Batalla del Vino, San Vino Wine Fight - Haro, Spain

WHAT: Batalla del Vino (San Vino Wine Fight)

WHERE: Haro, Spain

Every 29 June, the Rioja town of Haro turns red as thousands of revellers gather for Batalla del Vino, or the San Vino Wine Fight, one of Spain's most unusual and entertaining festivals. Armed with water pistols, buckets, bottles, and backpack sprayers filled with red wine, participants drench one another until everyone is stained a deep shade of purple.

A Battle Unlike Any Other

The festivities begin before sunrise as crowds dressed in white make their way to the Cliffs of Bilibio, overlooking the vineyards of La Rioja. Once a ceremonial mass has concluded at the nearby Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio, the peaceful gathering quickly transforms into a friendly wine battle, with thousands of litres of Rioja poured, sprayed, and thrown into the air.

By the end of the morning, white clothing has become entirely purple, and laughter echoes across the surrounding hillsides.
A Tradition with Historic Roots

The origins of Batalla del Vino date back centuries and are linked to an historic boundary dispute between the neighbouring towns of Haro and Miranda de Ebro. Annual pilgrimages to the Hermitage of San Felices gradually evolved into today's joyful celebration, combining religious tradition with one of Spain's most distinctive local customs.

The wine battle itself has become an iconic symbol of Haro and its deep connection to the world-famous Rioja wine region.

The Celebration Continues

Although the wine fight is the festival's highlight, celebrations extend well beyond the morning battle. Throughout Haro, locals and visitors enjoy parades, traditional music, dancing, street parties, regional food, and, of course, plenty of Rioja wine. The evening before the battle is particularly lively, with the town's streets filled with music and festivities that continue until dawn.

Batalla del Vino is more than a playful wine fight; it's a celebration of Haro's history, community, and winemaking heritage. Whether you're joining the famous battle or simply soaking up the atmosphere in one of Spain's great wine regions, each place tells a story. In Haro, it's written in Rioja and shared one splash at a time.