Breathtaking landscapes that will capture your heart, quintessential villages full of history, a mouth-watering gastronomic culture, boutique wineries… The Spanish region of La Rioja has everything a wine lover could hope for in a holiday.

Whether you are already a seasoned lover of Rioja wines or you have only recently discovered them, there is no better time to jump on a plane and immerse yourself in the land where Finca Martelo was born. If you are still not convinced after this little intro, here are 5 great reasons why anyone and everyone should visit the Spanish region of La Rioja.

1. A landscape to fall in love with, any time of year

No matter what time of year you visit the La Rioja region in Spain, its landscape can´t help but capture your heart. The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a lush sea of green in springtime which then turns a stunning pungent color as the grape harvest approaches.

2. A land full of rich history just waiting to be explored

The medieval castles, villages and towers that are scattered throughout the length and breadth of La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa regions are a must-see for anyone visiting the Spanish land of wine. Historical jewels such as Laguardia, a village that for centuries was the first obstacle to be overcome by all those wanting to invade the old Kingdom of Navarre. Labraza, Santo Domingo de la Calzada or castles such as Davillo or Clavijo are also up there on the best historical places to visit. 

3. A world-famous land of wine… and good food!

In addition to tasting great wines such as Finca Martelo, you can also enjoy gorgeous food in La Rioja such as the authentic “bocattos di cardinale”. We would of course suggest starting your gastronomic journey at the Torre de Oña winery, where you can book your very own private dining room (with space for up to 20 people). And then there are the local bars and restaurants in quaint towns such as Haro and Laguardia where you can feast on a heartiful meal of raciones (a variety of local dishes intended to share), bocados (taste bites where every mouthful is a gastronomic explosion) or you can even enjoy something more formal with an actual tablecloth.

4. Discover the unique Torre Oña boutique winery 

A boutique winery, a French Chateau-style bodega in the heart of Spain, a very special treat in Rioja Alavesa´s “Golden Mile”, a renowned subregion of Rioja DOCa,… These are just a few ways of describing the Torre de Oña winery, home to Finca Martelo. It is here that the wine is carefully crafted alongside its siblings Torre de Oña and Finca San Martín in a breathtaking setting of vineyards, surrounded by cypress trees and with views of the the historical Villa of Laguardia and the Cantabrian Mountains as its natural backdrop. It is located in the small town of Páganos and a stroll through its vineyard at sunset is one of the most magical experiences you could have whilst visiting this land.

5. Go on a local adventure!

One of the best ways to enjoy the magical landscape of La Rioja is to get lost in its valleys, mountains and vineyards. Or if you prefer, there are all kinds of activities you can enjoy: from a bike ride through the vineyards to a horse ride and even a hot-air balloon ride. 

It all sounds pretty amazing right? Come and discover the regions of La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa for yourselves. Finca Martelo will be here to welcome you with open arms.

In the heart of Rioja Alavesa, surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Cantabria mountain range and the town of Laguardia. That is how you can enjoy a picnic in finest #martelism style. Do something different, venture into the great outdoors and have a lovely time.

In this case, in a joint initiative with the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route.

The day out is designed for groups of between two and ten people and has everything: a visit to the winery, a walk through the vineyard and a picnic among the vines.

Our kitchen team has put together a delicious, gourmet lunch.

Potato tortilla, stuffed peppers, cheese and chorizo. Just divine.

Did you ask about wine? Of course there will be wine! We will uncork a bottle of Finca Martelo and a bottle of Lagar de Cervera, Finca Martelo’s Galician cousin made at our Rias Baixas estate.

Enjoy this delicious picnic 12 pm Monday to Friday (available in Spanish and English).

Bookings via the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route website.

Just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t arrange a date full of #Martelism.

You don’t have to wait for the end of lockdown to arrange a date full of #Martelism. Whether it’s a special occasion or just to spend some downtime with your partner, these tips can help you organise the perfect date at home.

1. Invite your partner… or surprise them!

It’s not just another dinner at home, so to make it special you can choose two from strategies: either completely surprise your partner when they get home or send them an invitation, telling them to get ready for a magical evening.

2. Good music

A good soundtrack is essential for organising the perfect at-home date. If you’re unsure where to start, the “Chill at Home” playlist on our Spotify account is a good place to start. Remember, it’s a romantic dinner, so put the music on in the background and let your conversation take centre stage.

3.Decorate the table

Besides music, one way to make the evening even more special is to put something beautiful on the table. Martelo picked up a few tricks at the Table Setting workshop run by Yanire Caro at one of the Inspiring Days. If you weren’t able to catch it, the video above can give you some ideas.

4. Order in from your favourite restaurant

Just because you can’t book a table at your favourite restaurant doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its specialties. By now there are many fine dining venues offering take-away or pick-up. Here are some recommendations from Finca Martelo: Rocacho (Madrid), Mano Lenta (Vitoria-Gasteiz), La Huerta Vieja (Laguardia) and La Lobera de Martín (Zaragoza), among others.

5. Add the finishing touch with a bottle of Finca Martelo

At this point, I think we can agree it’s time to uncork that bottle of Finca Martelo you had put away for a special occasion. If you don’t have any left in the cellar you can always order a crate from our official store and we will send it to you ASAP.

Follow these steps and success is guaranteed. You have Martelo’s word on it.

Long gone are the days when finding a movie meant heading down to your local video store and wandering the aisles in search of the latest blockbuster. These days, it’s as simple as downloading an app and settling down in front of the TV. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ll take you through the best video-on-demand platforms for watching movies and series that are broadcast in Spain. Now, make some popcorn, uncork a bottle of Finca Martelo and let the viewing commence. 

The usual suspects

Let’s start with the usual suspects. The series junkies among us can find the latest hits on Netflix and HBO: Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, Euphoria, Money Heist… But their movie selection is somewhat limited: you’ll mostly find hit movies from a couple of years ago. If you’re after the latest blockbusters, take a look through the Movistar+ catalogue, which has most big movies available at some point on its rental and streaming services.

Princesses, superheroes and space warriors

While it doesn’t yet have a launch date in Spain, Disney+ promises to be the streaming service to beat in the coming years. We’re not only talking about its vast catalogue of animated features starring Mickey and the Disney princesses. It also includes the entire range of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic content.

The latest releases in the comfort of your home

If you don’t mind waiting a few months, you can rent all the new releases on platforms like Youtube and iTunes. A great option if you only want to watch the occasional movie.

The art of great cinema

If you’re looking for cinematic works of art – the kind that walk away with all the big festival awards – the best platforms are Filmin and Mubi. Both offer a wide range of cult, classic and independent films to rent or stream. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at Filmin’s Autumn and Wine collection: you’ll find it pairs perfectly with a bottle of Finca Martelo. 

Stream the screams

While most of these video-on-demand platforms include some horror films, no streaming service has as many scary movies as Planet Horror. The collection ranges from stone-cold classics to B-movie horrors, black comedy and an ample gore section. 

Made in Spain

Fans of Spanish cinema can find a great selection on FlixOle. All Spain’s top directors are here: from Julio Medem and Alex De la Iglesia to Alejandro Amenabar and Pedro Almodovar. The platform also shows off Spain’s greatest actors: from classics starring Paco Martínez Soria to the greatest hits of Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

When reality is better than fiction

On Guidedoc, you can find the best selection of the documentaries produced all over the world each year. The collection, which is updated daily, ranges from groundbreaking, big-issue films to those exploring aspects of everyday life.

Now that you’ve found the film for you, follow these six simple steps to prepare for the perfect movie night, with a splash of #Martelism.

After a summer full of travel and adventure, in Autumn Finca Martelo likes to chill out at home and enjoy a good movie curled up on the sofa. 

If you like how that sounds, here are the six things you need to put together the perfect movie night, with a splash of #Martelism. Take note.

Prepare a snack

Everyone knows that… movies are much better with popcorn. We love classics like Finca Martelo, so prefer ours salted or sweet, but at Pop It you can find all kinds of flavours: chocolate, mandarin, fruits of the forest and even coconut and green apple. But the snack options don’t stop at popcorn: this is the perfect excuse to open that bar of dark chocolate  you’ve been resisting for days.

A warm blanket and a comfy sofa

At this time of year, there’s nothing more appealing than curling up on the sofa. Especially if you have someone to share it with. So the next essential ingredient for your perfect movie night is a mohair blanket, like those crafted by Mantas Ezcaray. Made of soft and silky natural fibres, they’ll keep you toasty warm on these cold Autumn evenings. Add some thick slipper socks and total comfort is guaranteed. 

Put your mobile on silent

You may be far from a cinema and the worry of disturbing the rest of the audience, but you can’t enjoy a movie if you’re being interrupted constantly. Texts and calls can wait. Put your mobile on silent and lose yourself in a good movie.

Lights out

Draw the curtains, lower the blinds, shut the door and light a candle. Just four steps to create the perfect atmosphere, helping you leave your cares behind and really get into the story.

Bring the cinema home

If you want the best movie-watching experience, you might think having the latest TV is key, but what really makes the difference is the sound. If you already have a Home Cinema system, you’ll know that surround sound is what really immerses you in the film. Especially if you’re a fan of action movies.

And of course, uncork a bottle of Finca Martelo

For an unforgettable movie night, all that remains is to uncork a bottle of Finca Martelo and pour a couple of glasses of wine. Could there be a more perfect pairing?

Escaping the daily grind, wandering through unknown cities, learning about other cultures, discovering unique flavours, sharing a bottle of Martelo with new friends… Few experiences capture the spirit of #Martelism like travelling does. No wonder it ignites such passions.

Some might say that the time for travelling ends as summer draws to a close. But those of us with wanderlust in our bones (the Germans gave us our term for that irresistible desire to travel) know that there’s no need to wait until July to pack our suitcases. 

Not sure what your options are once high season is over? Here are four alternative ways to travel all year round. 

Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing may have started life as a means to travel on a shoestring, but the secret of its success lies in the genuine cultural insights and experiences that travellers share in this alternative to mainstream travel. Hosts welcome travellers from all over the world into their homes and exchange cultures, customs and dishes. There are few ways of travelling that let you immerse yourself in another way of life so completely. Top tip: take a bottle of Martelo with you to share with your new friends.

Take a workcation

For evermore workers in today’s world, a computer and an internet connection is all that’s needed to get the job done. If you’re not tied to an office, why not see the world while you work? You’ll put in the same hours, but each week you can enjoy your after-work downtime in a different place. 

Weekend breaks

Whether you head for Martelo’s homeland of La Rioja Alavesa or any European capital, weekend breaks are one of the best ways to get away regularly without breaking the bank. If you need a little inspiration, The New York Times has published a guide to some of the best 36-hour getaways in Europe. ¿

Road trips: Hit the highway

Travel along coastal roads with the sea at your side, drive up into the mountains or cross wide, open plains. Hitting the road is the perfect way to discover some truly breathtaking destinations. The route you take is up to you, but let Martelo take care of the soundtrack.

Oh! And remember to take a look at this map if you want to know where to find Martelo on your travels through Spain.

There are no end of magical destinations to discover inSpain, but few can match the homeland of Rioja wine. Spread between the regions of Álava and La Rioja, this is a land of unrivalled culture and beauty where the food is a genuine delight. It’s no coincidence that this is the birthplace of Martelo and #Martelism.

Not only recognised as one of Spain’s most magnificent places to live, this is also the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.  Let Martelo give you a taste of what the Riojan heartland has to offer:

The ‘Balcony’ of La Rioja (El Balcón de la Rioja)

There’s no better way to start your weekend than by taking in some panoramic views high up on the Cantabrian mountains. From the viewing platform, reached by driving along the winding A-2124, which crosses the Herrera mountain pass, you can see our next destination: The Torre de Oña Bodega.

Get to know the home of Martelo

A wine like Martelo could only start its life in such special environs as the boutique bodega of Torre de Oña. Nestled among vineyards and cypress trees, the winery sits alongside a manor house, with the Cantabrian Mountains as a spectacular natural backdrop. It’s an inspiring setting for walking, reading or wine-tasting. You can also make the most of its fantastic restaurant and visit the cellars. To book a visit call +34 945 621 154 or send an email to info@torredeona.com  

Enjoy a meal in Restaurante Arrope

Located right in the centre of Haro, a town which prides itself as one of Spain’s wine capitals, Restaurante Arrope offers traditional cuisine which is carefully crafted with exquisite ingredients. You can accompany your glass of Martelo with such delicious dishes as griddled artichokes layered upon a cream of wild mushroom soup with crispy ham, oak-smoked cecina (cured beef), or cod cheeks in red pil-pil (a creamy sauce made from fish, garlic and oil). Don’t forget to book. 

Kayaking on the Ebro River

For more adventurous visitors, paddling along the Ebroin a kayak is a great way to get to know the region. This kayaking expedition, which is suitable for adults and children, will take you along the Ebro River, passing by picturesque villages such as Lapuebla de Labarca and Eltziego. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world. More Information.

Spend a night within the historical walls of Los Agustinos

When night falls and you’re looking for a place to stay, no hotel has such a rich history to offer as Los Agustinos. Since its construction in 1373, the building has housed a convent, a military garrison, a prison and even a hospital. Located in the centre of Haro, it’s the perfect base from which to draw up your plans for the rest of your weekend.  And they serve Martelo  

The “Witch’s Hut” Dolmen (Chabola de la Hechicera)

Discovered in 1935 the Chabola de la Hechicera (literally, Witch’s Hut) Dolmen, is one of the few megalithic structures remaining in the Iberian peninsula. Legend has it that witches used to gather around the dolmen, but the structure was actually used as a burial monument.

A walk around the lakes of Laguardia

If you want to spend some time getting in touch with nature, you won’t want to miss a visit to the lakes of Laguardia: Carralogroño, Carravalseca, Musco and Prado de la Paul. Surrounded by vineyards, these wetlands are home to some truly unique flora and fauna.

A fiesta to round off your weekend in style

Last but not least, on Sunday 15 September 2019, the village of Baños de Ebro hosts the Rioja Alavesa Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia de Rioja Alavesa). A date that no wine lover should miss. To a backdrop of music and dancing, there will be grape treading and tasting sessions where you can sample the year’s first mosto (freshly-pressed grape juice).

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fifth time, the experience of going underground and tasting the delicacies of La Gruta Restaurant and a bottle of Martelo simply cannot be described. Quite frankly, very few restaurants can claim to be located in an old quarry facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The contrast is incredible. After a day of sunshine, laughter and beaching in Almeria, you enter a limestone cave, where you can enjoy meticulously prepared dishes. Strictly selected produce prepared with tender care in ovens and grills burning quality firewood.

That is the secret behind such delicious dishes as their BBQ platter of Almeria vegetables, T-bone beef steaks or pickled partridge. Although the grill is not where all the magic happens. Dishes like avocado salad with seafood or desserts like cream cheese caramel on a strawberry base are just as essential as ordering a bottle of Martelo.

Restaurante Asador La Gruta

N-340a, Km 436

Almeria

950 23 93 35

Web site.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 4.30 pm and 8pm to 11.30 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 4.30 pm.

Although it doesn’t start until 20 September, Martelo is already preparing its trip to Villafranca del Bierzo to experience the full flavour of Evento Sarmiento once again. Every year is special but given that this year is its tenth birthday, it’s bound to be even better. 

One year later, the main feature will be the music, thanks toNada Surf, a reference band of 1990s American Indie Rock. New Yorkers are true masters at producing distorted melodies with classic pop-rock in which the instrumental base and guitars intertwine endlessly.

If there is something that Martelo is really looking forward to, that is undoubtedly listening to Santi Rivas (of Colectivo Decantado)’s Ludocata musical wine tasting. Maybe it’s time to partake of that dinner with Martelo you’ve been dreaming of? Because if there is one thing Evento Sarmiento is full of, it’s activities for the keenest winelovers: grape harvesting, musical tastings with Pablo Moro and Igor Paskual, ​​the literary duels of palavrinos or the Vinos Sonoros (the Sound of Wine).

Partying, music, gastronomy, and all kinds of activities revolving around the world of wine. What else could you ask for? 

Martelo welcomes you on 20th and 21st September at Evento Sarmiento.

Who said #Martelism was for indoors? Martelo loves being taken on a picnic, to the beach, hiking in the mountains and even to see a meteor shower. But it has to be in good company and with all the right equipment, of course.

<![CDATA[Grab a paper and pencil. With these six accessories you can enjoy a bottle of Martelo anywhere in the world.

#Martelism on the go

Feel the wind in your face, lose yourself in nature and come across special spots, pedal a country road … Martelo loves bike rides and with accessories like the Bicycle Wine Rack and Donkey 6 Pack you can carry a bottle (or six!) and glasses strapped to your bike.

The glass that won’t break

There’s no better way to enjoy Martelo than by the glass. But when you’re on a picnic or at the beach, they’re not always convenient or easy to use. Especially given how fragile glass is. That’s why silicone glasses from Alchemy or Flexicups are a must-have accessory for enjoying #Martelism in nature.

The ultimate kit for drinking wine outdoors

That is how you could sum up Carivino, a 750ml bottle that can keep your Martelo at the ideal temperature all day long and which also features all kinds of accessories: two nested glasses, an aerator and a corkscrew. Plus the container is made of ceramic so the taste of the wine isn’t altered.

Protect your Martelo

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to keep their Martelo in its iconic bottle, try getting your hands on one of these neoprene protectors. Made by BottleGuard Neoprene or Built NY, they’re an ideal way to take your #Martelism anywhere without worrying about the bottle breaking.

Don’t forget the corkscrew!

You get to that idyllic spot, lay out the picnic fare, take out the glasses, settle down to enjoy the beautiful sunset and suddenly you realise… You’ve forgotten the corkscrew! There are a number of very clever ways to open a bottle of wine, but this isn’t the time for experiments.

A Martelo crate

Few things in this world are as versatile as the Martelo crate. With a bit of skill it can be transformed into hundreds of things, but just as it is it’s perfect to carry everything you need for a picnic in the heart of nature. Just pop in a bottle of Martelo, some snacks, a blanket and slide it straight into the boot of the car.