Haro: Wine and Architecture in La Rioja
Located in the northern regions of Spain, Haro is a town based in the province of La Rioja. Haro, Spain is known for its cultural heritage and local industries, most especially its red wine. The town is said to have been named after a lighthouse that used to watch over the area before it was settled. The nearest airport to Haro is the Victoria Airport, approximately 40 minutes away in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Haro, Spain is from May to September to experience fair and pleasantly warm weather. To avoid busy tourist season, the best time to visit is from October to December. One of the best times to visit to experience Haro culture is in June, where the annual Haro Wine Festival, featuring wine processions throughout the town and the “Battle of Wine”, where the townspeople battle by tossing wine at each other.
What to Do & Area Attractions
One of Haro’s grandest architectural structures is the Church of Santo Tomas Apostol. Felipe Bigarny built its façade in 1525, while Agustin Ruiz de Azcarraga constructed its bell tower in 1719. In 1931, the church was granted a heritage status of “Bien de Interes Cultural”, meaning “good of cultural interest”. For Haro’s other local treasure, wine, visitors can check out the Bodegas Bilbainas, the oldest winery in all of La Rioja. Haro hotels include the Luz Hotel, with a modern architectural exterior and simple but elegantly furnished interiors, and Hotel Los Agustinos, more European in design with an spacious lobby and highly-rated hotel buffet.