VINO RIOJANA Three Night Spanish Wine Getaway and Three Michelin-starred Lunch

Named after the River Oja, Rioja dates back to 1925 and is recognised for the tradition and quality of wine making. In 1991 it became the ‘DO Calificada’; Spain’s highest quality wine region. Haro, the capital of Rioja wine, is home to some of the oldest names in winemaking in the country. This medieval town is the perfect base to begin your adventure, with close proximity to the Basque country, and important ties to the wine industry in Spain. A stone’s throw from the town centre, you will enjoy a full day experience visiting three local Riojan bodegas (wineries). From big to small, taste wines in medieval cellars and modern wine bars. Walk through vineyards and uncover the grape growing and winemaking processes, wine tasting and enjoying lunch at one of the bodegas overlooking the vineyards. On the second day, tour the Dinastia Vivanco Wine Museum in Briones, south of Haro. Considered the best wine museum in the world, Vivanco was named ‘Winery of the Year 2012’ at the Gourmet International Food and Quality Drinks Exhibition in Madrid. Take this unique opportunity to wander around the Vitis Vinifera garden, visit the museum and enjoy a tour of the bodega. Riojans don't believe in drinking without eating, and in keeping with the area’s traditions, savour a three-Michelin-starred lunch at Azurmendi. Located in the beautiful town of Larrabetzu and hidden among hillside vineyards by a mirrored façade, Rioja native Eneko Atxa’s Azurmendi celebrates the earthy and home-grown flavours of the Basque country. The restaurant was conceived and built around sustainability. The installation of solar panelling, onsite vegetable garden and geothermic system producing electricity, harvesting rainwater and recycling waste - earned Azurmendi the award of Restaurant Magazine's Sustainable Restaurant Award 2015.