6 Alternative Ways to Enjoy a Rioja Wine(3)

Hiking

If I had my druthers, I’d love to be the Iberian version of Winehiker - troopsing through rugged Rioja vineyards, while bounding from wine winery to the next. The truth is, however, that I’m not, and so I’ll have to share some interesting looking trails I hope to explore this coming August. The Sonsierra district, situated in northwest La Rioja, between the river Ebro and the Sierra de Toloño mountains, includes trails, marked with yellow and white stripes, through the villages of Ábalos, Briñas and San Vicente de La Sonsierra, and the hamlets of Ribas de Tereso and Peciña. Every one of these towns, are quaint, filled with history and loaded with terrace restaurants providing local Rioja wine and cuisine. Or, if your more of a history buff, you might enjoy the old roman road in the Iregua valley. In the near future, the restoration of this road will also include an alternative 10 kilometer path through Pradillo where you can enjoy a view overlooking the River Iregua. And if wine is a must have on your trek, which I assume it is, than why not fill your boda bag with your favorite La Rioja hiking wine to sip and savor on your journey?!

Day at the Spa

Having spent almost four hours at Marques de Riscal’s City of Wine, I had hoped to experience their vinotherapy spa, managed by Claudalie, but unfortunately, our elaborate meal took precedent, cutting out time short. However, if you enjoy a little pampering, and are curious about having grapes essential oils worked into your aching muscles, why not give it a try? Claudalie was originally founded in Bordeaux in 1999 by Matilde and Bertrand Thomas, seeing the polyphenols in grape seeds as the ideal nutrient for skin. Now, Claudalie has set up shop around the world, including France, Italy, the United States, Taiwan and now, Spain.

All said and done, of the few experiences we had enjoying wine outside of the typical venue, I must say, we had a fantastic time! I need ample time away from sterile tasting rooms and fermentation tanks, or else I find myself overly analyzing wine, rather than simply enjoying it. Whether it’s massaged into my back or appreciated alongside a bubbling creek, new experiences will always bring new appreciation for wine - more specifically, wine from La Rioja!

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