Episode 05 - Rioja Paired Special Episode: A Celebration of Life

Experience the joy of Rioja as host Marti Buckley embraces family, friendship, and festivity during the vibrant Harvest celebrations in Moreda. Discover how wine, food, and community unite to make Rioja the heart of unforgettable gatherings.

Rioja is more than just wine—it’s a way of celebrating life. In this special episode of Rioja Paired, host Marti Buckley takes viewers on a journey to experience Rioja as the heart of celebrations. Set during the Harvest Festival in Moreda, one of Rioja’s most beloved traditions, Marti explores how the entire community—families, friends, and visitors alike—comes together to share the joy of food, wine, music, and culture.

In this episode, we witness grape stomping, cheerful gatherings in town squares, and hearty meals paired with Rioja’s vibrant wines. Marti dives into the local spirit, showing how Rioja’s hospitality, warmth, and passion make any occasion memorable. With stunning landscapes, lively festivities, and a focus on togetherness, this episode highlights why Rioja is the perfect pairing for life’s most special moments.

Join us as Marti celebrates Rioja’s traditions and reveals that in Rioja, every gathering—big or small—becomes a reason to raise a glass. Cheers!

In this episode:

Moreda de Alava
@lariojaaltasa
@egurenugarte
@marquesdemurrieta
@grupopierola

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SOTO-STYLE MARZIPAN: Marzipan is a classic holiday dessert throughout Spain, thanks to the abundance of almond trees scattered across the peninsula. But what most people don’t know is there are two types—marzipan from Toledo, all almond and sugar, and marzipan from Soto en Cameros, a village of about 100 people south of Logroño in Rioja. During the Christmas season, over 250 tons of these sweets are produced.

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EPISODES

Episode 01: Marti

October, '24

Join Chef Marti Buckley on her way to Rioja as she explores San Sebastian and Bilbao, highlighting vibrant markets, Basque cuisine, and exceptional Rioja wines at Rekondo wine cellars.

Episode 02: Alta

October, '24

Join host Marti Buckley to explore Rioja's wine culture, indulge in pintxos and Michelin-starred dining, soar in a hot air balloon, and uncover the history of the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso.

Episode 03: Oriental (Eastern Rioja)

October, '24

Join host Marti Buckley as she explores the Rioja Oriental (Eastern Rioja) region, showcasing its unique blend of culture, wine, and traditional cuisine. Discover the historic Monasterio de Santa María de Yerga, see how the climate shapes local wines, and enjoy a meal at Restaurant Sopitas.

Episode 04: Alavesa

October, '24

In this fourth and final episode, host Marti Buckley visits the Rioja Alavesa region of Spain, where she tours the medieval town of Laguardia and its ancient wine cellars before venturing to modern architecture wineries like Bodegas Ysios and Marqués de Riscal.

Episode 05: Rioja Paired Special Episode: A Celebration of Life

December, '24

Experience the joy of Rioja as host Marti Buckley embraces family, friendship, and festivity during the vibrant Harvest celebrations in Moreda. Discover how wine, food, and community unite to make Rioja the heart of unforgettable gatherings.

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