Haro Wine Trail

Haro Wine Trail

The Haro Wine Trail crosses the heart of Rioja Alta, the district of centuries-old wineries, starting in the small village of Villalba de Rioja and finishing at Plaza de la Paz in Haro, the unofficial capital of Rioja wine country. Organized by Asociación Deportiva Toloño with the collaboration of the Haro and Villalba town councils, the race is part of the La Rioja Mountain Races circuit and the Kailas Fuga Copa Norte, drawing runners from well beyond the region each year.

November isn’t a coincidence: it lines up with the autumn colors of the surrounding vineyards, one of the race’s biggest draws for a course that blends sport with wine tourism at every turn.

A route through vineyards and hidden gems of the Obarenes

All three formats share the opening stretch, climbing from Villalba along the Camino del Raposo to the Cueva Negra trail. The route passes the Yermo Camaldulense, a hermitage belonging to a religious order so rare that only three such communities exist worldwide, and the old Salinas de Herrera salt works, disused today but historically significant for the district.

• Marcha Tempranillo (14K, +400m): the hiking format, an out-and-back from Villalba with an aid station included, suited for the whole family.
• Trail Crianza (18.5K, +550m): adds the Senda de los Tejos and Senda La Botánica before descending to Villalba and linking up to Haro.
• Trail Reserva (26K, +1,100m): the toughest option, climbing Monte Gobera and following the ridgeline to the Senda del Avellano before rejoining the rest of the course.

All three formats converge for the final stretch, descending through the vineyards to cross the LR-306 and LR-111 roads (traffic-controlled by the organization) and enter Haro via El Ferial to finish at Plaza de la Paz.

Staggered starts and shuttle buses

To avoid crowding the small village of Villalba, starts are staggered: the Trail Reserva sets off at 09:30, the Marcha Tempranillo at 09:50, and the Trail Crianza at 10:30. The organization runs free shuttle buses from the Haro campsite esplanade, with three time slots depending on the format, since parking is banned near the start area.

Haro beyond the race

Haro is the unofficial capital of Rioja wine country: centuries-old wineries, including the race’s own sponsors, open their doors for tours and tastings, and the old town still carries the feel of a place that has lived off wine since the 19th century. If you’re spending the weekend in the area, pair the race with a look at other races in the La Rioja region or plan the rest of your autumn season with the season planner.