La Rioja Wine Harvest Festival — the complete guide

The two must-know celebrations (short primer)

• San Mateo / Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (Logroño)—week-long celebrations in mid-to-late September centered on Logroño, with the offering of the first must to the Virgin of Valvanera, concerts, tapas routes and traditional grape-stomping. Typical timing: around Sept 20–26 (San Mateo).

• La Batalla del Vino (Haro / Battle of Wine)—a wild, famous wine fight held in Haro on June 29 (San Pedro). Participants douse each other with wine after a pilgrimage to the Cliffs of Bilibio; it’s high-energy, historically rooted and recognized as a festival of tourist interest.

History & traditions—what’s behind the party

La Vendimia (the grape harvest festival) is rooted in agrarian and religious rites: giving thanks for the new vintage, blessing the first must, and celebrating the labor of the harvest. Over time, these small rural rituals evolved into town and city festivities (processions, pilgrimages, and mass) and—especially in places like Logroño and Haro—into large public events with concerts, parades, and gastronomic fairs and, in Haro’s case, the iconic wine battle that mixes pilgrimage, mischief and local identity.

What to expect—featured events & program highlights

(Programs change year to year, but the recurring highlights are:)

Logroño – San Mateo & Vendimia (late September)

• Offering of the first must: ceremonial presentation of the year’s first grape juice to the patron saint, a symbolic blessing of the vintage.

• Grape-stomping demonstrations: traditional lagares (or communal vats) where people press grapes by foot.

• Tapas & wine routes: Calle Laurel and surrounding streets fill with tastings and special pairings; many wineries and restaurants run festival menus.

• Concerts, parades, fireworks & family events: a full municipal program spanning a week.

Haro – Batalla del Vino (June 29)

• Pilgrimage to the Cliffs of Bilibio: groups walk up for mass at the chapel; afterward begins the wine fight.

• La Batalla: participants armed with bottles, squirt pistols or buckets throw red wine freely—clothing will be ruined and stained purple.

• Parades & youth bullfights: traditional events before/after the battle, depending on the year.

Sample 3-day festival itinerary (Logroño–San Mateo week)

Day 1—Arrival & tapas crawl

• Morning: arrive and check into a centrally located hotel or guesthouse.

• Afternoon: relaxed walk through Old Town; preview wine bars on Calle Laurel.

• Evening: guided tapas and Rioja wine pairing (seek a local sommelier).

Day 2—Vendimia ceremonies & cultural program

• Morning: attend the offering of the first mass at Paseo del Espolón (if scheduled).

• Afternoon: winery open-door or short Rioja Alta/Alavesa wine route.

• Evening: concert in main square; sample festival street food.

Day 3—Workshops & sensory experiences

• Morning: grape-stomping demo or rural visit to a bodega.

• Afternoon: masterclass tasting (crianza vs reserva vs gran reserva).

• Evening: pick a favorite local bodega for dinner and sales of small-batch wines.

(If you plan Haro, arrive June 28–29 and expect early start times for the pilgrimage.)

Practical tips—travel, tickets, packing & safety

• Book accommodation early. Festival weeks and the Batalla draw big crowds; hotels and apartments fill fast.

• Dress for the event: for Haro’s wine fight, bring an outfit you don’t mind destroying (old white clothes are common); goggles and sealed plastic bags for valuables are wise. For Logroño’s Vendimia, casual festival wear and comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.

• Transport: trains and buses connect Logroño and Haro to larger cities (Bilbao, Vitoria, and Zaragoza). Consider arriving a day early to avoid crowds.

• Health & hygiene: if taking part in the wine fight, use potable/cellar wine (traditionally local wine is used); avoid drinking unknown liquids from strangers, and stay hydrated with water too.

• Respect traditions & locals: these are both spiritual and communal events—behave respectfully during masses, processions and in neighborhoods.

• Security & belongings: crowds mean pickpocketing is possible; keep passports, cards and phones secure. Local organizers often provide official info points.

Food, pairings & what to taste in Rioja during the festival

• Classic styles: try Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—note the aging differences. Pairings to look for: chorizo al vino, patatas a la riojana, lamb dishes, local cheeses and riojan peppers.

• Tapas trail: Calle Laurel is famous for bite-sized local specialties paired with local wines or 'calimocho' (wine with cola, popular with youth).

• Bodega experiences: many wineries open cellars for tours, tastings and pairing menus during Vendimia week—book in advance.

Sustainability & social impact

Modern festivals in La Rioja increasingly focus on sustainable practices: responsible waste management at events, promotion of local produce, and initiatives for dignified treatment of seasonal workers. During harvest time, local councils often run social programs (temporary accommodation, hygiene and support) for seasonal workers—an important social dimension to be aware of when visiting.

Accessibility & family friendliness

• Logroño’s festivities usually include family-friendly daytime events (music, parades, and children’s workshops). City centers are walkable but may be crowded.

• Haro’s Batalla is not family-oriented in the sense that it’s messy and intense; families with young children often avoid the wine fight itself and enjoy other festival events instead.

Responsible participation—etiquette checklist

• Don’t pour wine on people who object; festival culture is playful, but consent matters.

• Dispose of bottles and plastic properly; support organized recycling points.

• Be mindful at religious ceremonies—keep phones low and talk quietly.

• If you drink, plan transport—designate a sober companion or use official transport links.

FAQs

Q: When is the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival?

• Logroño’s San Mateo / Vendimia typically runs around Sept 20–26 (dates vary year to year).

Q: When is Haro’s Batalla del Vino?

• Every year on June 29 (San Pedro), with related festival days nearby.

Q: Can tourists take part in the Batalla del Vino?

• Yes—tourists often join, but expect crowds and ruined clothes; follow local guidance and safety rules.

Q: Is the festival family-friendly?

• Logroño’s Vendimia has many family-oriented events. Haro’s Batalla is rowdy and best for adults or older teens.

Q: How do I book winery visits?

• Many bodegas require advance booking during Vendimia week; check winery websites or local tourist offices for schedules.

• Confirm specific festival dates on official municipal or tourism pages before booking.

• Pack a festival survival kit: comfortable shoes, a rain layer (September can be changeable), phone-protecting zip bags, and a small towel.

• Respect local culture and have fun—La Rioja’s harvest festivals are a living expression of wine culture: sensory, communal and unforgettable.

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