Bodegas Franco Españolas

Imagine a place where the traditions of two great winemaking cultures meet. Bodegas Franco Españolas is one of the oldest and most respected estates in the La Rioja region. Founded in 1890 in the city of Logroño, it was the result of a unique union between French expertise and Spanish terroirs, born during a time when Bordeaux winemakers were seeking new lands.

Franco Españolas Winery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Situated on the picturesque banks of the Ebro River, this winery is not just a production facility but a true historical monument. Here, in Spain, wines that have become world classics are crafted: from the full-bodied Rioja Bordón to the famous semi-sweet white wine Diamante, which has been a leader in its segment for over a century.

Today, Franco-Españolas is a vibrant hub for wine tourism, welcoming tens of thousands of guests annually. Visitors are drawn by the remarkable blend of centuries-old architecture, innovative winemaking approaches, and an air of aristocracy preserved since the visits of kings and famous writers.

To plan your visit or pre-book a tasting, you can use the winery's official contact details. It is recommended to check availability in advance, especially on weekends.

A visit to Bodegas Franco Españolas is a deep dive into the world of classic Rioja. The main draw for guests is a tour of the cool historical cellars. Under the guidance of experienced guides, you will learn the secrets of aging wines in oak barrels and see how legendary brands are born. The architecture of the cellars is impressive in its own right, boasting both grand scale and an atmosphere of antiquity.

The highlight of the visit is traditionally the tasting. Professional sommeliers will help you uncover every facet of these elegant wines. Special attention should be given to Diamante—a fresh white wine with exotic notes—as well as the classic red wines of the Bordón range, known for their complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices.

Beyond standard tours, the winery often serves as a venue for cultural events, including theatrical performances, musical evenings, and gastronomic festivals. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the flagship store to purchase rare vintages and original souvenirs that will serve as a wonderful reminder of your journey into the heart of winemaking Spain.

The winery is located at C. Cabo Noval, 2, on the north bank of the Ebro River. Getting there is extremely easy: it is just a 5–10 minute leisurely walk from the historic center of Logroño. A walk across the picturesque Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra) is a pleasant addition to the route.

If you are arriving from other regions, the journey from Logroño's train or bus station takes about 15 minutes on foot or just 5 minutes by taxi. For those flying into Logroño-Agoncillo Airport, it is most convenient to take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center and then walk to the winery.

Thanks to its central location, a visit to Bodegas Franco Españolas is easily combined with a stroll along the famous Calle Laurel, home to the region's best tapas bars. For navigation, you can use the coordinates: 42.4721033, -2.4471302.

The history of Bodegas Franco Españolas began in 1890 when French winemaker Frederick Anglade Saurat joined forces with Spanish partners. This happened at a turning point when French vineyards were suffering from the phylloxera epidemic, leading Bordeaux masters to seek new terroirs in Spain. The very first harvest in 1891 laid the foundation for the legendary brands still produced today.

Over the decades of its existence, the winery has hosted truly distinguished guests. King Alfonso XIII visited in 1903 and 1925, and in 1956, the famous writer Ernest Hemingway visited the cellars, appreciating the deep flavor of the local wines. Such visits only underscored the estate's status as one of Rioja's primary symbols.

Since 1984, the winery has been owned by the Eguizábal family, who carefully preserve traditions while embracing innovation. In 2017, the Rioja Bordón brand was updated and presented under the bold concept of "Boldly Classic," highlighting loyalty to its roots with a modern approach to quality. Today, Franco-Españolas is rightfully considered a benchmark for wine tourism, having received the prestigious "The Best of" award for its innovative tour programs.

To fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient cellars and enjoy the taste of the drinks, you should allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit. A standard tour usually lasts about an hour, with the remaining time dedicated to the tasting and browsing the flagship store.

If you plan to participate in special cultural events or themed workshops often held on the grounds, it is better to set aside half a day. This will allow you to stroll along the Ebro River and take memorable photos against the backdrop of historical architecture without rushing.

The winery welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for visits on both weekdays and weekends. General opening hours:

• Monday — Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Please note that tour times may differ from the shop's general operating hours, so it is recommended to book tours in advance via the official website.

After tasting exquisite wines, a stroll around the surrounding area is a great idea. The winery's location on the banks of the Ebro River makes it easy to combine your wine experience with sightseeing in the city.