Lehendakari Imanol Pradales attended the 31st Fiesta de la Vendimia de la Rioja Alavesa in Kripan . He was accompanied by Amaia Barredo, the Basque Minister for Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries. The event took place in Rioja Alavesa, in the south of the province of Álava .
According to the organisers, the visit focused on this year’s harvest and the economic situation of wine businesses. Representatives of local authorities and the industry reported that the 2026 harvest had started early and that businesses were under pressure from high temperatures and a lack of rainfall. The participants said reliable official figures on the harvest and market would not be available until the next publications from the D.O.Ca. Rioja are published.
According to the organisers, Pradales and Barredo stressed the need to make the sector more resilient to climate risks. Priorities mentioned included innovation in vineyards and cellars, more efficient use of resources and programmes to strengthen smaller businesses. No new, specific funding commitments were announced at the event. According to the participants, the discussions aimed to improve coordination between the government, local authorities and associations, and to better align existing support measures.
The Fiesta de la Vendimia is a key event in the calendar of the Cuadrilla de Rioja Alavesa. Kripan hosted the event in 2026. The programme includes an official ceremony, presentations on the progress of the harvest and symbolic rituals such as jointly pressing the first must. The event has traditionally also served as a forum for exchange between wine producers, cooperatives and municipal representatives.
The Rioja Alavesa is one of the areas of origin within the D.O.Ca. Rioja. In recent years, discussions in the region have been shaped by extreme weather, rising costs and pressure to adapt to new market demands. At the event, industry representatives described these trends as ongoing challenges, while also pointing to adaptation strategies being adopted by businesses. Further details on the 2026 harvest are expected in the scheduled reports from the D.O.Ca. Rioja and the relevant authorities. Statements made at the event are attributed to the participants; official figures will follow separately.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).