The entire region is known for its high quality food and wine. Basque cuisine, which also greatly influences the culinary traditions of Rioja, is known for its high quality, simple preparation and use of fresh, local ingredients. The Basque Country region, located between Spain and France, has one of the world's most renowned food cultures, especially in cities such as San Sebastián and Bilbao.

Characteristics of Basque cuisine

1. Focus on fresh ingredients – fish, seafood, meat, cheese and vegetables.

2. Simple but tasty dishes – the food is prepared with few but good ingredients.

3. Strong tradition of pintxos – small mouthfuls served on bread or skewers, similar to tapas.

4. World-renowned gastronomy – more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else.

5. Influence from both Spanish and French culinary traditions – but with a distinctive Basque twist.

The quality of the wine produced in the region is second to none when it comes to the food. We will therefore experience and learn about food & wine in combination. Local food culture combined with the finest local wines. This is both educational and exciting. This is also one of Spain's richest regions, both economically and not least in terms of wine and food.

Both the Basque Country and La Rioja have a rich cultural heritage characterized by history, modern art, architecture, gastronomy and wine production. These regions, located in the north of Spain, have strong traditions combined with a modern approach to art and culture.

The Basque Country combines avant-garde and tradition. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, is an icon of modern art, while the Chillida Leku Museum showcases Basque sculpture. San Sebastián is known for its international film festival and cultural venues such as Tabakalera. Folk traditions include Basque dance, sports and festivals such as Semana Grande.

La Rioja is known for its wine and history. The region has spectacular vineyards with architecture by Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry. The Vivanco Museum in Briones unites wine and art. Historic sites such as the monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla (UNESCO) and Santo Domingo de la Calzada showcase the region's medieval heritage. Festivals such as Batalla del Vino and San Mateo celebrate La Rioja's strong wine traditions.

Common to both regions is rich folk culture, strong gastronomic traditions and historical importance along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Rødviner

Rødviner fra Rioja

    •    Tempranillo (struktur og eleganse)

    •    Garnacha (gir fylde og fruktighet)

    •    Graciano (gir aroma og syre)

    •    Mazuelo (Carignan, tanniner og syre)

    •    Maturana Tinta (lokal variant)

 

Klassifisering av rødvin (basert på lagringstid):

    1.    Joven (lite fatlagring, fruktige og unge)

    2.    Crianza (minst 2 år lagring, hvorav minst 1 år på eikefat. Har balansert frukt og eikepreg)

    3.    Reserva (minst 3 år lagring - minst 1 år på eikefat - så på flaske. Kompleks og moden)

    4.    Gran Reserva (minst 5 år lagring, minst 2 år på eikefat og 3 år på flaske. Ekstraordinær kompleksitet og lagringsdyktighet)

 

Hvitviner fra Rioja

   1. Viura (Macabeo): Gir friskhet og syre.

    2. Garnacha Blanca: Gir fylde.

    3. Malvasía og Tempranillo Blanco

Stil:

    •    Friske og lette hvitviner uten fatlagring.

    •    Mer komplekse, fyldige viner, fatlagring.

 

Roséviner fra Rioja

    •    Garnacha og Tempranillo er hoveddruene, ofte blandet med Mazuelo.

We organize vineyard visits with wine tasting and lunch. We like to go by bike where the farms are close together. It is a great way to see the beautiful landscape and share an experience between vineyard visitors.

We are sommeliers (wine experts) and personally know many of the farms in the area after many group tours in the district. The pleasant town of Haro or the exciting old town of Logroño can be a nice base, but often it can be great to spend the night together at a winery. There are countless possibilities here. There are wine festivals, food festivals and many other exciting events in the region. We can arrange cooking classes, blind tastings, master classes, grape pressing, and participate in the harvest to name a few examples.

We can also take excursions to Bilbao and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, San Sebastian with all the Michelin restaurants and film festival or to historic Pamplona which is today best known for the running of the bulls (San Fermín). Rioja is rich in monasteries and vineyards, but also has several festivals such as the Batalla del Vino in Haro.

What the Basque Country and La Rioja have in common is rich history, modern art and a strong food and wine culture, making the region a perfect destination for both art and food lovers.

A trip to La Rioja offers an unforgettable experience amidst rolling vineyards, historic wineries and exquisite wines. Known as Spain's wine paradise, the region has over 500 wineries (bodegas) offering tours, tastings and insight into the art of winemaking.

Highlights include the Marqués de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Bodega Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava, which combines wine and modern architecture. The Vivanco Museum in Briones offers a deep insight into the history and culture of wine.

Visit the vineyards of La Rioja during the autumn harvest, when the landscape glows in red and gold, or experience the lively Batalla del Vino festival in Haro. Whatever the season, a trip through the vineyards of La Rioja is a tasty journey of tradition and pleasure.