Rioja is undoubtedly a very privileged area of Spain. It is beautiful and sustainable and it inspired Rioja Holistic Home™ to be created. It is considered mountainous because it is located in northern Spain but also only 100 miles from the Atlantic ocean to the north. Hence relatively a short distance to the coast which plays an important role in the orography .
Altitudes and the interlocking mountain ranges such as: the Toloño, Yerga, La Demanda, and Obarenes may be lesser known but are of equal importance in the role they play to protect and the surrounding communities. The San Lorenzo mountain range is home to mountain villages where guests come to ski, cycle and hike. This too has fostered excellence in hospitality. The province of La Rioja is home to 174 villages where both a regional and village culture and community are well knit. Rioja is undoubtedly less vulnerable to the climate change catastrophes many other regions in the world and Spain too have experienced.
Pride and stewardship of the land usually reveals themselves in conversations with Riojans where they will easily share traditions their grandparents have done, or practices their ancestors have passed down and remain in the family . They reference the beauty of their numerous villages with pride and the customs that define the characteristics . Some magnificent local festivals are The Battle of Wine in Haro, La Rioja, the Bread and Cheese Festival of Quel in Eastern Rioja and the Dancing Stilts Festival in Anguiano that dates back to 1603. In 2025, for the first time in four centuries, Adriana, a 14 year old local girl became the first female to partake in this very rigorous perhaps dangerous street performance that requires dancing downhill on stilts on a cobblestone street in traditional costume. It culminates in an annual event where thousands of villagers and tourists alike gather for the Festival performance in July that celebrates their village and its patron saint Maria Magdalena. These are definitely off the beaten path and will surely be authentic fun expansive adventures.
The “valley zone” of Rioja is referenced as where agriculture crops are mostly grown and the Mountain zone where the animal farmers, sheep herders and historically the workrooms were located.
Rioja has always been primarily an agricultural region and a delicious green paradise. Over centuries product emphasis has oscillated between those that generated the most economical value. Consistently over the most recent centuries this has been vineyards and the value of Rioja wines in Spain and thereafter in worldwide markets solidifying its recognition as one of the greatest red wine regions in the world. Rioja, a verdant region, holds significant global ecological importance with 36% of its land protected within the Natura 2000. Natura 2000 is a European network in the European Union that protects the most valued terrestrial and marine areas. It is the largest network in the world of protected areas for environmental conservation. This high percentage of land in Rioja protected under the Natura 2000 underscores La Rioja’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.
Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe. Small tributaries feed into the mighty Ebro River, nurturing forests, springs, and diverse flora and fauna, adorned with vast vineyards, herbs, almond, olive, and cherry tree groves. This natural beauty inspires respect from its residents and visitors alike.
The monastic community implanted a grape growing and wine making culture. Documented sources verify that ancient vineyards were often interspersed with herbs like wild Lavender (Lavanda) and Rosemary (Romero) which is native to the Mediterranean basin. Rosemary, more frequently appreciated in culinary use in simple flavorful healthy meals, also holds vast and magnificent topical benefits. Rioja Holistic Home launches with two spectacular 100% botanical body oil blends, one with Lavender essential oil and the other with Rosemary Essential oil. 100% natural botanical body oil blends are an excellent choice for health, as they are absent of any synthetic additives or water fillers sometimes found in lotions. Our formulations were created in partnership and exclusively for Rioja Holistic Home. We are very proud to share that they meet the very stringent European Common Market (EU) standards and regulations for product ingredients and manufacturing requirements that exceed those for many other countries. Likewise, we have chosen glass vessels consistent with our values. The unfaltering pursuit of authenticity and quality we find in Rioja wines is equally represented in these premium body oil selections.
Ana Fabiano
Founder, Rioja Holistic Home
Author, The Wine Region of Rioja