Ultimate Guide To Navarra DO

A wine region for wanderers, pilgrims, and passionate drinkers alike.
For the full Swallow Don’t Spit Guide to Spanish Wine Regions, click here.

Navarra: Where Wine and Pilgrimage Cross Paths

There are places you drink wine, and then there are places where you feel it in the soil. Navarra is the second kind — a region made for walking, with a glass in hand and a story in every step.

Tucked up against the Pyrenees, brushing shoulders with France, the Basque Country, and the vast plains of La Rioja, Navarra isn’t just a wine region — it’s a crossroads. Pilgrims have walked through it for over a thousand years on their way to Santiago. Traders crossed it with spices and silks. Kings built castles here. And now, we wanderers come to drink.

Navarra isn’t the loudest name on the Spanish wine shelf, but maybe that’s the point. Its charm is quieter. More personal. The kind you discover slowly: in a high-altitude vineyard you didn’t expect, or a chilled rosado on a sunny stone terrace, or a bottle of Garnacha that tastes like it grew from the ruins of an old church.

This region doesn’t ask for attention — it earns it. And as you trace its paths, you’ll start to understand why people have been walking through it, and raising a glass to it, for centuries.

Navarra: A Region That’s Always Been in the Middle of It All

Navarra has always played second fiddle — to La Rioja, to the Basque Country, to the French across the mountains — but being in the middle of everything is exactly what gives it its character.

This is a land of blending and bending — of cultures, climates, grapes, and histories. Once a powerful medieval kingdom in its own right, Navarra has been influenced by everyone from Roman soldiers to French pilgrims to Spanish monarchs. That diversity shows in its wine.

The geography helps. Navarra stretches from the cooler, Atlantic-tinged north (nearly at Pamplona) to the sun-drenched southern plains bordering the Ebro River. That means you’ll find everything here: structured reds, light rosés, experimental whites, and even some natural and biodynamic winemaking tucked away in mountain valleys.

The region was once known almost exclusively for its rosado, made from Garnacha — dry, crisp, with just the right amount of fruit. But over the past few decades, Navarra has quietly built a reputation for bold, expressive reds, often made from Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot (yes, the French influence runs deep).

And unlike Rioja, where tradition often rules, Navarra has room for experimentation. You’ll find single varietals, French blends, modern ageing techniques, and more freedom in style. That’s a blessing for winemakers, and a playground for curious drinkers.

What Wines Should You Look Out For From Navarra?

If Navarra isn’t already on your radar, it should be — especially if you’re the kind of drinker who likes to explore beyond the usual suspects.

Garnacha Rosado: The OG Navarra Style

Once the region’s flagship, Navarra’s rosado is still a thing of beauty. Made mostly from Garnacha, it’s dry, vibrant, and typically deeper in colour than the Provence-style rosés many drinkers are used to — but don’t let the colour of your rosado fool you. These are food-friendly, refreshing wines made for lazy lunches and sunset aperitivos. Look for terms like clarete and rosado tradicional if you want the old-school styles.

Tempranillo & Garnacha Reds: The Heart of Navarra

Tempranillo does well here, but it’s Garnacha that sings — especially in the warmer zones. Expect juicy red fruit, herbal notes, and soft spice. The reds from Navarra are often a bit fresher and less oak-driven than Rioja, but no less serious. They’re great with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, or lamb — especially if you’re eating outdoors under a pine tree.

International Blends: A French Accent

Navarra was one of the first Spanish regions to really embrace Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and you’ll find them blended with native varieties in structured, elegant reds. Some producers go full French style, with barrel-ageing and bottle ageing to match — but others take a more modern, fruit-forward route. Either way, you get complexity at very fair prices.

White Wines: A Quiet Revelation

Don’t sleep on Navarra’s whites. You’ll find Viura, Chardonnay, and Garnacha Blanca, as well as more niche varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Moscatel. Styles range from crisp and citrusy to barrel-aged and creamy. And because Navarra isn’t (yet) known for whites, they’re usually excellent value.

Where Is Navarra and How Do You Visit?

Navarra sits just south of the Pyrenees, cradled between Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragon — a geographical sweet spot that has made it a cultural and agricultural crossroads for centuries. From the mountain air of the north to the sun-drenched plains in the south, this region has terroir variety baked into its landscape.

How to Get There

The capital, Pamplona, is your main gateway — famous for its bulls, yes, but also for its charm, food, and wine. From there, you can access most of Navarra’s wine country within an hour or two.

• By train: Pamplona is well connected by Renfe, with fast trains from Madrid (3 hrs) and Barcelona (4 hrs).

• By car: For full wine adventure freedom, rent a car. The roads are good, the views are even better, and you’ll want the flexibility to explore the little villages and hilltop bodegas that define the region.

• By foot: Yes, really. Navarra is threaded with Camino de Santiago trails — especially the Camino Francés, which winds through wine towns like Puente la Reina and Estella. You can sip and stroll, pilgrim-style.

Wine Tourism in Navarra

Navarra doesn’t have the same polished wine tourism infrastructure as La Rioja, but that’s part of the charm. Many bodegas are small, family-run, and open by appointment — meaning tastings often come with a story, a snack, and maybe even a family member pouring your wine.

Look out for:

• Estella-Lizarra and its nearby wineries

• Olite, a fairytale castle town surrounded by vineyards

• Tafalla and the rugged terrain to its south

And if you’re with us on one of our SDSW adventures, like our Camino de Vino that passes through La Rioja, we might just take you to the spots where Garnacha grows wild and the wine flows even wilder.

Wine Tourism in Navarra: Sip, Stroll, and Soak It In

Navarra’s wine scene isn’t about glossy bodegas and busy tasting rooms—it’s a tapestry of family estates, pilgrim stops, and cinematic landscapes, where each sip tells a story of soil, history, and heart.

Top Wineries to Visit by Zone

Valdizarbe (Near Pamplona & Estella)

• Bodega Pago de Otazu: A standout estate just 8 km from Pamplona, mixing ancient vineyard roots with a striking neo-Gothic cellar often called the “Wine Cathedral”. Well-suited to Chardonnay and full-bodied reds.

• Bodegas Fernández de Arcaya: A biodynamic family winery near Estella along the Camino, offering intimate tastings beneath century-old barrels.

Tierra Estella & Way of St. James

• Castillo de Monjardín: A medieval castle-turned-bodega near Estella — a cinematic stop that’s both vineyard and cultural monument.

• Bodegas Ochoa: Located out of Pamplona, this historic estate (six generations deep) pairs classic hospitality with elegant reds and wax-wrapped bottles.

Ribera Alta (Around Olite)

• Bodegas Caudalia & Pago de Cirsus: Sparkling with quality and set in the warm heart of Navarra. Pago de Cirsus even boasts Vino de Pago status for its terroir-driven expressiveness.

• Bodegas Corellanas: A smaller estate just south of Olite, known for personality-packed reds and a family-run approach.

Ribera Baja

• Bodegas Casa Primicia: Though historically linked to Rioja, this boutique winery’s Navarra foothills location offers an under-the-radar tasting experience.

Overlaps with SDSW’s Camino de Vino Experience

While our signature Camino de Vino walks focus on Rioja Alta and Alavesa, some of the estate routes weaves nearby Navarra—especially through Estella and Olite—making them easy to fold into a broader northern Spain adventure.

Estella, with its Romanesque churches, the ancient Monastery of Irache, and Cliffs of Bardenas just a short drive away, creates a memorable midpoint between walks, wines, and whispering vines.

Tips for Visiting

• Book ahead! Many wineries are small and open only by appointment, especially in spring and autumn.

• Combine pathways with tastings—plan a hike or cycle between wineries, especially along Camino stretches near Estella-Tierra Estella.

• Pair with culture—visit Pamplona’s museums, Olite’s castle, or Bardenas Reales park for a soul-deep break between flights (of wine).

• Time it right—Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal for weather, harvest events (like Olite’s Vendimia celebrations), and fewer crowds.

Quick-Glance Map of Recommended Stops

A Deep-Rooted History: Navarra’s Culture, Conflict, and Wine

Navarra Before Navarra: The Land of Ancient Tribes

Long before Navarra became a kingdom — or even a concept — it was home to a patchwork of ancient peoples. The Vascones, ancestors of today’s Basques, lived across the Pyrenees and western Navarra, resisting Romanisation longer than most Iberian tribes.

Rome Arrives, and With It, Vines

When the Romans finally did take hold, they brought roads, order — and viticulture. Roman roads like the Via Caesaraugusta connected this fertile land to larger trade routes. Amphorae shards and early wine presses discovered near Estella and Olite suggest that wine was being produced and traded here over 2,000 years ago. Roman soldiers needed their daily ration of wine, and Navarra’s strategic location made it a hub.

Roland, Roncesvalles, and the Birth of Myth

One of the most famous tales tied to Navarra’s rugged history is the Battle of Roncesvalles Pass in 778 AD, when Charlemagne’s army was ambushed by local Basques while retreating through the Pyrenees.

The Song of Roland

This ambush became the stuff of medieval legend, immortalised in La Chanson de Roland — one of Europe’s oldest epic poems. While the poem blames “Saracens” (Moors), the real culprits were likely Basques protecting their mountain stronghold. Today, Roncesvalles (Orreaga) remains a powerful symbol of regional identity — and a stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, where vineyards now dot the foothills below.

The Kingdom of Navarra: Independent and Ambitious

From the 9th to 16th century, Navarra was a kingdom in its own right — one of the few independent Christian realms during the Islamic rule of southern Spain. It stretched across the Pyrenees into what is now France, and for a time rivalled both Aragon and Castile.

Medieval Wine and Monasteries

Navarra’s medieval monasteries — including Leyre and Irache — played a key role in preserving wine culture. Monks were often the best viticulturists of the day, and their spiritual devotion extended to perfecting the region’s early Garnacha-based reds and rustic whites.

Free Wine on the Camino

Pilgrims walking the Camino even today will find the famous wine fountain at Bodegas Irache, a literal tap offering red wine to travellers. The tradition of wine as both sustenance and spiritual reward dates back centuries.

A Region Torn: The Castilian Conquest and French Connection

In 1512, Ferdinand of Aragon invaded Navarra, and by 1515 it was absorbed into what became modern Spain. The northern slice of Navarra (today’s Lower Navarre in France) remained outside Spanish control, further fracturing the kingdom.

Cultural Hybridity

This split embedded a dual identity into Navarra — Spanish yet distinct, Basque yet not fully so. The wines of the region reflect this complexity: Garnacha dominates the southern plains, while the cooler, Atlantic north produces zippy rosados and aromatic whites.

Pamplona, Hemingway, and the Global Gaze

While wine was always part of Navarra’s identity, it took a wild American writer to bring Pamplona — and Navarra — onto the international cultural map.

Hemingway’s Fiesta

Ernest Hemingway visited Pamplona’s San Fermín festival in the 1920s and was so captivated by the Running of the Bulls, the local wine, and the madness of the event that he featured it in The Sun Also Rises.

His influence turned Pamplona from regional capital to worldwide spectacle. Today, millions come to drink, dance, and maybe run for their lives — often washed down with bottles of Garnacha rosado or young red blends from nearby vineyards.

“Wine is the most civilised thing in the world.”
– Ernest Hemingway, probably after a few too many in Navarra

Navarra in the 20th Century: From Bulk Wine to Boutique

Like much of Spain, Navarra fell into bulk wine production during the 20th century — lots of litres, not much finesse. But since the 1980s, Navarra has been reborn.

Innovation and Diversity

Navarra’s winemakers embraced international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, blending them with traditional Garnacha and Tempranillo to create modern styles that still speak to place.

The DO Navarra, officially recognised in 1933 (just behind Rioja), now has five subzones — each with their own microclimates, altitudes, and specialties.

The Modern Pilgrimage: Wine Tourism and Cultural Fusion

Today, Navarra is a crossroads once again — not of warring armies, but of foodies, hikers, pilgrims, and wine lovers. From the stony hills of Baja Montaña to the lush Bardenas Reales desert, the wine is as diverse as the land. And every glass tells a story of monks and myths, kings and conquest, bulls and books.

The Five Subzones of DO Navarra: Where Terroir Tells the Story

Navarra isn’t one uniform landscape — it’s a mosaic of soils, slopes, and climates. The region’s five official subzones offer distinct expressions of wine, from mountain-cooled freshness to full-bodied Mediterranean warmth. Here’s a journey through each, from north to south, glass by glass.

1. Valdizarbe: The Pilgrim’s Path to Elegance

Where it is: Northern Navarra, nestled along the Camino de Santiago, with cooler, wetter conditions thanks to Atlantic influence.

Altitude & Climate: Some of the highest vineyards in the region (up to 650m), with sharp day–night temperature swings and regular rainfall.

What grows here:

• Tempranillo and Garnacha with lifted red fruit and soft tannins

• White varieties like Viura and Chardonnay thrive here too, holding on to freshness and zing

What it tastes like:
Wines from Valdizarbe often feel restrained and elegant — red berries with a whisper of spice, whites with mouth-watering citrus and minerality. Think of it as Navarra’s cool-climate corner, built for balance over brawn.

2. Tierra Estella: Rugged Beauty and Rustic Reds

Where it is: Just west of Valdizarbe, stretching into rolling hills and forested pockets, with a slightly drier and warmer feel.

Altitude & Climate: High elevation again, but with a bit more sun and less rain than Valdizarbe.

What grows here:

• Garnacha is queen — hearty, sun-loving, and versatile

• Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also do well here, often blended with native varieties

What it tastes like:
Rustic but charming. You’ll find dark cherry and herbal notes, often with a more earthy backbone. These wines feel a little wilder — like the zone itself. Great for food pairings with game or grilled meats.

3. Baja Montaña: Bright Reds and Wild Beauty

Where it is: Northeastern Navarra, touching the Pre-Pyrenees — steep slopes, winding roads, and jaw-dropping views.

Altitude & Climate: Higher altitude still, with cool breezes funnelling through the valleys. Less predictable weather, but that’s part of the magic.

What grows here:

• Garnacha and Tempranillo shine with high acidity and crisp red fruit

• Moscatel occasionally makes an appearance, especially in floral whites

What it tastes like:
Fresh and nervy. The wines have racy acidity and bright, almost alpine fruit flavours. The reds are light but expressive, and the occasional white feels like drinking wildflowers.

4. Ribera Alta: The Heartland of Rosado

Where it is: The central breadbasket of Navarra, around the historic town of Olite — warmer, flatter, more Mediterranean.

Altitude & Climate: Mid-altitude with long, dry summers, perfect for ripening without extremes.

What grows here:

• Garnacha, again — but this time for rosado. Navarra rosé is legendary.

• Graciano and Mazuelo add structure to red blends

• International grapes like Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot are common

What it tastes like:
This is where the rosados of Navarra earn their reputation — dry, vivid pink, bursting with strawberry, watermelon, and citrus zest. Reds are rounder and riper, with more plush fruit and spice. A zone that offers both drink-now charm and cellar-worthy surprises.

5. Ribera Baja: Sun-Drenched Power and Bold Blends

Where it is: The southernmost subzone, almost touching La Rioja and Aragon — hot, dry, and lower in altitude.

Altitude & Climate: Below 400m, with searing summer temperatures and very little rainfall. The Ebro River provides just enough water to keep the vines from wilting.

What grows here:

• Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Garnacha Tinta

• Some of Navarra’s most structured and full-bodied reds come from here

What it tastes like:
These wines are dense, rich, and fruit-forward, often with high alcohol and deep colour. Blackberries, plums, smoky spice. If you’re after a bold Navarra wine with international appeal, Ribera Baja is where to look.

FAQs About Navarra DO

What kind of wines is Navarra known for?

Navarra is known for its vibrant rosado (rosé) wines, especially from Garnacha, as well as elegant reds from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Whites made from Viura, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are also gaining ground.

Where is Navarra wine country located?

Navarra DO lies in northern Spain, tucked between La Rioja, the Basque Country, and the Pyrenees. The region’s vineyards stretch from the high-altitude north to the sun-baked south, offering an impressive diversity of wines.

Is Navarra part of La Rioja?

No. Navarra is a separate autonomous community and wine region, although it borders La Rioja and shares many similarities. Historically, the regions have overlapped in winemaking influence — but Navarra has its own identity and DO (Denominación de Origen) classification.

What makes Navarra rosado special?

Navarra rosado wines are typically dry, crisp, and intensely fruity, made with 100% Garnacha in many cases. The region pioneered high-quality rosé in Spain long before the style became globally trendy.

Does Navarra have wine subregions?

Yes. Navarra DO is divided into five subzones: Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Baja Montaña, Ribera Alta, and Ribera Baja — each with its own microclimate and grape specialisations. For example, Ribera Baja is warmer and better for bold reds, while Valdizarbe is cooler and ideal for whites and Pinot Noir.

Is Navarra on the Camino de Santiago?

Yes! The French Route of the Camino de Santiago passes through Navarra, particularly Estella and Puente la Reina. Many wineries are located just off the trail, making it a perfect region for wine pilgrims.

Can you visit wineries in Navarra?

Absolutely. Navarra is full of boutique, family-run wineries that offer tastings, tours, and in some cases, accommodation. Regions like Estella and Olite are especially welcoming to wine tourists.

What grapes are grown in Navarra?

• Red grapes: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

• White grapes: Viura (Macabeo), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscatel
  The blend of local and international varieties makes for a broad spectrum of styles.

How does Navarra wine compare to Rioja?

Navarra wines tend to be more experimental and fruit-forward, while Rioja leans traditional and oak-focused. Navarra’s rosados stand apart, and its wines often offer excellent value for money.