Watered by the magnificent River Ebro and with a benign climate, the region of La Rioja is not only rich in its wine, but also in its gastronomy, based on the excellent local produce. The outstanding sweet red peppers feature in any dish "a la riojana" and with other vegetables, particularly in the early spring, are a sheer delight especially in the vegetable medley "menestra de verduras". Potatoes are combined perfectly with chorizo to create a renowned stew "patatas a la riojana" and meat is all important especially lamb and kid. The smell and taste of baby lamb chops grilled over vine shoots will always be a pleasurable memory. Follow this with local peaches steeped in Rioja, pastries soaked in anis and mild goat's milk cheese from the region you could be getting close to paradise!