subject: San Vino Wine Fight 2012 Festival (la Batalla De Vino De Haro)-haro And Miranda De Ebro. [print this page] 28 June at 12:00 - 29 June at 15:00 - departs from San Sebastian. 75 all inclusive.
A man flees from a hill where a battle has been. His white t-shirt is stained dark red. He is screaming and looks wild, he is incoherent. We grab him, we ask him if he is ok. He wants to know more about the battle. We say, its still happening brother. He looks at us like we are angels blowing gin and tonic scented good news into his face and returns up the hill, returns to the battle.
The battle is known as La Batalla de Vino de Haro and is one part of the Hotel Savage festival season, known as San Vino. The battle is in honor of a thousand year old land dispute, a dispute concerning the mountain range that separates two of Spains most prolifically delicious wine making towns Haro and Miranda de Ebro.
The modern battle takes place on the morning of the 29th on the top of the mountain between the two towns. Its a completely non-aggressive affair where a few hundred people attack each other with red wine. It lasts for a few hours and is broken up by periods of dancing (a wine soaked band play throughout), kissing strangers and sliding down a muddy slope on usually on your belly and often nude.
We once tried to not take any wine in our mouths and ended up completely tipsy because it leaked into our ear holes. We were, already before the battle started, completely wasted. But there is more about that right here.
Our holidays - What to expect from them?
The night before the battle is such a debauched affair. The whole town of Haro turns up at the town square and surrounding bars and drinks all night. Its so great. I think the really beautiful thing about this festival is that it isnt (yet) on the main summer festival route so it is still largely a local affair, and they are exceptionally accommodating!
One year, one of the guys did a nude run onto the stage where the mayor was. A he was like, hey seor, put your chipolata away.
Such a great time.
This is a favorite festival according to the crew at Stoke Travel, they often say we love San Vino and some even say, I freaking heart it. We really think that you would too!
Our trip leaves San Sebastian at lunchtime on the 28th. We have a sweet little campsite with a sugarcoated swimming pool, in an entirely metaphorical capacity, accommodation, wine, post battle breakfast and pre-battle dinner is included. Also included is guiding with our guides and the all night party and the wine fight and our guides will even throw wine at you! Bonus!
The trip costs a measly 75 euros, but how can you put a price on such a good time?
And dont forget:
* 5 per day means UNLIMITED BEERS & SANGRIA!
* UNLIMITED GOOD TIMES, FUN AND LAUGHTER!
The Campsite
The San Vino campsite is a short walk from the beach so you can go come and forth as you please, surf whenever you want, or return for a siesta (or a beer or sangria) whenever you like. It is a picturesque location on the edge of town easy access for visiting the bars, restaurants or souvenir and clothes shops and markets. We have our own bar on the campsite, and rocking DJs to keep you entertained!
