Haro - The Capital of Rioja Country

So the Rioja story for me starts here.

More specifically here, Bar Mala Vida in the square above

.......... and the wine Rioja Bikana by producer Alta.

This is my favourite so far, smooth and fruity with a soft finish. I bought a pair in the vintners next door at $12.95

You may have guessed I've tried a few, all very nice, but Bikana is so smooooth.

There are several large Bodegas in the town; Muga, Alto, Roda Cvne, each has a wine bar attached. I visited Alto and found it very 'special', I had a look at the Muga website which had the same feel. I tried to book a tour but found they only entertain couples or parties. I feel I should look elsewhere.

Sunday - I took the van into Haro to go shopping but lo, it's Sunday, so I went to the square to taste the refreeshments. I'd found a parking space above the church - parking, a nightmare in Spain, there are never any free spaces, cars everywhere, but few on the roads.

Surrounded by maountains it rains a lot here as you can see. Mostly the thunder rumbles, the clouds close in and the rain comes, but it clears quickly.

On the way down to the square I passed some popular bars selling tapas and couldn't resist. I'd noticed rioja (red/white) was served from ice on the bar. Alternately there is a cabinet or fridge for a more discerning taste. Used to drinking plonk at home I've taken to asking for the best they serve, don't be alarmed, they charge $3 for uno vaso de vino, or $1:50 if you are not particular.

Returning to 'Camp Rioja' I take the bike for a spin. Having explored left out of the site I'd heard there was a Bodegas in the village to the right, so that's where I went. I spotted the sign but was unable to find the Bodegas. The town was diserted, I mean there was nobody about and no cars on the road, moving cars that is, like a ghost town. Nearing the centre two bars by the church were open. Has Spain replaced the church with bars? You could think that, but in Haro the church emptied into the bars, some synergy there!

These are the wines consumed at Castanares where I failed to find the Bodegas but fell into the bars by the church.

The Rioja is surrounded by mountains and with north westerlies off the Atlantic it's wet. When it rains it is intense, but thankfully short lived. The thunder grumbles away, the sky darkens and the deluge begins, but not for long, although it has rained every day so far!