaking in my early morning espadrilles in the heart of Rioja’s vineyards. And of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by Vivanco, widely considered the best wine art museum in the world!

In this blog, we'll dive deep into Rioja Alta, known for producing some of the finest, most age-worthy wines in the region, and explore what makes it so special.

What is Rioja Alta?

Rioja Alta is situated in the western part of the Rioja wine region, at higher elevations (hence the name "Alta," meaning high). This sub-region enjoys a mix of Atlantic and continental climates, with cool nights and warm days, creating ideal conditions for slow grape maturation. The result is elegant wines with balanced acidity, fine tannins, and a great capacity for aging.

Grape Varieties: The primary grape in Rioja Alta is Tempranillo, which thrives in the area's climate and soil. Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo are often blended with Tempranillo to add complexity.

What Makes Rioja Alta Wines Special?

Rioja Alta wines tend to be more structured and refined than those from the warmer Rioja Oriental region. They often exhibit notes of red fruits, herbs, and spices, with a pronounced minerality. These wines, especially when aged in oak barrels, develop rich layers of flavor over time, making them perfect for cellaring.

Rioja Alta is renowned for producing some of the best Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, which undergo lengthy aging processes, both in oak barrels and in the bottle, before being released.

Must-Visit Places in Rioja Alta

Here are some spots we visit in the documentary that should definitely be on your list when you visit Rioja Alta.

1. Barrio de la Estación (Haro)

Haro is the wine capital of Rioja Alta, and its Barrio de la Estación is home to some of Spain's oldest and most prestigious wineries, including Bodegas Muga, La Rioja Alta, S.A., and CVNE. This area offers a unique experience where visitors can tour multiple wineries within walking distance, sampling some of the best wines in Spain.

Wine enthusiasts should visit during the Haro Wine Festival in June, where locals and tourists alike participate in wine battles and celebrations. So fun!

2. Monasteries of Yuso and Suso

Beyond wine, Rioja Alta is also rich in history. Visit the Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Suso is the older of the two, dating back to the 6th century, while Yuso was built in the 11th century. For the doc we got to go up to Suso, which was absolutely incredible—caves where monks hid out, transcribing and being totally isolated. These monasteries are not only religious landmarks but are also considered the birthplace of the Spanish language.

3. Logroño

While not technically in Rioja Alta, Logroño is the region's capital and an essential stop for food and wine lovers. This city needs its very own post, but be sure not to miss the city's famous Calle Laurel. This hub of pintxo bar is heaven, with each bar serving signature small plates paired with local wines. Spend a day wandering the old town and sampling pintxos and Rioja wines at every stop.

Wine Tasting and Tours in Rioja Alta

If you're planning a trip to Rioja Alta, many wineries offer guided tours and tastings, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste different wine styles.

• Bodegas Muga offers a comprehensive tour of its facilities, including a visit to the cooperage where they make their barrels.

• Bodegas Roda focuses on producing elegant, modern wines and offers tastings with stunning views of the Ebro River.

• Vivanco has an incredible wine museum, which I had also, somehow, never visited.

• CVNE is fab to visit—the facilities are gorgeous, historic, and easy to get to and from.

I freaking love Rioja Alta. After 15 years of visiting, I’m still discovering new things about it!

Streaming now on RiojaPaired.com 🍷🍇🍷

Whether you’re already a fan of Rioja wines or just curious to learn more, Rioja Paired is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Spain’s most enchanting wine region. Tune in now to start your journey!