Could the Haro Wine Festival in Spain be the next go-to festival? Not exactly Coachella, but this looks like just as much fun. I think it’s a must on your list of gypset travel adventures!
Every year from June 27th-29th, in the wine capital of La Rioja, Spain, wine fanatics gather in the town of Haro for the La Batalla del Vino festival (wine fight). The festival celebrates el Día de San Pedro (St. Peter’s Day).
La Battalla del Vino begins on the eve of the actual festival. The whole town flocks to the streets, from children to grandparents, to party the night away in the La Rioja’s bars and town squares.
After only a few hours sleep (or none at all!), the town heads up the mountain to pour wine on each other and dance to the music of wine-soaked bands. The tools to reach such levels of wine saturation vary; they use water trucks filled with wine, wine-filled water pistols, back-mounted spraying devices, and buckets which are indiscriminately poured on people’s heads and into anything else that can hold and then dispel vino tinto (red wine). After a few hours, the fight descends into the town for traditional dances and revelry – the kind that can only be induced by hours of red wine!
Tempranillo is the principal grape used in Rioja, and it is often blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano for balance. There are also Riserva and Gran Riserva (aged in oak barrels) which adds toasty vanilla flavors. The wines have characteristic notes of berries, leather, and tobacco, along with spices such as nutmeg, clove, and cardamon. These wines, paired with charred meats, vegetables, and strong cheeses lead to a flavorful tasting experience.
Just love the festival especially how it is still uniquely local with not many international tourists at all. The party the night before is definitely a highlight.
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