Bodegas Olarra
Bodegas Olarra, the 'Cathedral of Rioja,' is an architectural marvel and a premier winery known for its unique 'Y'-shaped design and stunning dome-fil...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Bodegas Olarra
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bodegas Olarra, the 'Cathedral of Rioja,' is an architectural marvel and a premier winery known for its unique 'Y'-shaped design and stunning dome-filled barrel room.
"An authentic architectural jewel where the architecture merges with the emotion of aging wine."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Ensure your spot for a guided tour to fully appreciate the architecture and wine process.
🗣️ Ask for English Tours
Guides are often accommodating and can offer tours in English if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Cathedral of Rioja'
Main Barrel Room
Marvel at the stunning 'Y'-shaped architecture and the iconic barrel room with 111 hexagonal domes.

Guided Winery Tour
Throughout the winery
Discover the wine-making process from vine to glass with knowledgeable guides.

Wine Tasting Experience
Tasting area
Savor exceptional Rioja wines, often paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.

El Rayo Olarra Wine
Winery shop/Tasting
Experience 'El Rayo,' a modern wine from Olarra, showcasing their innovative spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Ensure your spot for a guided tour to fully appreciate the architecture and wine process.
🗣️ Ask for English Tours
Guides are often accommodating and can offer tours in English if needed.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the winery, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The unique 'Y' shape and dome-filled barrel room are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Ensure your spot for a guided tour to fully appreciate the architecture and wine process.
🗣️ Ask for English Tours
Guides are often accommodating and can offer tours in English if needed.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the winery, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The unique 'Y' shape and dome-filled barrel room are incredibly photogenic.
🍷 Embrace the Tasting
Enjoy the guided tasting; guides are experts at explaining how to savor the wines.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bodegas Olarra for its stunning, unique architecture, often calling it the 'Cathedral of Rioja.' The guided tours are highly informative and engaging, with guides like Jose and Álvaro receiving special mentions for their expertise and hospitality. The wine tastings are also a highlight, offering a chance to savor exceptional Rioja wines.
"Highly recommended!! We booked the tour and just assumed it was going to be in English, how silly of us. Jose is a fantastic tour guide and offered to do the tour in English for us. He really went above and beyond for us! The tour is excellent and a the wines were phenomenal as was the cheese and charcuterie. Money very well spent!!"
Maire ni Mhaolie
"Grandes bodegas. La arquitectura de estas bodegas es impresionante, como esta todo pensado y la magnitud de vino que producen. Hicimos la cata de vino y la verdad que muy recomendado. La visita guiada nos gusto. :)"
Marina del Rio
"One of the great wineries in La Rioja, popularly known as “The Cathedral of La Rioja” and an authentic architectural jewel with a “Y”-shaped floor plan as well as its spectacular barrel room crowned by 111 hexagonal-shaped domes.
I went with my wife for a guided tour, I have known and bought their wines for many years, but I really wanted to see the winery. Jose was our guide, an expert and a great professional. He explained to us how the grape ends up becoming a great aged wine, a reserve or a great reserve, in a few words “from the vine to the glass”, while we walked among the barrels and bottles.
Finally we enjoyed a very enjoyable tasting with the rest of the group.
Quite an experience!
Something that I want to add and that for me has great sentimental value is that I still have the gift of a model of an old cart that was used for the Bodegas Olarra harvest."
Juan Pedro Cabezas Aparicio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodegas Olarra is located just outside Logroño. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or opting for a ride-sharing service is advisable.
Yes, Bodegas Olarra typically offers ample parking for visitors arriving by car. This makes it convenient for those driving from Logroño or other nearby areas.
While possible, walking to Bodegas Olarra from Logroño is a significant distance and not the most practical option for most visitors. It's best to arrange transportation.
Bodegas Olarra is situated in the heart of La Rioja wine region, surrounded by vineyards. Logroño itself offers many attractions, including its historic old town and culinary scene.
For wine lovers, arranging a private tour or hiring a driver is ideal, allowing you to fully enjoy the wine tasting without worrying about transportation. Many local tour operators offer packages that include visits to Bodegas Olarra.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour and tasting tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary, but tours typically run on weekdays and weekends. It's best to check the official Bodegas Olarra website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules.
The cost for tours and tastings can vary depending on the package chosen. Expect prices to be reasonable for the experience, often including a guided visit and a selection of wines.
While you can visit the grounds, a guided tour is essential to fully experience Bodegas Olarra's unique architecture and understand the wine-making process. Tours often include a tasting.
Bodegas Olarra offers guided tours that delve into the winery's history, architecture, and winemaking. Some tours may include different tasting options or focus on specific wines.
🎫 🍷 Wine & Tasting
Bodegas Olarra is famous for its Rioja wines, including Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. They also produce modern wines like 'El Rayo Olarra'.
A tasting typically involves sampling several of their signature wines, often accompanied by explanations from a knowledgeable guide on how to appreciate their nuances. Cheese and charcuterie pairings are also common.
Yes, you can purchase wines directly from Bodegas Olarra after your tour and tasting. It's a great opportunity to take home a bottle of your favorite Rioja.
'El Rayo Olarra' is a modern wine that represents Bodegas Olarra's commitment to innovation while respecting tradition. It's noted for its fruity profile and modern design.
While specific vintages like Cerro Anon Gran Reserva 2015 might be available depending on stock, it's best to inquire directly with the winery or check their current offerings. Their selection often includes highly-rated vintages.
📸 📸 Photography & Architecture
Absolutely! Bodegas Olarra is a photographer's dream, especially its unique 'Y'-shaped structure and the barrel room with its 111 hexagonal domes, earning it the nickname 'Cathedral of Rioja'.
The architecture of Bodegas Olarra, designed by José Antonio Ridruejo and inaugurated in 1973, is a striking example of modern industrial design with a unique 'Y' floor plan and a distinctive barrel aging cellar.
The barrel room is a visual spectacle, featuring a vast space crowned by 111 hexagonal domes, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere that blends industrial functionality with artistic design.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the unique architecture. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and ask if unsure about specific areas.
The 'Y'-shaped floor plan is a distinctive feature of Bodegas Olarra, designed to optimize the flow of wine production and aging processes, contributing to its unique architectural identity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour during a less crowded time to ensure a more relaxed experience. The tasting portion might be less engaging for kids, but many tours include a walk through impressive cellars that feel like exploring a unique underground world. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to the agricultural and industrial aspects of food and drink production in a visually stimulating environment.
🍷 Wine Connoisseurs
Engage with the guides, who are often wine experts themselves, to gain insights into the specific terroirs, grape varietals, and aging techniques that define Bodegas Olarra's distinct character. The chance to purchase specific vintages, such as the highly-regarded Cerro Anon Gran Reserva, directly from the winery is a significant draw for collectors.
📸 Architecture & Photography Enthusiasts
Visit during daylight hours to best capture the interplay of light and shadow within the barrel room. The modern industrial design, combined with the functional elegance of the winemaking facilities, provides a rich subject matter. Be prepared to spend ample time exploring and photographing these distinctive features, which have earned the winery its 'Cathedral of Rioja' moniker.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: 'The Cathedral of Rioja'
The true spectacle, however, lies within its vast barrel aging cellar. This space is famously crowned by 111 hexagonal domes, creating an almost celestial atmosphere. The sheer scale and unique design of this room have captivated visitors, making it a highlight of any tour and a prime spot for photography. The blend of industrial scale with artistic vision makes Bodegas Olarra a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
This architectural brilliance is a testament to how design can enhance the experience of wine production. The visual impact of the domes and the innovative layout are frequently mentioned by visitors as a key reason for their visit and a memorable part of their experience.
Exploring Bodegas Olarra's Wine Heritage
Beyond its traditional offerings, Bodegas Olarra also embraces innovation. The introduction of wines like 'El Rayo Olarra' signifies a forward-thinking approach, blending modern design and a fruity profile with the winery's established winemaking expertise. This demonstrates their commitment to evolving while staying true to their roots, appealing to a diverse range of wine enthusiasts.
Visitors often praise the guided tours and wine tastings for providing an in-depth understanding of the winemaking process, from grape selection to the final bottled product. Guides like Jose and Álvaro are frequently highlighted for their expertise and passion, making the tasting experience both educational and enjoyable, often complemented by local cheeses and charcuterie.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit