Things To Do in Haro

Haro’s old quarter is filled with mansions, some from the 16th century, with the most interesting ones in the streets around the Iglesia de Santo Tomás (Plaza de la Iglesia). Distinguished by its wedding-cake tower and Plateresque south portal, this 16th-century church has a Gothic interior. The tower’s cupola is echoed in the bandstand on the nearby Plaza de la Paz. If you walk up behind the cathedral, an informal viewpoint looks north towards the rugged Sierra Cantabria mountains.

Fanatics could spend days touring the wineries around town, but a few tours will satisfy most visitors. There are seven wineries across the river, clustered near the train station, with family-owned Bodegas Muga, Av. Vizcaya, 2 (tel. 94-130-60-60), the best for visitors. Informative guided tours (30€) are offered in Spanish and English Monday to Saturday and should be reserved in advance, online or by phone. You can also simply pop into the vinoteca for a drink; Segway tours and hot-air balloon rides are also offered. The wine shop is open Monday to Friday 9:30am‒1:30pm and 4‒6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:30am‒2:30pm.

For more detailed information, take the 6-mile trip to nearby Briones and the Vivanco winery and museum (located off the N-232; tel. 94-132-23-23). Now over 20 years old, this huge, modern complex displays wine-making equipment, shows short films, offers tastings, and has a bar and restaurant. The terrace enjoys superb mountain views. One room displays wine-related art—sculpture, paintings, short film clips—and there’s an international collection of 3,000 corkscrews. Outside, 200 grape varieties grow in the aptly named Garden of Bacchus, and there’s a play area for kids. A combined museum and winery visit costs 29€, a museum visit alone is 19€. Opening times vary throughout the year, so check the website.

Note that many bodegas close in August or early September, though you can still sample wine in the tabernas lining Haro’s streets between Plaza de Iglesia and Plaza de la Paz. Some of the finest red wines in Spain are sold at these bars, along with tapas—all at bargain prices.