Rioja är inte samma sak som Rioja

Of course, when you hear the name Rioja, you think of the fine red wine. However, La Rioja is also an Autonomous Community (Canton). Spain is divided into 17 Autonomous Communities. La Rioja is the smallest community in terms of area, with 5,045 km2 and 315,000 inhabitants. In comparison to Switzerland: Appenzell Innerrhoden is the smallest canton in Switzerland, with an area of 175 km2 and 16,000 inhabitants.

La Rioja is also the name of the wine region, which is not identical to the area of the Autonomous Community. The wine region is divided into three parts: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavese.

On November 10, Elsbeth and I were visited by Gaby, Ursula, and Martin, 'my' team at STI. We spent four wonderful days in the Laguardia area together. Laguardia is located in the Rioja Alavesa wine region and therefore in the Basque Country.

The location of the hotel, which belongs to Bodega Eguren Ugarte (http://egurenugarte.com/en/), was breathtaking. Apparently, we chose the perfect time to enjoy the colorful colors of the vineyards.

Hotel Eguren Ugarte

View from the hotel to Laguardia

On the second day, we first visited the town of Laguardia. Then we went through the vineyards to San Vincente de Sonsierra. Besides delicious tapas, you have a great view of the Ebro River here.

On the way to Elciego, we made some stops for photography.

Elciego

On the second day, we took part in the tour at Bodega Eguren Ugarte. At the end of the tour, there was, of course, a wine tasting.

On Sunday afternoon, we visited la Calle Laurel in Logroño, which is famous for its tapas and pintxos bars. Here you can find all the delicious and 'naughty' stuff.

Remains of pecebres (goose barnacles)

Cathedral in Logroño

The time with our friends from Switzerland flew by. Thank you very much Gaby, Ursula, and Martin for your visit, we were very happy to see you!

Jürg