First, Let’s Talk Road Trip (and Food)
We rolled into Rioja in July hot sun, cool breezes, full summer mode. On the way to the village of Labraza, we made a pit stop in Santa Cruz de Campezo for lunch at Arrea Restaurant, which, honestly, deserves its own blog post. Local ingredients, wild flavors, the kind of place that makes you say “we’re coming back here” halfway through your first bite.
Then We Met Iker and His Vines
Iker is the kind of winemaker you want to sit and have a glass (or five) with. Since 2015, he’s been running Viñedos Hontza, where he does everything growing, harvesting, fermenting with as little interference as possible. We’re talking zero additives, hand-picked grapes, natural fermentation. Basically, he lets nature do its thing and it works.
The vineyards are stunning. Vines that are 30, 60, even 100 years old. And get this Labraza is the only place in Rioja Alavesa with a winery that high up (650m), which gives the wines this crazy fresh energy.
Yes, There Are Actual Horses
Okay, this was a first for us. The vineyard isn’t just biodynamic it’s got real-life horses helping out. They plow the soil, mow the grass, and even keep the surrounding meadows in check. It’s sustainable, it’s traditional, and yeah, it’s very charming. These horses aren’t just for show they’re part of the team.
Wine Time
After our walk through the vines, we headed into the cellar. It’s small, humble, and exactly the kind of place where magic happens. Iker walked us through his wines:
Then came the tasting. We tried fresh bottles, older vintages, and paired everything with some local charcuterie. The wines? Pure. Alive and honest.
Medieval Town Vibes
After a few more glasses and many good chats, we took a slow stroll through Labraza. This little village feels frozen in time cobblestone everything, stone walls, total medieval fairytale energy. We grabbed Lunch at a local spot, got treated like family. We even make coffee ourselves from the bar.
Sunset + Pet Nat = Perfect Combo
We wrapped the day with a glass of 100% Tempranillo Pet Nat at sunset fizzy, fruity and refreshing. The kind of bottle you chill, kick back with, and forget what time it is.
Final Thoughts (and Feelings)
Iker’s approach is quiet, unhurried, and low intervention. It’s just grounded in respect, in rhythm, in reality. Biodynamics here isn’t a label; it’s a mindset. And the result? Wines that don’t just represent a place they hold its essence.
The name “Hontza” means owl in Basque a symbol of quiet wisdom and a deep connection to nature. And it fits perfectly: this project feels grounded, watchful, and full of life.
Thanks Iker….
Click here to check Honzza Wines
