Pamplona, the vibrant capital of Navarra, is home to more than just its renowned festivals. Just outside the city lies the historic Bodega Otazu, a winery that’s making waves in the world of Spanish wine. With a focus on sustainable practices and local grape varieties, Otazu offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its picturesque vineyards and estates, including a stunning 12th-century Romanesque church. The winery’s commitment to quality and its rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for oenophiles and history enthusiasts alike.
Good To Know
- Bodega Otazu is a prestigious winery located in northern Spain, producing quality wines from its 116-hectare estate vineyards.
- The winery focuses on showcasing local Spanish grape varieties like Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, as well as international grapes.
- Otazu holds the prestigious D.O. Navarra and Protected Designation of Origin Pago designations, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
- The winery offers guided tours and tastings for visitors to explore its rich history, including a 12th-century Romanesque church and a 16th-century palace.
- The wine tourism experience at Otazu provides a personalized, accessible experience for groups, with options for events like weddings.
Bodega Otazu: a Winery With Pedigree
Bodega Otazu, a winery located in northern Spain, boasts a rich history and an impressive pedigree.
Focused on producing quality wines that reflect their origin and territory, the winery sources all its grapes from 116 hectares of its own vineyards.
Holding the prestigious D.O. Navarra and one of only 19 wineries with the Protected Designation of Origin Pago, Bodega Otazu is recognized for its exceptional wines.
The winery’s philosophy centers on showcasing the unique characteristics of its local varieties, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Visitors can explore the winery’s history, culture, and natural surroundings through guided tours and tastings.
Grape Varieties: The Heart of Otazu Wines
Although Bodega Otazu‘s winemaking heritage dates back centuries, the grape varieties cultivated on its 116-hectare estate are the true heart and soul of its award-winning wines.
The winery specializes in classic Spanish varietals like Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as international grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.
Each varietal is carefully tended to, allowing the wines to fully express the unique terroir of the Pago de Otazu region.
This commitment to quality and authenticity has earned Bodega Otazu the prestigious D.O. Navarra and Protected Designation of Origin Pago designations.
Pago De Otazu: the Pinnacle of Spanish Wine
Pago de Otazu is the pinnacle of Spanish wine, a testament to the winery’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
As one of only 19 wineries in Spain to hold the coveted Pago designation, Bodega Otazu’s wines reflect the unique terroir of their 116-hectare estate. From the classic Tempranillo to the elegant Chardonnay, each bottle captures the essence of the region.
Visitors can explore the property’s rich history, from the 12th-century Romanesque church to the 16th-century palace, while savoring the winery’s world-class offerings.
With a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, Pago de Otazu sets the standard for Spanish winemaking.
History and Heritage at Otazu
The historic Lordship of Otazu dates back to the 12th century, setting the stage for Bodega Otazu’s rich heritage.
Visitors can explore the 12th-century Romanesque church and the 14th-century dovecote defense tower, remnants of Otazu’s medieval past.
The 16th-century palace on the estate further showcases the property’s storied history.
Guests gain insight into this legacy through a guided tour, seeing the winery’s cultural and architectural significance.
Otazu’s commitment to honoring its past creates a unique wine tourism experience, blending tradition and modernity in the heart of northern Spain.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Otazu Wine Tourism Experience
Bodega Otazu’s wine tourism experience goes beyond simply sampling their award-winning wines. Visitors can enjoy the winery’s rich history, culture, and natural surroundings.
The 2-hour guided tour showcases the medieval Lordship of Otazu, including a 12th-century Romanesque church, a 14th-century dovecote defense tower, and a 16th-century palace. Guests can also explore the Pago de Otazu vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting.
Otazu offers a personalized experience, catering to groups for events like weddings and corporate meetings. With free cancellation and tours available in Spanish and English, Otazu provides a unique and memorable wine tourism experience.
Highlights of the Otazu Tour
As visitors explore the historic Lordship of Otazu, they’ll discover a captivating blend of medieval architecture and natural splendor.
The guided tour begins with a visit to the Pago de Otazu, the winery’s prestigious vineyards. Next, they’ll marvel at the 12th-century Romanesque church and the 14th-century dovecote defense tower, relics of Otazu’s medieval past.
The tour culminates at the 16th-century palace, where guests can savor the winery’s exceptional wines during a tasting.
Throughout the experience, visitors enjoy the estate’s rich history, art, and natural beauty, leaving with a deeper appreciation for Otazu’s unique character.
Practicalities: Booking and Accessibility
Visitors can easily book their Otazu winery tour through the website, which offers free cancellation up to 4 days in advance for a full refund.
The tours are available in both Spanish and English, accommodating a wide range of guests. The meeting point is accessible via Google Maps, making it convenient for visitors to find.
Plus, the winery is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy the tour and experience.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a medieval guided tour and wine tasting, showcasing the winery’s rich history and exceptional wines.
Exploring the Otazu Terroir
Though situated in the northern region of Spain, the Bodega Otazu winery benefits from a unique microclimate and terroir that produce exceptional wines. The estate’s 116 hectares of vineyards are spread across varying elevations, exposures, and soil compositions, allowing for a diverse range of grape varieties to thrive. This diversity is reflected in Otazu’s portfolio, which includes Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Berués. The winery’s commitment to highlighting its unique terroir is evident in its Pago classification, one of only 19 such designations in Spain, signifying the pinnacle of quality.
| Elevation | Soil Composition | Grape Varieties |
| — | — | — |
| 350-450 meters | Calcareous Clay | Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
| 250-350 meters | Sandy Loam | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| 450-500 meters | Stony Limestone | Cabernet Franc, Berués |
Common Questions
Do You Offer Private Tours or Group Tours?
Bodega Otazu offers both private and group tours. Visitors can choose a personalized experience or join a guided tour to explore the winery’s history, vineyards, and medieval architecture. Tour options are available in Spanish and English.
What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Tour?
There’s no formal dress code for the Otazu Winery tour. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual attire suitable for exploring the historic estate and vineyards. Sensible shoes are recommended for navigating the medieval grounds.
Are There Any Food Options Available During the Tour?
The tour includes a wine tasting, but there aren’t any full meal options during the 2-hour experience. However, the winery does offer personalized events like meals and catering that can be booked separately.
Can We Purchase Wines Directly From the Winery?
Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the winery during the tour. The Bodega Otazu winery offers a selection of its award-winning wines for visitors to sample and take home, providing a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of the region.
Do You Accommodate Visitors With Special Needs?
Yes, Bodega Otazu accommodates visitors with special needs. They offer accessible tour routes and can provide assistance upon request to ensure all guests have an enjoyable and comfortable experience at the winery.
The Sum Up
Bodega Otazu offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Navarra’s rich winemaking heritage. With its historic estate, sustainable practices, and exceptional wines, the winery showcases the region’s cultural and viticultural treasures. Whether exploring the picturesque vineyards or discovering the Romanesque church, a visit to Otazu promises an immersive and memorable experience for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
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