Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana
Logroño's week-long harvest festival celebrates Rioja wine with grape stomping, a wine offering, bullfights, fireworks and the legendary Calle Laurel tapas scene.
Highlights
- Ceremonial grape stomping and first must offering
- Calle Laurel tapas crawl — Spain's best tapas street
- Bodega tours and wine tastings across La Rioja
- Fireworks over the Ebro river
- Peñas (social clubs) celebrating in the streets
The Fiestas de San Mateo, also known as the Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana, mark the beginning of the grape harvest in Spain's most famous wine region. Held in Logroño during the third week of September, this week-long celebration combines wine culture with traditional festivities.
The festival kicks off with the ceremonial grape stomping and offering of the first must to the Virgen de Valvanera, La Rioja's patron saint. Throughout the week, Logroño comes alive with concerts, bullfights, fireworks, and open-air peña (social club) celebrations in the streets.
The famous Calle Laurel and surrounding tapas streets become even more vibrant, with special festival menus and wine tastings. Bodegas across La Rioja open their doors for special harvest tours and events.
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What to Expect
A joyful celebration of wine culture in a compact, walkable city. The tapas scene is exceptional — Calle Laurel packs dozens of bars into a few blocks. Expect a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of free wine flowing during peña celebrations.
How to Get There
Logroño is connected by train from Madrid (3.5h), Barcelona (4h) and Bilbao (2.5h) via Renfe. The nearest airport is Bilbao (130km). By car, take the AP-68 motorway. The city centre is compact and walkable.
Tips & Advice
- Book a bodega tour in advance — popular wineries fill up fast
- Wear old clothes for peña celebrations — wine stains are inevitable
- Don't miss Calle Laurel for tapas — try champiñones at Bar Soriano
- Rent a car to explore the surrounding wine villages
- September weather is perfect — warm days, cool evenings
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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