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Winery · Logroño, La Rioja
Bodegas Franco-Españolas
Winery founded in 1890 by a Frenchman on the banks of the Ebro, opposite the centre of Logroño, with old cellars and guided tours with tastings.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bodegas Franco-Españolas
Bodegas Franco-Españolas are on the north bank of the Ebro, just after the ponte de pedra, facing Logroño's old town. They were founded in 1890 by the French businessman Frederick Anglade Saurat, at a time when the phylloxera plague was destroying French vineyards and French producers came to La Rioja in search of wine. The company was born with French and Spanish capital, which is where the name comes from, and became solely Spanish in 1920.
The guided visit goes through the oak-barrel halls, the old cellars where the wine ages, and the bottling area, and explains how Rioja wine is made, including the categories that indicate aging time. It ends with a tasting.
The winery is one of the few in Rioja that can be visited on foot from the city center, making it an option for those who don't want to drive to the wine villages.
La Rioja is one of Spain's best-known wine regions, with tempranillo as the main grape, and Logroño is the gateway to the wineries of nearby towns such as Haro, Laguardia and Briones.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30, including the tasting.
Best time
Visits require booking and are at set times; check and reserve before you go. September and October are harvest season.
How to get there
It's on the north bank of the Ebro, about a 5-minute walk from the ponte de pedra and 10 minutes from the concatedral.
Tip
Book the visit in advance, especially on weekends. During the tasting, sample slowly and remember that the pinchos night still comes afterward.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bodegas Franco-Españolas
Can you visit a winery on foot from the center of Logroño?
Yes. Bodegas Franco-Españolas are on the other side of the Ebro, about a 5-minute walk from the stone bridge. Visits are by reservation.
When was Franco-Españolas founded?
Founded in 1890 by the French entrepreneur Frederick Anglade Saurat, with French and Spanish capital.
What is the main grape of Rioja?
Tempranillo, the base of most of the region's red wines.