Villa de Abalos, Abalos

Hotel. Owned and operated by one family, the Villa de Abalos rural hotel has fully embraced the growing trend of entourism. With special offers almost every weekend, the hotel has developed programs and itineraries for guests looking to learn more about the wine-making process and explore the exclusive La Rioja wine region in Spain. Whether guests want to go on a bike tour of the vineyards in Abalos or visit the wine museum, the hotel has made sure wine remains the focus of anyone’s stay. Guests of the hotel can also join in any part of the wine making process from pruning to harvesting to jumping in the 15th century rock winepress barefoot and treading grapes.

Wine. Wine is everywhere at the Villa de Abalos. Even if you leave the property you are sure to hit another vineyard within minutes because of its ideal La Rioja location. Between the wine tasting courses, the harvesting and the bike tour of the vineyards, Villa de Abalos has so much to offer the wine connoisseur.

Dining. Run by the owner’s wife, La Cocina de Merche creates dishes that are traditional in nature and delectable in flavor. Taking advantage of La Rioja’s local produce, all of the dishes are fresh and vibrant in vegetables like asparagus, peppers and artichokes. But the meat takes on a whole new form. Cooked in wine and paired with a glass of Rioja’s best, Merche’s meats are tender and unforgettable. The home cooking comes full circle with the array of desserts. Don’t leave without trying one of the cakes.