Pacharán is typical of Navarra. In fact, it even has a Protected Geographical Indication. It is in this region where you can find farms dedicated to the cultivation of sloes, and when spring arrives, the fields begin to turn white with their flowers, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

Then comes the work of harvesting the fruit and macerating it in alcohol, but before the harvest, it’s time to enjoy the beauty and aroma. The spectacle is so impressive that five years ago they decided to launch the Sloe Blossom Festival, during which tastings, markets with local products, workshops, and concerts are organized. This year’s event will take place on March 28th and 29th in Funes.

Funes is a charming little town on the banks of the Arga River, where you’ll be surprised by wineries dating back to Roman times, and by hosting one of Navarra’s ten wonders: the Peñalén Gorge, which can be reached with a relaxing walk. We wouldn’t ask you to leave Funes, if it weren’t for the fact that we want you to head to Logroño, driving from village to village and through fields dressed in the white of blooming sloes.

Your next stop will be very close, in Peralta. You can feel the calm in its streets (a complete contrast to its past of wars and destruction). Its historic centre boasts baroque architecture, and it’s always a pleasure to stroll by the Arga River and admire its medieval bridge before heading to your next stop.

Or stops, because it’ll be hard to resist the temptation to stop every time you see a white horizon of blooming sloes to fill your phone with beauty. When you decide you’ve had enough, you’ll be approaching Mendavia. Located about 20 kilometres from Logroño, here you can start to prepare your taste buds for the wine feast waiting for you a little further ahead. This town is part of La Rioja Baja, and the sea of vines starts to make its appearance. Before you leave, ask about the archaeological sites, where settlements from different periods have been uncovered.

In Logroño, you’ll arrive hungry, and if not, you’ll make up an excuse. We know, any excuse is good to drop by Laurel Street. We’re not wrong when we say it’s one of the most famous streets for tapas in Spain. We love the atmosphere, both inside and outside the bars, and we’re smitten by how each one has specialized in a different tapa. From the low-temperature rib taco at La Traviesa to the tenderloin lollipop at Letras de Laurel, not forgetting the grilled mushroom at Bar Ángel. It’s a real feast, best washed down with the best wines from the region, whose wineries you’re about to explore during the rest of your getaway.

And Logroño is the perfect starting point to enjoy the activities that wineries in the La Rioja Designation of Origin organize. At Marqués de Murrieta, for example, you can complete the visit with a gourmet menu paired with four of their wines. It’s always worth checking out the proposals from Bodegas Corral, as sometimes they surprise with brilliant ideas like yoga among the barrels; or those from Bodegas Muga, where you can either explore their vineyards by bike or fly over them in a hot air balloon.

We can’t think of a better base camp than Logroño for this road trip that could go on forever. And we can’t think of better accommodations than Sercotel hotels in the city. Their location is perfect, right in the heart of the city; the design exudes warmth and that feeling of home, which is so appreciated when you're away; and the services they offer are designed so you don’t have to: parking, buffet breakfast, gym, pillow menu... Additionally, if you're traveling with a group or family, you can stay together in the Sercotel Logroño Suites apartments.