Lorraine Williamson
As the warm days of summer fade into the golden light of autumn, the city of Logroño prepares for one of Spain’s most evocative festivals. From 20 to 26 September 2025, the capital of La Rioja will host the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival, a week-long fiesta that blends centuries-old winemaking tradition with music, parades, and communal feasting.
Known locally as the Fiestas de San Mateo, this is not merely a celebration of grapes but a living expression of regional pride and culture.
The festival began as a thanksgiving for a successful harvest and has grown into an event of National Tourist Interest, attracting visitors from across Spain and beyond. Streets are draped in colour, balconies hung with flags, and the scent of roasting meats and freshly pressed must mingles with the crisp aroma of autumn vines.
A city alive with wine
The heart of the festival beats in Plaza del Espolón, where each year local harvesters perform the pisada de uvas—the ceremonial treading of grapes. From this first pressing flows the “mosto,” a fresh grape juice offered to the Virgen de Valvanera, patron of La Rioja, in a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the year’s bounty. The act captures what the festival is about: honouring the earth while sharing its fruits with the community.
From morning until late at night, Logroño becomes an open-air stage. Brass bands and folk musicians wind through the old town, while neighbourhood peñas—local social clubs—host communal lunches and invite passers-by to join long wooden tables laden with Riojan classics such as patatas a la riojana and grilled chorizo. At dusk, fireworks crack across the sky and the crowd spills into the city’s legendary tapas street, Calle Laurel, where glasses of young red wine clink beneath strings of lights.
Concerts and street performances take place across the city, from grand squares to intimate courtyards. Families gather for traditional dances, children chase paper lanterns, and visiting oenophiles follow guided tastings that reveal the nuances of Rioja’s celebrated reds, whites and rosés.
More than a party
Behind the music and revelry lies a deep respect for the harvest itself. Rioja’s wine economy has shaped the region for centuries, and the festival honours the growers and winemakers whose labour fills each bottle. Offering the first must to the Virgin reflects both religious devotion and the collective gratitude of a community whose identity is inseparable from the vine.
This year’s programme highlights sustainability and local craftsmanship. Wineries open their doors for tours that showcase organic vineyards and eco-friendly practices, while artisan markets display ceramics, olive oils and cheeses that pair perfectly with a glass of crianza or reserva. Visitors can also explore nearby villages in Rioja Alavesa or Navarra, where smaller vendimia celebrations echo the spirit of San Mateo in a more intimate setting.
Planning your visit
The official festivities run from 20 to 26 September, with the most iconic events—such as the grape treading and the mayor’s opening proclamation—taking place over the first weekend. Most activities are free, though winery tours and special tastings require early booking. Accommodation in Logroño fills quickly, so reserving a hotel or rural casa weeks in advance is essential.
Public transport operates extended schedules during festival days, but the old town is best explored on foot. Evenings can turn cool, so layered clothing and comfortable shoes will serve you well as you wander between concerts, parades and late-night tapas bars.
A toast to Rioja’s future
The Rioja Wine Harvest Festival 2025 is more than a seasonal celebration—it is a vivid reminder of how wine, culture and community intertwine. From the rhythmic sound of grapes being crushed underfoot to the sparkle of fireworks above the Ebro River, every moment reflects a region that has balanced tradition with innovation for generations. Whether you are a dedicated wine lover or simply seeking an authentic slice of Spanish life, San Mateo offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rioja.