There are places you visit. And there are places you experience.

Every summer, the Plaza del Castillo in Sajazarra—one of Spain’s most beautiful villages—becomes the setting for one of La Rioja’s most original wine tourism experiences: the Cata Canalla.

At the foot of the imposing 15th-century castle, wine, cuisine, and heritage come together to offer a unique evening, where a warm, intimate atmosphere, conversation, and learning are just as important as the flavors themselves.

The Cata Canalla breaks with the traditional tasting format. Here, there are no long lectures or an audience that simply listens. The experience, led by José Ramón Jiménez, “The Wine Educator,” invites participants to engage, ask questions, and discover the world behind each wine and each culinary creation.

Six wineries and six restaurants present exclusive pairings crafted for the occasion. Each pairing is explained by its creators, who share with the audience the story behind their wines, their work philosophy, the chosen ingredients, and the creative process that brings each creation to life. The result is a constant dialogue between winemakers, chefs, and attendees, transforming the tasting into an intimate, dynamic, and participatory experience.

Gastronomy also takes center stage thanks to live cooking demonstrations, where chefs prepare some of their dishes in front of the audience, allowing guests to discover techniques, ingredients, and subtle details that are usually hidden behind the stove. Wine and cuisine thus come together on the same stage, demonstrating that a pairing is much more than the sum of two flavors.

All of this takes place in an exceptional setting. The Plaza del Castillo, dominated by the medieval fortress of Sajazarra, offers a unique backdrop for experiencing the region’s heritage with all five senses. As evening falls, the stonework, the lighting, and the atmosphere of the venue transform the tasting into an unforgettable experience.

After five editions, the Cata Canalla has established itself as a must-attend event for those seeking to discover La Rioja from a different perspective: through its wines, its cuisine, the people behind each project, and the charm of one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.

An invitation to raise a glass, learn, and let yourself be surprised in a setting where heritage, culture, cuisine, and wine all take center stage.

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 9:15 p.m.

Location: Plaza del Castillo, Sajazarra

Price: €65 per person

Tickets: Buy tickets for THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINE TASTING IN LA RIOJA :: CATA CANALLA SAJAZARRA, in SAJAZARRA | entradium, by ASOCIACION CATA CANALLA DE SAJAZARRA