Free Wine Fountain for parched pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago
The Wine Fountain of Irache offers free vino to hikers from across Spain 24 hours a day
Attracting more than 200,000 adventurers from around the world each year, the Camino de Santiago is a series of meandering trails crossing Spain to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
There are countless interesting sights to take in along the challenging pilgrimage, from breathtaking rugged scenery to ancient ruins and relics, but one stop not to be missed after a hard day’s hiking is the Irache Monastery complex along the French Way, which offers a free local tipple to weary travellers.
Built in the second half of the 11th century, the monastery is located in the small town of Ayegui in the province of Navarra, and is surrounded by the Bodegas Irache winery vineyards.
To provide refreshment for the often exhausted followers of the Camino de Santiago, St. James’ Way in English, the thoughtful owners of Irache have built a Wine Fountain into the walls of the monastery, which pours the local tipple 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And the best part is that it’s absolutely free for pilgrims.
The ice-cold wine is just the thing to revive worn-out hikers but beware: the vino is potent, so it’s best not to overindulge. There’s also a water fountain nearby for those so inclined. Pilgrims are welcome to fill up a bottle with wine or water to take with them, and the site is also home to a Wine Museum showcasing the best produce the area has to offer.
How to get to the Free Wine Fountain
The monastery housing the Wine Fountain is right on the pilgrimage route at the foot of Mount Montejurra, which is just 2 kilometres from the city of Estella. On the far side of the city you’ll pass by the Oncienda albergue before making a steep uphill climb to Ayegui. From here it’s just a quick turn left before the children’s playground until you’re faced with the breathtaking Monastery complex of Irache – and the Wine Fountain – and the sprawling vineyards beyond.
Image: Bodegas Irache
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