Casa Primicia Wineries in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa
One of the great attractions of a wine tourism trip through Rioja Alavesa is the possibility of accessing the openwork.
But, What are the openwork? These are caves that undermine the ground of some of the medieval villages from this region of the south of Basque Country, how cute with The Rioja, and that have traditionally been used to house wine cellars.
Actually the openwork they were not opened for that purpose, but their origin is in medieval times, when the inhabitants of these fortified villages located on border lands sought protection from numerous attacks.
The result was that people like, for example, The guard They are so pierced by caves, that its walled historic center has always been closed to vehicle traffic due to the danger of sinking on the road.
Casa Primicia Wineries in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa
Specifically, in Laguardia it is considered that there are more than 300 caves or tunnels that join them, which for a long time were used as wineries where wine was made.
Now in your Laguardia visit, you can see Casa Primicia Wineries, considered the oldest winery in Rioja Alavesa, which also occupies the oldest civil building in this medieval town.
Between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries it was a palace, but later it became a place where the church collected tithes and firstfruits. Many centuries later, in 1973, the building, very damaged, was acquired by Julian Madrid, a winemaker from Laguardia who completely rehabilitated his openwork.
During the remodeling works, remnants of winemaking tools were found dating back to the same Middle Ages.
When you visit the headquarters of Casa Primicia Wineries in Laguardia, you will see that the stone and wood of the historic building has been preserved, but these elements have been combined with glass and iron.
The caves are eight meters deep, and are currently used to store barrels where the wine ages.
Theatrical visits at Bodegas El Fabulista in Laguardia Rioja Alavesa
The company owns 40 hectares of vineyards near Laguardia, with facilities where they make wine, with three different types. Of the total production, 1.4 million bottles, currently export up to 70 percent.
The visits of Bodegas Casa Primicia They are made by appointment, last about two hours, and the price is 7 euros, including the tasting of two wines.
Very close to this winery you can also visit El Fabulista Winerywhose openwork they extend under the Palace of the Samaniego, current headquarters of the Laguardia tourist office.
It is one of the only two wineries located in the town where wine is still produced every year, which is possible because it is located in one of the few areas where vehicles can be accessed.
Wines of Bodegas El Fabulista in Laguardia Rioja Alavesa
Specifically, during the grape harvest, the grapes from its seven hectares of vineyards are transferred to two wineries where they are stepped on in the traditional way. Moreover, we are all welcome to live the experience of stepping on grapes during this time.
It annually produces about 32,0oo liters that give rise to the five different types that this winery markets.
Your denomination of The Fabulist It is because the famous fable writer was born in the cellar building Felix Maria Samaniego. And precisely his figure can take center stage during your visit to the winery, since you can sign up for the theatrical visits in which, in a very funny way, an actor characterized as Samaniego He tells you fables.
Signing up for these theatrical visits is a highly recommended option to the standard visit, in which the three are covered openwork from the winery and the process of making these wines is known, mostly with the carbonic maceration system, the most traditional in this region.
Suso at Bodegas González Teso at Labastida Rioja Alavesa
He visit price of Bodega El Fabulista It is 7 euros, with tasting of two wines, and if you opt for the theatrical visit, the price is 11 euros.
On the other hand, in the nearby town of Labastida You can also visit wineries with caves in the historic area.
Specifically in González Teso Wineries you can see how in the upper part of the town, its old Jewry, currently winemaking continues.
The underground construction of the winery dates back to the thirteenth century, when for defensive reasons the caves in Labastida, then border town between the kingdoms of Castilla and Navarra.
Drafts of Bodegas González Teso in Labastida Rioja Alavesa
Now some old openwork are occupied since 2003 by the González Teso family winery, which dates back to 1905, when Wenceslas Gonzalez He bought vineyards in the area and began working as a winemaker.
Now his great grandson Theiror, winemaker, has resumed a family tradition more of farmers than of winemakers to make high quality wines under the brand Gontes. It currently has six references of young and two author wines, of which it exports 80 percent of its production, about 130,000 bottles per year.
During your visit of Bodegas González Teso, Suso He will explain to you how he makes these signature wines, you will go through the eight openings of the winery, and taste two specialties.
