Festivals and events
Haro Wine Battle: complete guide to attending
Date, how the day unfolds, what to wear and how to get there and back from Logroño on 29 June.
Every 29 June, thousands of people climb to the Riscos de Bilibio, just outside Haro, to drench one another in Rioja wine. The Batalla del Vino is not a quiet tasting: it is loud, physical, joyful and unlike anything else on the Rioja calendar.
Quick answer
The Haro Wine Battle takes place every year on 29 June, the feast of St Peter (San Pedro), on the Riscos de Bilibio crags on the outskirts of Haro. Go up early with the pilgrimage, wear white clothes you can throw away afterwards and do not plan to drive back: a private transfer can drop you in Haro in the morning and collect you when the day is over.
Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, the Wine Battle has its roots in an old territorial dispute with the neighbouring town of Miranda de Ebro. Ever since, the people of Haro have marked their claim with a yearly romería (a festive pilgrimage) to the hermitage of San Felices on the Bilibio crags, and that pilgrimage invariably ends in an all-out wine fight. For visitors from the UK, Ireland or North America it is one of the most memorable things you can do in Spain, provided you plan the logistics.
When is the Haro Wine Battle?
It is held on 29 June every year, St Peter's Day, in the middle of Haro's patron saint festivities. The day starts in the morning with the walk up to the Riscos de Bilibio, where the battle itself happens, and carries on for the rest of the day with the San Pedro fiestas in town. Because the date is fixed, it can fall on any day of the week; check the calendar when booking flights and accommodation.
How the battle works
Thousands of people, many dressed in white as tradition dictates, gather on the crags armed with every kind of container: traditional leather wine skins (botas), buckets, water pistols and backpack sprayers filled from jerrycans. Once things get going, everyone soaks everyone else in red wine until there is not a white patch left.
There are no teams and no winners. It is a collective celebration where the only aim is to have fun, get messy and take part in a tradition that has been repeated for centuries.
29 June, step by step
The shape of the day is the same every year, but exact times for the pilgrimage, the Mass at the San Felices hermitage and other events are published by Haro Town Council in the official fiesta programme. Use this as a planning outline and confirm times before you go:
| When | What happens | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| The evening before | Haro is already in fiesta mode and the streets are lively | If you sleep in Haro, book well ahead; otherwise Logroño is about 40 minutes away |
| Early morning | The pilgrimage sets off towards the Riscos de Bilibio | Reach Haro early: with the town full, every minute counts |
| Morning | Mass at the hermitage, then the battle begins | Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and carry as little as possible |
| Midday | Back down to Haro and lunch outdoors or in town | Drink water: late June can be hot |
| Afternoon | San Pedro festivities in the streets of Haro | Agree your pick-up time and meeting point in advance |
Times and events are subject to each year's official programme.
What to wear and pack
- Clothes you can bin afterwards. Red wine stains for good. Tradition calls for a white T-shirt, but whatever you wear will not be reusable.
- A red neckerchief (pañuelo rojo), the traditional partner to the white shirt.
- Comfortable shoes you don't mind losing: you walk up to the crags and the ground can turn muddy with wine.
- Eye protection: wine can be sprayed hard; sunglasses or swimming goggles are a popular choice among veterans.
- Water, sun cream and a cap: there is little shade on the crags and the morning is long.
- A full change of clothes (shirt, trousers, shoes and a towel) in a sealed bag, plus large bin bags for the soaked kit, so the trip home is comfortable for everyone.
- Minimal ID and cash in a waterproof pouch: the wine gets everywhere.
Is it only for young people? Not at all. Families and people of all ages take part; it is a deep-rooted local tradition passed down through generations.
Getting to Haro for the Wine Battle
Haro grinds to a halt on the day: car parks fill early and most people head home having had a drink or two, so driving back is not a sensible option. The easy answer is to be dropped off in town and collected later. Approximate journey times for the most requested routes:
| From | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logroño | ~45 km / 28 mi | ~40 min | Private driver in Haro |
| Bilbao Airport | ~100 km / 62 mi | ~1 h 15 min | Bilbao Airport to Haro transfer |
Times depend on traffic; on 29 June allow extra time to get into Haro.
Flying into Vitoria? We also run a direct Vitoria Airport to Haro transfer. From Madrid-Barajas the road journey is long, so it is wise to arrive the day before; see the Madrid Airport to Haro transfer. If you are still choosing flights, our guide to airports near Logroño compares the options.
Stay in Haro or in Logroño?
Sleeping in Haro means you can walk to the pilgrimage and pop back to change, but rooms sell out early for these dates and prices tend to rise. Logroño has far more choice and is about 40 minutes away: book there, let us drop you in Haro first thing and pick you up in the afternoon once you have enjoyed the San Pedro fiestas without watching the clock. Our comparison of Haro, Rioja Alavesa and Logroño can help you decide where to base yourself.
Coming as a group
The Wine Battle is a festival of friends, clubs and whole families. For groups, our group van service takes everyone to Haro together and brings you back at the agreed time, with room for those bags of clean clothes. For other celebrations, see our chauffeur service for events.
Make the most of the trip: Haro's wineries
Haro is the wine capital of Rioja Alta, and its Station District (Barrio de la Estación) is home to some of the region's most historic wineries. If you arrive a day early or stay a day longer, pair the fiesta with a calmer visit on our Haro winery visit with a driver. Bear in mind that some wineries change their opening hours during the fiestas, so check their official website.
Going to the Wine Battle in Haro?
A private transfer to Haro with no driving and no parking stress. Drop-off in the morning, pick-up when you're done.
Request a quoteWhatsAppFrequently asked questions
When is the Haro Wine Battle held?
Every year on 29 June, St Peter's Day, during Haro's patron saint festivities.
What should I wear to the Wine Battle?
Clothes you can throw away afterwards, as red wine stains permanently. Tradition calls for a white T-shirt and a red neckerchief.
Is the Wine Battle suitable for all ages?
Yes, people of all ages take part. It is a popular local tradition handed down through generations.
How do you get to the Riscos de Bilibio?
Traditionally on foot, joining the pilgrimage that walks up from Haro to the crags.
Should I drive to Haro for the Wine Battle?
It is not recommended. Parking fills up and most people keep celebrating after the battle. A private transfer is the most practical way to get there and back.