Request a Quote

Roda Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

Roda produces some of the most delectable and sought-after red wines in the Rioja region and Spain. Small quantities of spicy, powerful, and concentrated ultra-high-quality Reserva wines are released each year and snapped up by those in the know. Yet, for all of Roda’s pedigree, it is still a baby with a relatively recent history, having been founded in 1987 by Mario Rotllant and Carmen Daurella, originally from Catalonia. The project soon found its home in Rioja Alta.

They located their winery in Haro’s Station District, “Barrio de la Estación,” which soon created a unique, modern-style wine that would become the region’s benchmark.

Haro dates back to medieval times and has been central to viticultural activity in Rioja for centuries. It is built on the sides and top of a hill on the southern slopes of the Obarenes mountains, at the mouth of the River Tirón, and is one of the essential starting points for visitors exploring Rioja Alta. Mario instinctively knew that Haro would yield the best results from his wines, and he spent many years searching for the perfect vineyards and constructing the ideal winery. Eventually, after thorough analysis and research, he identified his 20 chosen sites, totaling 70 hectares, and secured agreements with local growers for a further 50 hectares.

In 1992, Roda burst into the Rioja limelight when a great vintage finally yielded a wine that Mario was happy with. First released in 1996, Roda took its name from the first letter of its proud parents’ surname. The estate has gone from strength to strength with the RODA I Reserva now the jewel in the crown, a rich, structured wine of great finesse and breeding. Wine Spectator’s Thomas Matthews observed that this refined red wine combines intensity and grace, showcasing a solid framework and harmonious notes of plum, toast, and spice that linger into a crisp, invigorating finish.

Roda is one of the most rewarding visits in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación for travelers interested in modern Rioja, vineyard selection, and polished Tempranillo-based wines. The winery offers tastings, private experiences, and seasonal vineyard activities. Cellar Tours regularly includes Roda in private Rioja itineraries alongside other leading estates in Haro, Rioja Alta, and nearby wine villages. It is also possible to arrange a carriage excursion through Roda’s vineyards, followed by an exclusive tasting among the vines. Experiences and availability vary by date, season, and weather conditions, so visits are confirmed in advance.

Private La Rioja Wine Tour

La Rioja vineyards and wine country

Plan a private La Rioja wine tour with expert-led visits around Haro, Rioja Alta and landmark bodegas, with Tempranillo tastings, cellar visits and regional dining.

View Itinerary

Further Reading

Author

Avatar photo

James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. López de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

Read more

Private wine travel experts, recommended by leading travel publications

  • National Geographic
  • Condé Nast Traveler
  • Travel + Leisure
  • Frommer's
  • Forbes Travel Guide