Samaniego’s traditional wineries make up the Matarredo district. There are also historic buildings, winery experiences with different visiting arrangements, and local cuisine with its own festive traditions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Samaniego, these themes can help you decide what you’d like to discover during your stay.
Winegrowing and architectural history
Winegrowing in Samaniego is traced back to Roman times. A later chapter in the town’s history is marked by the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which dates to the second half of the 16th century. These dates provide different points of reference for its wine and cultural history.
La cruz de la guerra de la independencia also commemorates a specific event: in 1810, French troops murdered six residents of Samaniego. Together with the church, the cross shows that local history is about more than winegrowing and wineries.
Wineries: historic cellars and visits
At Bodegas J.F. Iradier, the family-built underground area is combined with modern winery facilities: the family dug cellars and tunnels, while today the winery also includes modern facilities. At Bodegas Amaren, the wines are stored in a 16th-century underground cellar carved out by hand. The winery also offers various experiences focused on Samaniego’s vineyards and wines.
Ostatu has a different architectural history. The former winery dates to the 17th century. In 1988, it was replaced by an 18th-century manor house with newly built production halls. The wineries mentioned therefore differ not only in what they offer, but also in their recorded building phases.
Tours and wine tastings at Bodegas Pascual Larrieta are available by prior reservation. The winery is normally open on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; other days and times can be arranged for groups. In the tasting room, you can sample various wines and products from the region.
Bodega Remírez de Ganuza offers guided tours daily except on public holidays, by prior reservation. At Ostatu, visits can be arranged by appointment during office hours, Monday to Friday; groups may have no more than approximately 30 people. Check the respective conditions and times before visiting, and book as required.
Local cuisine and festive days
Samaniego’s local cuisine includes potatoes with chorizo, lamb chops grilled over vine wood, broad beans and snails. This selection shows that the town’s culinary offerings go beyond wine. If you’re interested in regional cuisine, there are several specific dishes to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Certain foods are also associated with festive days: rosquillas are eaten at Easter, tortilla de chorizo for Santa Águeda, snails for San Prudencio, and hojaldres for San Blas. These associations offer a different insight into the food culture than a general list of local dishes: here, the focus is on the connection between food and occasion.
Landscape and nature park facilities
The Balcón de la Rioja is part of the municipality of Samaniego and is located on Alto de Herrera at an elevation of 1,000 metres. Samaniego is also part of Álava’s network of nature parks. The local parks have tables, barbecue areas, children’s playgrounds and fountains. Alongside wine and culture, you can therefore also take the available park facilities into account.
This gives you a clear distinction when choosing the focus of your stay: the wineries and food culture represent wine and regional cuisine; the church, cross and architectural history of the cellars lead to other aspects of the town. The park facilities, in turn, are a practical point of reference if you’re interested in nature parks and their amenities.
Discover more destinations: Barrón, Rivabellosa, Maturana, Araia, Viñaspre, Elburgo/Burgelu, Navaridas, Legutio.
For the overall travel guide: Alava.
