Castillo el Collado

The historic walled town of Laguardia, strategically placed upon a small hill looking out over the plains of the Rioja Alavesa, is the perfect base from which to explore the region. Populated since Neolithic times, the town became particularly important in the middle ages when the kings of Navarra built an important palace / fortress there to defend against the Moorish and Castillian invaders. Later, at the end of the 12th century, the whole town was fortified with a wall, which still stands in part today.

In the 15th century Lagaurdia passed into Castillian hands and was incorporated into Alava. This began a period of peace for the town and the 16th century saw the development of the wine industry, with the construction of bodegas or caves beneath the streets and houses. Today Laguardia is a pedestrian town, as vehicles cannot enter the town walls due to the risk of these cellars caving in!

The town itself is perfectly preserved and a joy to wander around; the visitor can visit among other things several bodegas, fortifications and the amazingly well preserved polychromatic archway in the church of Santa Maria. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants and interesting shopping, especially for those with an interest in wine.

Nearby there is plenty to explore with several dolmens and a Bronze Age settlement within a short drive. There are, of course, a wide selection of vineyards nearby, some of which have employed the world’s best architects (such as Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame or Santiago Calatrava) to remodel their bodegas into veritable temples. There are two wine museums, the nearby Villa Lucia and the new Dynastia Vivanco at Briones, a must for any visitor to this region (it is advisable book well before you go to avoid disappointment +34 941-322323 or email [email protected]).

For walkers there are plenty of trails through the vines or for the more adventurous there are the nearby Cantabrian Mountains and the Natural Park of Izki with mountains in excess of 1000m. There is a golf course open to the public in Izki and horse riding can be arranged nearby.
Vitoria is less than an hour away and Pamplona (1hr 45), San Sebastian (2hr30) and Bilbao (1hr 30) all make for interesting excursions, while the local small towns in Rioja Alavesa are fascinating to wander in.

• Winery tours and tastings in over 500 renowned vineyards.
• Visit the stunning Church of Santa María de los Reyes with it's polychromatic portico.
• Logroño's charming old town and lively tapas bars of Calle Laurel.
• The historic Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada on the Camino de Santiago.
• Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park for hiking and nature.
• Monasteries of Yuso and Suso in San Millán de la Cogolla.
• Haro Wine Festival (Batalla del Vino) in late June.
• Dinastia Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture – not to be missed.
• Dinosaurs Museum in Enciso showcasing the region's paleontological heritage.
• Visit the medieval villages of Laguardia, Labastida, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Cuzcurrita del Rio Tirón and many more…
• Explore the vineyards and countryside, with scenic views of rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes.
• Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry – one of several ‘Catedrales de Vino’ in the area designed by famous architects.
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for a unique perspective.