Are you curious about the Camino de Santiago? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just love a good story, you may have heard of the iconic wine fountain of Bodegas Irache or the historic Monastery of Irache.
In this post, I’ll share our family day trip through this small but fascinating corner of Navarra — a mix of history, pilgrimage atmosphere, and simple pleasures like a picnic by the vineyards.
This area isn’t only for pilgrims. Even if you’re just passing through, you can feel the Camino spirit in the air: the quiet footsteps, the yellow arrows, the mix of locals and travelers. It’s an easy, relaxed plan for families, with plenty to see without rushing.
Our Full Day Itinerary
To make the most of our visit, we planned a relaxed route that connects the main highlights of the area:
- The Monastery of Irache: A stunning architectural journey through time.
- The Wine Fountain: A legendary stop for pilgrims and a great photo spot.
- Wine Museum & Bodegas Irache: An inside look at Navarre’s winemaking heritage.
- Picnic by The Monastery: A peaceful lunch with a view to the monastery.
- Estella (Lizarra): A stroll through the historic medieval old town.
A Seamless Experience
Because the Monastery of Irache and the famous Wine Fountain are located right next to each other in Ayegui, it was incredibly easy to explore both before heading into the Bodegas Irache. This sequence gave us a deeper appreciation for the centuries of history and culture that define this corner of the Camino de Santiago.
If you want to read about our experience in Bodegas Irache, you can check the related post here.
To round out the afternoon, we drove just a few minutes into Estella. This lively town has been welcoming pilgrims for centuries, and its winding streets are the perfect place to experience the local “Navarro” atmosphere.
Budget & Family Fun
One of the best parts of this plan is that most of these sites are free to enter (with the exception of the wine museum and the guided winery tour). For us, the real value was in the stories—learning about the monks, the vineyards, and the pilgrims made the day feel much more meaningful. Plus, the kids got a huge kick out of “walking a little piece” of the Camino, following the yellow arrows for a few minutes to feel like true explorers.
The Monastery of Irache
The Monastery of Irache turned out to be a true hidden gem for our family. Originally a Benedictine community with Mozarabic roots, it rose to prominence in the 11th century when it served as a vital hospital for pilgrims journeying along the Camino de Santiago.
Over the centuries, this building has worn many hats—functioning as a prestigious university, a war hospital, and a religious school. Today, its timeless beauty has even caught the eye of the entertainment industry, serving as a dramatic filming location for movies, Amazon Prime series, and music videos.
Inside, the atmosphere is stripped-back and serene—the kind of space that naturally invites a moment of silence and reflection. We were struck by the soft stone tones and the clean, understated design; it felt quietly beautiful. What we appreciated most as parents were the clear, informative displays lining the walls. They explained the monastery’s history and decorative quirks in a way that kept our children curious and engaged throughout the entire visit.
The Wine Fountain of Bodegas Irache (Fuente del Vino)
Just a short walk from the monastery, we arrived at the legendary Wine Fountain. This quirky landmark has two taps: one for refreshing water and another for free red wine, generously provided by Bodegas Irache.
The fountain was established in 1991 to honor the medieval tradition of offering wine to pilgrims. It was a surreal sight to see real red wine flowing from a tap, sporting a deep pomegranate hue. Most surprisingly? It was genuinely delicious. Bodegas Irache uses D.O. Navarra wine (wine from the Navarre region), so the quality is much better than you might expect from a public fountain. We poured ourselves a small glass to enjoy with our picnic nearby, feeling a bit like pilgrims ourselves.
Essential Info for Your Visit
The fountain is open to all year-round, but there are a few rules and conditions to keep in mind:
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Supply: There is a daily limit, so the wine can (and does) run out!
- Etiquette: It is meant for a quick taste or a small glass
The winery asks everyone to use the fountain respectfully. During our visit, we saw some people attempting to fill plastic bottles, and a staff member quickly stepped in to ask them to stop. There is even a security camera to monitor the area, so it’s best to stick to the “one glass” rule; if you really enjoy the wine, you can always purchase a bottle in the winery’s shop.
Wine Museum & Bodegas Irache
The winery tour and the visit to the Irache Wine Museum were undoubtedly highlights of our trip. While I’ll be posting a separate article with full tour experience soon, here is a quick overview of what you can expect.
The guided tour includes:
- The Wine Fountain: A guided stop at the famous landmark.
- Production Facilities: A walk-through of the modern winemaking process.
- The Wine Museum: Access to their vast collection of historic tools and artifacts.
- The “Wine Cathedral”: A stunning aging cellar with grand arches inspired by the architecture of the nearby monastery.
Tour Information & Booking
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Schedule: Wednesday to Saturday.
- Price: €16 per person, which includes the guided tour, three wine tastings, and snacks.
- Booking: Reservations are essential. You can book via their website or by emailing
reservas@irache.com.
Is it Family Friendly?
We took our children along, and it was a very welcoming experience. We happened to be the only ones on our particular tour, but even so, the guide was fantastic and very patient with the kids.
Our sons have visited many wineries before, but Irache is uniquely captivating for children because of its scale. It is filled with fascinating historical artifacts, old machinery, and grand decor that kept them completely entertained.
In terms of cost, it was very reasonable:
- 7-year-old: €5, which included a soft drink and snacks so he didn’t feel left out during the adult wine tasting.
- 4-year-old: Free of charge.
The tour is a fantastic way to deepen your knowledge of viticulture while connecting the history of the region with the legacy of Bodegas Irache. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t hesitate—it’s a truly inclusive activity for all ages.
Our Final Stop: Estella (Lizarra)
To round off our trip, we spent the late afternoon in Estella’s historic old town. Estella is a vibrant medieval town and a major milestone for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. It’s incredibly easy to reach from Ayegui, making it the perfect final chapter to a day.
Getting There:
- Distance: Approximately 2 km.
- By Car/Bus: A quick 5-minute drive or a short ride on the local bus (La Estellesa).
- On Foot: About 30 minutes. We highly recommend walking this stretch if you want to experience a small, manageable “piece” of the Camino route.
We took a break for coffee at a local bar that boasted an impressive selection of Navarra and Rioja wines.If you’re a wine lover, you’ll find that even the smallest spots in town take great pride in their local bottles.
Final Thoughts
