deassube

Has anyone been to the wine festival in Logrono? This is a week long festival (15th - 23rd 2012 I believe). Just wondering how long to stay in Logrono for? Was planning on arriving late 21st Sep and departing morning of 25th to San Sebastian. This gives 3 days of festival and also, to see surrounding areas (including the Centro Paleontologico de Enciso). Just not sure if 3 full days is too long...

Robert2533

The only time I've attended the fiesta was with the tourist office, so the experience was a little more than you would normally experience, but it's worth the visit.

Three days is not too long.

CathyM

I've visited Logrono for San Mateo the last 5 years (and will return this year). The exact events and dates won't be published but the big day for the festival of San Mateo in Logrono is September 21. Since it's a Saturday this year my "hunch" is the events will likely start the prior weekend, ramp up around Wednesday and probably go through the 25th or so. 3 days for this area isn't too long especially if you also plan to visit any bodegas (which require advance reservations). The bodegas may be starting the harvest this week. It all depends if the grapes are ready. In the last few years the grapes are just starting to be harvested this week but it's not in full swing until a couple of weeks later.

deassube

Oh no. That is not good news. We won't even arrive until the later part of the day on the 21st (as planning to leave Barcelona on the morning and ? 5 hr drive....). Do you think we will miss the main event!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, how do I book at the bodegas? (assume these are the wineries).
You have been to this festival so many times - so it must be good? I am very excited about it but of course, want to plan what I can now to make sure we don't miss the festivities and also, book into events/wineries now if that is what is required. Can you provide any more tips/hints? I should mention that I will be travelling with two very active boys (2 and nearly 4), husband (who loves wine) and my parents (also who love wine!).

CathyM

The biggest events on September 21 are a ceremony around 12:30 (proceeded by processionals) offering grapes to the virgin. Then there is the degustation in the square in front of the Cathedral with traditional lamb chops grilled over the wine shoots from 11-1:30 (or when they run out) - long lines though. There is plenty to do throughout the week -it's a great festival for simply roaming around and enjoying. The schedule of events for this year likely won't be published until early September but you can see last year's schedule from the link below. It's only in Spanish but you can run through a translator program if necessary.

http://www.logro-o.org/favoritos/enl...o%20PM2011.pdf

If you haven't seen Maribel's guides they are excellent, particularly for La Rioja where there isn't a lot of detailed information in most mainstream guides.

maribelsguides.com