Wine Fight – La Batalla del Vino de Haro
27 – 28 – 29 – 30 June
THE MIGHTY WINE FIGHT
IN HARO, SPAIN
Each year between the 27th and 30th of June, thousands of thirsty locals and a handful of lucky (wine addicted) tourists climb a mountain in La Rioja, Spain, and throw the sweet red liquid all over each other. This is St Peter’s Feast Day, though you’d be lucky to find a local who could tell you so, and the event is known around these parts as La Batalla del Vino de Haro – or better known by us guiris as the Wine Fight.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE WINE FIGHT
The madness of the annual wine fight starts the night before, on the evening of the 28th of June. This is by far the biggest party that the quaint town of Haro sees. As the night unfolds, the whole town gathers on the streets, from children to grandparents, who all party the night away in the town’s cobbled streets, buzzing bars and picturesque Spanish squares.
THE WINE FIGHT AFTER PARTY
After a few hours of frolicking and fun, the fight descends down the mountain and moves into the town of Haro, where the only fight is done with traditional dances – the kind that can only be induced by hours of red wine pouring down one’s throat.
Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Don’t miss your chance to take part in the Wine Fight, also known as the Batalla del Vino en Haro.
WINE FIGHT HISTORY
Haro, a pittoresque place in the Rioja region, is one of the most important wine producers in the region. Up to 40% of the Rioja vineyards are located there and the town is totally devoted to the producing of the best Rioja wine since wine is vital to the town’s economy.
So every year on the 29th of June, the locals of Haro celebrate San Pedro with their own Haro Wine Festival.
THE WINE FIGHT PARTY
Considering that the action takes place during the early morning, and the party from the night before will blow your mind, it’s a good idea to make a night of it. While the town is light on accommodation options and full of tourists, the campsite in town is a great, cheap and easy option. If you don’t have any camping gear or want to carry bags of stuff to Haro, don’t worry, tour group possibilities are available.
WINE FIGHT ON SNAPCHAT
Are you using Snapchat? This year’s Wine Fight will be covered by on the Snapchat Live Story. This means that your snaps of the mid-battle action of the Wine Fight will be seen by millions of Snapchat users around the world. Make sure to Wine-proof your phone with a zip-lock bag or waterproof case, charge the battery and load up with data so you can submit your snaps!