Balloon flight over the vineyard with Muga

Bodegas Muga, one of the historic wineries of Haro's Barrio de la Estación, organises balloon flights at dawn over the Rioja Alta vineyard. It is one of the most special experiences you can have in the area: seeing from the air the mosaic of vines, the course of the Ebro and the stone villages, with the Sierra de Toloño and the Obarenes hills in the background and the low light of early morning.

What the experience is like

The day starts very early. The pick-up is arranged an hour before sunrise and the transfer to the take-off point is included. There you take part in preparing and inflating the balloon and, with the first light, you take off. The exact time in the air is not published, because it depends on the wind and the landing site. After landing there is a traditional Riojan lunch, a "baptism of the air" certificate is given as a souvenir and you return by transfer. All told, it is about four hours.

The activity is held in Spanish. Muga does not publish how many passengers fit in the basket or whether there is a weight limit; if either concerns you, ask when you book.

Price and booking

It costs €205 per person. For €225 it can be combined with the winery visit, which shows the oak vats, the ageing rooms and its own cooperage, with a tasting of two wines. Although the website shows a calendar of dates, to book you must write to [email protected] or call 941 30 60 60. The reference address is the winery's, at Avenida de Vizcaya, 2, in the Barrio de la Estación.

Age, pets and weather

The minimum age is 12, so it is not an activity for small children, but it is for teenagers. Pets are not admitted. Flying depends entirely on the weather: the flight is confirmed or rescheduled 72 hours ahead. If it is finally cancelled because of the weather, you can choose between a refund, another date or another winery activity. That is why it is best not to leave it for the last day of the trip and to have room to move it.

The website gives no advice on clothing. At dawn, even in summer, it is cool in the countryside; layered clothing and comfortable footwear for walking on earth are a safe bet.

To complete the day

When you come back you will be in Haro in mid-morning, with the whole day ahead. Next to Muga, in the same district, are La Rioja Alta, S.A., CVNE and López de Heredia, and Muga's terrace serves its wines by the glass at midday. In the afternoon you can go up to the old town and the Herradura, the pintxo area around the church of Santo Tomás, or head to Briñas along the bank of the Ebro.