Rioja Paired, with Marti Buckley
A can’t-miss food and wine documentary that takes you on an enchanting journey through Rioja, one of the world’s most revered wine regions.
Meet Your Host, Marti Buckley
Our journey begins with Marti Buckley, whose Southern charm and culinary passion have found a new home in Spain. From her beginnings in Birmingham, Alabama, Marti’s love for Spanish cuisine and Rioja blossomed into a deep connection with the region.
Together, we explore the enchanting landscapes of Rioja’s three distinct subregions—Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Eastern Rioja—each offering unique charm. Wander through ancient cellars with century-old vintages, explore historic monasteries, and be captivated by Rioja’s stunning landscapes. Local hosts will share their rich traditions and cultural heritage, making this an unforgettable culinary adventure.
EPISODES
Episode 01: Marti
Episode 1: How does a culinary enthusiast from Birmingham, Alabama, find herself immersed in the rich traditions of Spain’s Rioja region? The answer is simple: food and wine.
Discover the unique flavors of Bilbao’s diverse neighborhoods and savor the blend of tradition and innovation in Chef Julen Baz’s farmhouse cuisine at Garena in Dima. Experience exceptional organic produce, see a lively paella contest, and see what insider tips Marti gets at the world-renowned Rekondo wine cellar before venturing into the Rioja wine region. Salud!
Episode 02: Alta
Episode 2: Discover the alluring Alta region of Rioja with host Marti Buckley. Enjoy vibrant Calle Laurel pintxos paired with young, fruity reds and explore Haro’s celebrated wine bars and vineyards. Relish a gourmet experience at Michelin-starred Nublo with Rioja Reserva and barrel-fermented whites.
Marti tastes traditional bacalao Riojana soup with tempranillo, soaks in the region’s festive charm, explores the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso with José Luis Lapuente, and ends with a magical sunrise wine tasting in a hot air balloon. Marti also visits Vivanco, the best wine museum in the world!
Episode 03: Oriental (Eastern Rioja)
Episode 3: Join host Marti Buckley in the Rioja Oriental (Eastern Rioja) region, where the stunning Sierra de Yerga mountains and tranquil Ebro River valley set the scene for exploring winemaking traditions that date back to Roman times.
Enjoy breathtaking views at the Monasterio de Santa María de Yerga, savor local dishes in a cave at Restaurante Sopitas. In this episode you will also contemplate the oldest written numbers in a codix and taste surprising chocolate pairings.
Come with us to catch a glimpse of the ancient Basque sport of pelota as Marti celebrates the food, wine, and culture that make Rioja Eastern a must-visit for any food, wine, and travel enthusiast.
Episode 04: Alavesa
Episode 4: Host Marti Buckley takes us on an unforgettable journey through Rioja Alavesa, a region where history and innovation intertwine. Starting in the medieval town of Laguardia, she explores its fortified walls, underground cellars, and the striking Gothic portico of the Church of Santa María de los Reyes.
From there, she contrasts the ancient with the contemporary, visiting architectural marvels like Bodegas Ysios and the iconic Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry, before ending the day at the family-run Eguren Ugarte winery, enjoying a stunning sunset with wine made from 140 years of tradition.