Stone wine presses - arabaturismo

The stone wine presses are spread out all over the surrounding area, between vineyards, on banks of sandstone that generally rise some two to three metres up out of the ground, although in some cases they are flush with the ground. This circumstance has greatly contributed to their preservation into the present day, however, recent massive ploughing operations have caused the destruction and loss of some.

The stone wine press is a very simple and relatively unheard-of structure associated with the most archaic forms of winemaking.

Most notably They are the origin of winemaking.

Given their age, not only do the stone wine presses represent exemplary historic heritage, they also allude to essential issues such as the occupation of the territory, economic activities, geopolitical planning or social organization during the creation and development of feudalism.

In the eastern part of Rioja Alavesa, specifically the town of Labastida, there are still 12 stone wine presses used for treading the grape which can be visited: Atxalde, Fonsagrada, Iscorta, La Torera, Las Piletas, Los Arenales, Marrate Monte Buena Norte (most accessible and best preserved), Monte Buena Sur, Mugazabal, San Cristóbal and Santurnia.

 

Location

They are scattered throughout Rioja Alavesa, but in Labastida there are many. Some are just 200 meters walking from the town center.

Labastida is located 48 kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Communication is good and fast via the AP-1, the N-124 and the N-232.

Labastida coordinates: 42.590142, -2.796265

The wineries are signposted (it is convenient to download the location map of the supports). They are accessible, there are several types and they are very well preserved.