Old Town Olite
Welcome to España: the land of paella, flamenco, and sangria. But of course, Spain offers so, so much more than these iconic experiences. With millennia of global influences, a tapestry of unmatched gastronomy, world-famous museums, and vivid cultural festivals, it would take a lifetime to truly soak it all in.
And lest we forget to mention, Spain is also home to some of the world’s most incredible wines. For many outside the Iberian Peninsula, Spanish wine is synonymous with the powerhouse that is La Rioja in northern Spain. As of today, La Rioja labels account for nearly 40% of exported Spanish Designation of Origin (aka D.O.) wines. Most of these are strong, punchy reds, typically made from the Tempranillo grape.
Given its reputation, many tourists trek to this famed region to taste these bold wines at the source. But did you know there is an equally, if not more, delicious region that sits just northeast of La Rioja? In fact, it hugs La Rioja and is twice its size.
Enter Navarra.
D.O. Navarra is famous for its stellar rosés but also produces fantastic red, white, and dessert wines. Spanning around 100 kilometers, it stretches from the Ebro River Valley in the south to just below Pamplona in the north, with five distinct sub-zones: Baja Montaña, Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Ribera Alta, and Ribera Baja.
Let’s explore D.O. Navarra, discuss where to go, and discover why it should absolutely make the cut for your Spanish travel list.
Vineyards in Ribera Baja, D.O. Navarra
Bodegas Caudalía
Even though D.O. Navarra is twice the size of La Rioja, it is still easy to explore no matter where you begin. For my first stop in Navarra, I visited Bodegas Caudalía in the Baja Montaña sub-zone.
This boutique winery sits in the small village of Lerga, surrounded by the beautiful Aibar Valley. They specialize in minimal-intervention native grape varieties and have reclaimed 15 hectares of abandoned vines in the surrounding region to preserve the area’s heritage.
The wines here are really elegant, and during my visit, it was hard to decide which was better: the wine or the winemaker, Iván. Iván works alongside his wife, Raquel, and together, they produce small-batch rosés, reds, and whites. It was at this tasting that I learned what makes traditional Navarra rosé so unique.
Unlike most rosé production, where grape press machines extract the maximum juice, traditional Navarra rosés (certified Rosado de Navarra) cannot be pressed. Their juice, typically sourced from the Garnacha Tinta grape, must be extracted by gravity only—a method called sangrado. While the regulations have loosened a bit, Bodegas Caudalía still practices the traditional method.
It takes 3 times as many grapes to produce these rosés as others elsewhere, making them that much more special.
Bodegas Máximo Abete
After you’ve toured Bodegas Caudalia, drive just 5 miles south through rolling vineyards and valleys to visit Bodegas Máximo Abete in San Martín de Unx. As a boutique, family-run winery, they pride themselves on crafting wines primarily sourced from old-vine Garnacha that is over 80 years old.
Our host, Raquel, was warm, friendly, and enthusiastic, noting that their wines even carry flavors of the town’s wild herbs. Taking me outside, we smelled fresh thyme and rosemary growing beside the bodega, comparing the aromas to the wines featured in the tasting.
While everything was delicious, I really loved their red varietals and purchased a few bottles to take home.
Medieval Olite
For a change of pace, continue south to the medieval town of Olite (pronounced oh-leet-ay) in the Ribera Alta sub-zone. This historic settlement is the wine capital of Navarra and is most famous for its stunning Palacio Real de Olite (Royal Palace of Olite) – a spectacular structure built in the 15th century by King Charles III of the Kingdom of Navarra.
You can purchase tickets to tour the palace, but for a special wine-infused experience, visit Reyna de Copas just steps outside the palace for their “Royal Walk” tour. Led by a guide and with a glass of D.O. Navarra in hand, you’ll wander through Olite’s medieval streets, learning about the area’s ancient history. You’ll even tour the palace, then finish back at the enoteca for an additional tasting. Wine plus ancient history? Count me in!
Pago de Cirsus
For an elevated wine experience in D.O. Navarra, Pago de Cirsus should definitely be on your list. Located in the lowest sub-zone, Ribera Baja, this is D.O. Navarra's hottest region and sits directly above La Rioja.
Given the hotter climate, you’ll find bolder varieties at Pago de Cirsus, like their French-oak-aged Chardonnay and their peppery Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The traditional winery experience includes an estate tour, followed by a guided tasting of 3 wines. They also offer a curated wine-pairing menu with a multi-course lunch showcasing elegant Navarrese cuisine and their “ultra-premium” estate extra virgin olive oils.
Alternatively, if you’re like me and want something more casual, you can also sit on the beautiful terrace and order wines by the glass.
What and Where to Eat in Navarra
Asador Casa Tomás, San Martín de Unx
While you’re exploring D.O. Navarra, be sure to indulge in the region’s hearty cuisine. Some traditional dishes include espárragos de Navarra (white asparagus cultivated underground), chistorra (sausage seasoned with garlic and sweet paprika), and chuletón (T-bone steak). Asador Casa Tomás is a beautiful restaurant in San Martín de Unx that serves fresh regional dishes and local wines in a light-filled dining room.
Chistorra, Heredad Beragu Boutique & Nature Retreat
One of the most unique foods in Navarra is a dish called migas de pastor, or “shepherds’ breadcrumbs.” With humble origins, it’s made by frying leftover bread with chistorra and pancetta. The result is a bold, savory dish that is full-on comfort food. If you need a little break from the vino, they pair perfectly with cider from the nearby Basque Country.
Migas de pastor, Restaurant Asador Uxue
The most famous town for migas de pastor is Uxue. Reserve a table at Restaurant Asador Uxue to try them, along with other delicious Navarrese dishes. You’ll also have a wonderful view of the surrounding hills and vineyards, so it’s a win-win.
Where to Stay in Navarra
Heredad Beragu Boutique & Nature Retreat, Gallipienzo
If you’re looking for a lavish stay with on-site amenities to boot, Pago de Cirsus is also a luxury 5-star hotel with an expansive outdoor pool, lounge, and free bicycles to explore the grounds.
I prefer more authentic, boutique accommodations, and for that, no place is better than Heredad Beragu Boutique & Nature Retreat in Gallipienzo. Nestled in a stunning valley of the Kaparreta Nature River and overlooking the Aragón River Gorge, I was enchanted from the moment we arrived.
A cozy lounge with more amazing views, Heredad Beragu
The proprietors, Patxí and Ramon, created the property by connecting four historic stone houses, and the result is a hotel that feels like a cozy, high-end bed and breakfast. The building is truly a work of art with incredible views of the valley, a wide selection of D.O. Navarra wines, and a fabulous dinner each night featuring local specialties.
View from the dining room at Heredad Beragu
Be sure to try a taste of the homemade pacharán while you’re here! This Navarrese sweet liqueur is made by macerating wild blackthorn berries, and theirs was the best I’ve had. Patxí and Ramon are wonderful hosts and make you feel instantly at home.
Enjoying the view from the terrace at Heredad Beragu
There are so many more amazing wineries and places to explore in Navarra! Even as I left, I was counting the days until I could visit again. To continue your Navarra adventure, consider visiting Pamplona, the region's official capital. It’s famous for the Running of the Bulls (officially known as the San Fermín Festival), but it’s also a lovely city to get lost in.
Plaza de San Nicolás, Pamplona
Salud!
Published: October 23, 2026
