History of Navarra Wines

Navarra’s wine story stretches back over two thousand years, with roots in Roman times. Wine gained prominence during the Middle Ages when the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route brought travellers through Navarra, many of whom sought the area’s unique wines. The region’s reputation for quality wine production flourished under the Kingdom of Navarra, whose medieval winemaking practices laid the foundation for today’s viticulture.

In the 19th century, phylloxera devastated vineyards across Europe, including Navarra. When the region eventually recovered, growers experimented with French grape varieties, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines Navarra’s wine identity today.

Terroir and Climate

The climate is diverse, with Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental influences. This diversity is shaped by the region's geographic zones, from the cooler, wetter northern areas near the Pyrenees to the drier, warmer southern plains. The diversity in climate enables Navarra to produce a wide variety of wine styles, from fresh, crisp whites to robust reds.

The soils in Navarra vary considerably across its five subzones:

Baja Montaña – Known for its Mediterranean climate and limestone soils, ideal for Garnacha and Tempranillo.


Valdizarbe – Located near the Camino de Santiago, it experiences moderate temperatures that benefit the production of whites and reds.


Tierra Estella – This western zone has a climate similar to that of Rioja, producing full-bodied reds.


Ribera Alta – Warmer and drier, this area is known for its robust red wines.


Ribera Baja – With an arid climate, it specializes in reds with concentrated flavours.


Navarra’s winemakers embrace both indigenous and international grape varieties, contributing to a range of wines that appeal to diverse palates. Traditionally known for its Garnacha-based rosés, Navarra has expanded its repertoire to include several red and white grape varieties, often blended innovatively.

Garnacha: The star grape for both red and rosé wines, Garnacha produces fruity, fresh wines with excellent balance.
Tempranillo: A mainstay in Spanish winemaking, Tempranillo offers structure and aging potential to Navarra’s reds.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah: Introduced to Navarra in the 1980s, these French varieties brought international appeal and are often blended with native grapes.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viura: Leading the charge for Navarra’s whites, these grapes yield wines that range from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied.
Styles of Wine

Navarra is famous for its rosados (rosés), often made from Garnacha. These wines are vibrant, refreshing, and known for their rich strawberry flavours and crisp acidity. Traditionally darker in colour the region is now also producing paler versions for the international market.

The region also produces a wide array of reds, whites, and even sparkling wines.

Rosé (Rosado): Garnacha-based rosés are Navarra's most iconic wines, offering bright berry notes and refreshing acidity.
Red Wines: Known for both single varietal wines and blends of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra’s reds are often fruity and complex, ranging from easy-drinking to age-worthy.
White Wines: Made primarily from Chardonnay and Viura, Navarra’s whites offer flavours from green apple and citrus to creamy, buttery richness when oak-aged.
Sweet and Sparkling Wines: While not as common, Navarra’s dessert and sparkling wines showcase the versatility of the region's winemakers.
 

My Navarra Wine Adventure: Wineries, Medieval Towns, and Incredible Eats

My trip through Spain’s Navarra wine region was everything I’d hoped for—amazing wine, gorgeous landscapes, and a dash of history. Nestled between Rioja and the Pyrenees, Navarra offers a fantastic mix of traditional winemaking with a modern vibe. Staying in Olite, the heart of Navarra’s wine scene, was the perfect start to exploring top wineries and enjoying the town’s medieval charm. From Bodegas Sarria and Inurrieta to a stunning meal at Verduarte in Pamplona, every stop added something special to my journey through this lesser-known gem.

Stepping Back in Time in Olite

Staying in Olite felt like I’d travelled back a few centuries! Known as Navarra’s wine capital, Olite has this amazing medieval vibe with stone-paved streets, small wine shops, and rustic taverns that make you feel Navarra’s long-standing love for wine. The Royal Palace of Olite, with its stunning Gothic architecture and views over surrounding vineyards, set the perfect scene for the trip. Wandering around here gave me a taste of Navarra’s dedication to quality winemaking and a glimpse into its deep wine history.

Bodegas Sarria

One of the standout moments of my trip was visiting Bodegas Sarria, tucked away in Puente la Reina along the famous Camino de Santiago. This winery has serious history, but they also bring a modern edge to winemaking. Their Garnacha-based rosés and reds are particularly fantastic, capturing the unique terroir of Navarra. Walking through the vineyards and tasting their wines—everything from fruity rosados to rich, earthy reds—gave me a real sense of the care and expertise behind each bottle.

A Sip at the Fuente de Vino at Bodegas Irache

Bodegas Irache was another highlight, especially their famed Fuente de Vino, or “Wine Fountain.” It’s become this legendary stop for travellers on the Camino de Santiago, offering pilgrims a taste of the region’s wine—a warm, fun gesture that Navarra’s famous for. The winery itself blends old traditions with a bit of innovation, and tasting their bold Tempranillos and crisp whites showed off the variety Navarra’s known for. A quick visit to their museum was also eye-opening; they’ve got bottles in their cellar dating back over 100 years!

Modern Winemaking at Inurrieta

Inurrieta brought a fresh, modern twist to my trip. This winery is all about innovation, blending native grapes with international varieties, but they stay true to the region’s roots. The views were breathtaking—sprawling vineyards against a backdrop of distant mountains. And the wines? Just as impressive, with bold reds and crisp whites that managed to be rich without being overwhelming. It was a great example of how Navarra mixes old-school and new-school winemaking.

Culinary Delights at Verduarte, Pamplona

No trip to Navarra is complete without tasting the local cuisine, and dining at Verduarte in Pamplona was pure magic. Perched atop a building with views over the city, Verduarte puts a modern twist on Navarra’s traditional ingredients. Every dish looked like art and paired perfectly with Navarra’s wines. This dinner captured the region’s unique flavours, highlighting Navarra’s commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.

Final Thoughts on Navarra

Navarra is a hidden gem for wine lovers, offering a rich blend of history, tradition, and innovation. From the medieval streets of Olite to the diverse, welcoming wineries, this region has left me with a new appreciation for Spanish wines. And a shoutout to all the wineries—I honestly don’t remember the last time I tried so many wines without a single miss! If you’re after a unique wine experience off the beaten path, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Navarra.

Plus, stay tuned—we’ll be adding some new Navarra selections to our lineup, so you can experience a taste of this fantastic region yourself.