Bodegas Irache is located in Ayegui, two kilometres from Estella. It was established in 1891 however it’s vineyards go back to the 12th century. The Monestary de Irache, also 12th century, is literally right next to the winery. The monestary was the first hospital for pilgrims on the Way to Compostela.

Irache built a new facility within the current structure which was inaugurated in 1991. This new aging hall, which holds 10,000 oak casks and is quite impressive, I must say!

Conchi, the bodega's Export Manager greeted us. She speaks English wonderfully thus handles most tours. Lively, fun loving and passionate about the bodega’s wine and history, she is a wealth of information.

The first stop was the wine museum in the older part of the bodega. Here wine buffs will love seeing old tools and objects related to wine making, as well as a centenary cellar with the bodega’s best vintages. You'll also see the “Wine Fountain”, a little tap in the back outside wall of the building where those walking to Compostela can help themselves to a cup of wine (which is supplied au-gratis by the winery's gracious owner Jesús Santesteban, whom we got to meet) or water.

The road to Compostela passes conveniently right next to the winery. To capture a fun tour moment, call someone you know and ask them to log onto “The Wine Fountain” on the bodega’s website. Next, have them click on the webcam and you can wave to them live from the fountain.

Impressive were the huge stainless tanks (23 in all) which hold 70,000 liters of liquid.

Irache’s vineyards include the PRADO DE IRACHE estate. The grapes of this vineyard are used to make the Prado Irache wine, a single-estate, limited-production wine marketed in numbered bottles. Made with grapes painstakingly selected, the wine shows unmistakable ties with it’s terroir. The Prado Irache is only made from vintages achieving the desired quality.

In total, they make about 13 different wines under four labels, including the multiple medal winner GRAN IRACHE CRIANZA. This wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and aged in oak casks. Blackberries invite you to enjoy it’s aromas while dark ripe cherries marked with toast, friendly but firm tannins and a long finish tempt you to take another sip. Better yet, we bought a bottle and had it with dinner! Gran Irache Crianza is a perfect example of quality, value and taste.

On a side note, Irache has an organic project producing a red wine called FUENTE CERRADA.

Next up, Estella, located in the Navarre wine region of northern Spain and south west of Pamplona, and also on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. A medieval Roman town (Estella (Spanish) or Lizarra (Basque)) a stones throw away from Irache and what an inviting town it was! Small but active with life, artisan foods and a genuine weekly market in the Plaza De San Martin. Next up, Estella; a medieval Roman town (Estella (Spanish) or Lizarra (Basque)) a stones throw from Irache and what an inviting town it was! Small but active with life, artisan foods and a genuine weekly market in the Plaza De San Martin.