Escape to Ezcaray: Unforgettable Wine Country Stays in Rincones del Vino
Escape to Ezcaray: Where Wine Whispers and Worries Melt Away (…Mostly) – A Deep Dive Review, Rambles Included!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the heart of Rioja Alta – Ezcaray, baby! And specifically, the Escape to Ezcaray: Unforgettable Wine Country Stays in Rincones del Vino (that tongue-twister, I still trip over it!). I've spent the last week trying to decipher this sprawling list of amenities and, well, experience the heck out of this place. Here’s the (mostly) unfiltered truth, with all the messy details, the wine-fueled epiphanies, and the occasional existential crisis thrown in.
First Impressions: Accessibility – Or, How My Wheelchair and I Tangoed (Mostly) Successfully
Let's kick things off with the nitty-gritty: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and honestly, can make or break a stay. The good news? Escape to Ezcaray is trying. The bad news? "Trying" isn't always a home run.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, they do try. There are ramps, elevators (though I'm always a little nervous in the older ones, anyone else?), and accessible rooms available. The entrance was manageable, although there was a slightly awkward door situation I had to maneuver around (the staff were super helpful though, always ready with a smile and a shove!).
- Elevator: Yes, there is an elevator, which is a total savior.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is where the effort really shines. Accessible rooms are clearly thought out, with grab bars, wider doorways, and the right kind of equipment. It wasn't always perfect (I'm thinking of one particularly tight turn in the spa area…), but the team's willingness to help was commendable.
- Overall: It’s not a totally seamless experience, but they're definitely making an effort, and that counts for a lot. Definitely call ahead and confirm specifics about your room and any potential challenges.
The Techy Bits: Connected or Cut Off?
- Internet Access & Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! I need my internet! And it worked like a charm, which is more than I can say for some places.
- Internet: Fast and reliable.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't test this, but it's there if you're a Luddite (I tease!).
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yup, same fantastic Wi-Fi in the common areas. I could happily post my Instagram stories by the pool.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa, the Pool, and My Near-Death Experience (Exaggeration Alert!)
Okay, let's talk indulgence. This is where Escape to Ezcaray really tries to knock it out of the park. And for the most part, they succeed.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: I gave all of these a whirl, and they're all top-notch. That sauna? Pure bliss. The steam room felt like I'd stepped into a cloud. This part… excellent.
- Pool with view; Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool is gorgeous, with views of the rolling hills and vineyards. I spent a good hour just floating, staring at the sky, thinking deep thoughts (mostly about what kind of wine I wanted next). Pacing, It can get a little crowded at peak times, which can be a little awkward, so plan your dips accordingly.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: I am not a gym person, I confess. But I peeked! Looked decent, standard hotel-gym fare. And, you know, a good way to burn off all the delicious food and wine.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: The massages are AMAZING. Seriously. Book one. Now. The body scrub was invigorating, and the body wrap left me feeling like a pampered goddess. (Note: I am not a goddess. I am more of a slightly-overweight wine lover.)
- Foot bath: I didn’t get around to this; I was too busy stuffing my face with food.
- Anecdote: One of my favorite memories has a little bit of imperfection to it. I was using the spa and, after a particularly relaxing session in the steam room, I was wandering around a bit disoriented. I'm pretty sure I may have almost walked into someone else's massage! Thankfully, I was saved from certain embarrassment by a timely reminder from the staff. It's a slight imperfection, it made me smile and kept the human experience alive. I like that!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound… Mostly
This is a big one, especially these days.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep, they're using 'em. Good to know.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Confirmed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely.
- Safe dining setup: They take it seriously. I felt safe eating in the restaurants.
- More Pacing: The overall sense was that they were taking things very seriously, which I appreciated. I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Because, Wine!
Alright, let's be honest: this is where Escape to Ezcaray really shines.
- Restaurants: Several to choose from, all with a focus on local cuisine and, of course, wine!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant; Vegetarian restaurant; Western cuisine in restaurant; International cuisine in restaurant: Lots of options to cater to most tastes.
- A la carte in restaurant; Buffet in restaurant; Breakfast [buffet]; Breakfast service: Plenty of choices. The breakfast buffet was a glorious feast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant; Coffee shop; Desserts in restaurant: Yes, yes, and YES!!
- Poolside bar Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.
- Restaurants, Bar; Snack bar: Check, check, and check!
- Room service [24-hour]; Breakfast in room; Breakfast takeaway service; Alternative meal arrangement: Convenient!
- The Wine!: This is Rioja, people! The wine list is extensive and well-curated, and the staff is super knowledgeable. They're eager to make recommendations. (Pro-tip: ask them about the lesser-known wineries – you'll discover some gems!).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Air conditioning in public area; Elevator; Air conditioning: Key to a comfortable stay.
- Concierge; Doorman; Luggage storage; Daily housekeeping; Dry cleaning; Ironing service; Laundry service: All there, all helpful.
- Cash withdrawal; Currency exchange: Handy.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Well-equipped, as mentioned.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A good place to buy some wine to take home (or a little something for yourself).
For the Kids: Family Friendly (But Bring Your Own Sanity)
- Babysitting service; Family/child friendly; Kids meal; Check.
Available in All Rooms: Comfort and Convenience (with a Side of Reality)
- Air conditioning; Alarm clock; Bathrobes; Bathroom phone; Bathtub; Blackout curtains; Carpeting; Closet; Coffee/tea maker; Complimentary tea; Daily housekeeping; Desk; Extra long bed; Free bottled water; Hair dryer; High floor; In-room safe box; Interconnecting room(s) available; Internet access – LAN; Internet access – wireless; Ironing facilities; Laptop workspace; Linens; Mini bar; Mirror; Non-smoking; On-demand movies; Private bathroom; Reading light; Refrigerator; Safety/security feature; Satellite/cable channels; Scale; Seating area; Separate shower/bathtub; Shower; Slippers; Smoke detector; Socket near the bed; Sofa; Soundproofing; Telephone; Toiletries; Towels; Umbrella; Visual alarm; Wake-up service; Wi-Fi [free]; Window that opens: All the usual suspects, and then some.
- Anecdote: I loved the blackout curtains. Perfect for sleeping in after a long day of wine tasting.
Safety/Security – A Feeling of Protection (and Some Oversight)
- Access; CCTV in common areas; CCTV outside property; Fire extinguisher; Front desk [24-hour]; Non-smoking rooms; Proposal spot; Room decorations; Safety/security feature; Security [24-hour]; Smoke alarms: The feeling of safety was there.
- Soundproof rooms: Yes.
- Getting around, Car park [free of charge]; Car park [on-site]; Taxi service; Valet parking; Car power charging station; Airport transfer; Bicycle parking: Plenty of access.
Overall Vibe: Relaxed, Refined, and Ready for That Second Glass
- Cleanliness is evident.
- Staff is friendly and helpful.
- The food is divine.
- **The wine is… well
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-planned, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My attempt at conquering Rincones del Vino in Ezcaray, Spain, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride.
My Unorganized, Possibly Slightly Drunk (but Enthusiastic!) Ezcaray Adventure: A Chaotic Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Arrival & the Wine-Induced Haze (Maybe Literally)
Arrival: Ugh, Madrid airport. Never a fan. Endless lines, the scent of stale coffee, and the general feeling of being adrift. Finally, the rental car. (Name: "Rosalinda," a Fiat that will probably become a character in this saga.) Driving to Ezcaray. The drive itself? Initially, breathtaking! Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards (hello, Rioja!), and that crisp mountain air that makes you feel instantly better. Then… the GPS decided to take me on a "scenic route" that was basically a goat trail. Rosalinda and I bonded over shared near-death experiences.
Accommodation & First Impressions: Apartamentos Turisticos Rincones del Vino. (I'm pretty sure I'm calling it "Rincones" from now on. Easier.) The place itself is… nice. Rustic. Picturesque. My apartment is charming, in a slightly "Grandma’s-attic-but-in-a-good-way" kind of way. But the "wifi" is like a mythical creature. I swear, I saw glimpses of it, but I can never quite hold onto it.
The Wine Starts Flowing… (And We're Not Talking Just a Trickle): Okay, so this is where things get blurry. The first evening? A tapas crawl. And by "crawl," I mean a vigorous, slightly wobbly amble. Each bar, a new glass of Rioja. And each glass led to another. I don't remember the names of the tapas, just the deliciousness. There was chorizo, and patatas bravas, and some sort of melt-in-your-mouth jamón…Honestly, by the end, I was pretty sure I was fluent in Spanish (I am not). My notes say something about “beautiful people” and "the best sunset ever," but I suspect that might have been the wine talking.
The Next Morning (or Rather, Afternoon): Headache. Massive headache. Realization that maybe, just maybe, I overdid it on the Rioja. Coffee. Lots of coffee. And a vow to be "sensible" (that lasted about an hour).
Day 3: The Santo Domingo de la Calzada Pilgrimage – Spiritual Stuff or Just a Long Walk?
- The Plan: Supposed to be a pilgrimage to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. A chance to "find myself." (Or at least, find a decent bakery.)
- The Reality: Okay, the cathedral is beautiful. Seriously, the architecture is stunning. But the walk? Long. Very long. And I forgot to pack water. And sunscreen. I'm starting to question some of my life choices.
- The Miracle: There's a famous legend about chickens and a miracle. Something about a pilgrim, some injustice, and chickens clucking back to life. I’m not sure I totally get it, but hey! chickens.
- The Bakery: Saved by pastry. Found the most amazing bakery in Santo Domingo. The ensaimadas were fluffy, perfect, and the sugar-dusted kind of beauty that nearly brought me to tears. I bought three. And then another. Maybe I did find myself there… in a sugar coma.
Day 4: The Ski Resort, The Mountain and The Potential for Disaster
- The Idea: Hike. Or maybe… ski? (I have never skied. Ever.) The mountains are close. The views are supposed to be incredible.
- The Reality: I decided I could hike the mountain, with its ski resort. I went unprepared. Barely remembering to change my shoes.
- Hiking… Sort of: I thought I could do it. I'm not the fittest person on the planet, but I can hold my own… usually. This mountain, however, was a beast. I was panting. Sweating. Questioning my sanity. Every five minutes I wanted to turn back and walk down.
- The View: Worth. It. Oh. My. God. The panoramic vista from the summit. Breathtaking. Seriously, I could have cried. And maybe I did, a little. From exhaustion and awe, it was hard to tell. The air was so crisp, so clear. The world stretched before me in every direction. This moment, this view, made all the suffering worth it.
- The Descent: Awful! Long, painful, and I nearly rolled down the mountain. I was so close to quitting and calling for help.
- Late Night: A cold beer at a bar overlooking the mountain that was the best thing I've ever had!
Days 5 & Beyond: The Rambling Continues…
- The Wine Route (Again): I have a feeling the wine route is going to be a recurring theme. This time, I'm (attempting to be) more "knowledgeable." Visiting wineries. Learning about the grapes. Pretending to understand the nuances of tannin.
- The "Real" Food: Finding a local restaurant. Trying the regional specialties. Hopefully, not completely embarrassing myself with my (still atrocious) Spanish. Hoping for some chuletón (steak) that is cooked to perfection and a bottle of wine along with it.
- The "Me" Time: Maybe, just maybe, I'll find a quiet spot and read a book. Or write in my journal. (If the wifi ever cooperates.) Maybe I'll just sit and watch the world go by.
- The Imperfection: I am not always the best adventurer. I get lost. I make mistakes. I may even fall down. That's okay. I realize that's what makes things interesting.
Final Thoughts:
Ezcaray is proving to be a place with something for everyone. Even someone as disorganized and clumsy as me. It's a place of beauty, of wine (duh), and of unexpected adventures. I’m not sure what the rest of my trip will hold, but I'm ready to embrace whatever comes my way. Even if it involves more goat trails and a near-empty wine bottle. It's all about the experience, right?
P.S.: If anyone sees Rosalinda, tell her I said she's a hero. And to forgive me for the parking incident in Logroño. (Don't ask).
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Escape to Ezcaray: Your Unfiltered Guide to Rincones del Vino
Alright, listen up, because I'm not sugarcoating this. Ezcaray and the surrounding Rincones del Vino (Wine Corners) in La Rioja? It’s FREAKING AMAZING. But before you book, let's get real. Here's the lowdown, straight from someone who's wrestled with a chorizo bocadillo (seriously, it was a battle) and survived. Think of this as the anti-brochure. Prepare for honesty… and maybe a few tangents.
The Basics: What *IS* Ezcaray, Anyway?
Okay, so Ezcaray is this ridiculously charming village nestled in the Rioja Alta region. Think cobblestone streets, ancient buildings… and the smell of roasting lamb wafting through the air. It's the gateway to Rincones del Vino, which are basically these pockets of incredible wineries, hidden gems, and places where time seems to slow down. Think postcard-perfect, but without the forced smiles. It's about connection... with the land, with the wine, and with yourself (hopefully!).
Okay, Sounds Nice. But Is It... Cool?
Cool? Look, it's not Ibiza. There are no thumping nightclubs or neon lights. Thank GOD. What it *is* is a place where you can genuinely unwind. You have to be into that. If you need constant stimulation, maybe look elsewhere. But if you appreciate good wine, incredible food, and the chance to disconnect from the relentless digital noise... then YES, it's freaking cool. Especially if you stumble upon a tiny bodega owned by a family who've been making wine for generations. *That*, my friends, is true coolness.
The Wine, Obviously. What's the Deal?
Alright, the wine. This is the main event. Rioja is famous for a reason. Think Tempranillo grapes, aged to perfection. But it's way more nuanced than "red wine." You've got your *Crianza*, your *Reserva*, your *Gran Reserva* (the one where your bank account weeps a little). And the *rosado*? Don't knock it! Some are *divine* on a warm afternoon. The best part? Going from vineyard to vineyard, discovering your own favorites, and realizing the wine you loved at the first bodega is even better at the fourth. Just pace yourself. Seriously. I once tried to "sample" at *every* stop on a tour. Let's just say the bocadillo incident mentioned earlier was a direct result of that… and my memory of the final winery is… hazy.
What's the Food Situation? Because, Priorities.
Oh, the food. Forget your kale smoothies. Think mountains of *jamón ibérico* (the good stuff), rich stews, grilled meats, and the most amazing potatoes you'll ever taste. Seriously, the potatoes. And *tortilla española*? Forget everything you think you know. It's fluffy, it's eggy, it's... well, you'll eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurants are mostly family-run, and the portions are generous. Expect to waddle out of most meals. And be prepared to fall in love with *chuletillas al sarmiento* - lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings. They're a religious experience.
Where Should I Stay? Hotels, Apartments, What's the Vibe?
Hotels are lovely. Boutique hotels are *gorgeous*, often in restored old buildings with exposed beams and fireplaces (cue the Instagram envy). Apartments give you a little more freedom. Do your research, read reviews (I've had some *terrible* hotel experiences that I won't bore you with here… but let's just say one involved a questionable smell and a very loud wedding party). I'd recommend finding something with a view. Waking up to the rolling hills covered in vineyards is... well, it's enough to make a grown person tear up (in a good way).
Tours? Do I Need a Tour?
Yes! And no. You *can* wing it. You can wander into bodegas, attempt your broken Spanish, and hope for the best. That can be fun! It *is* fun. But a guided tour will give you a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, the history, and the region. Plus, you'll learn things. Real things. The first time I went to a bodega, I just sipped and smiled. Now? I can *pretend* to know what I'm talking about! (Disclaimer: I'm still faking it sometimes). Look for tours that are small and personalized. And avoid the ones that feel too… staged. I once went on a tour where the guide seemed bored out of his mind. That's not a good sign. You want passion! You want someone who *loves* the wine as much as you will (eventually).
What Else Is There To Do Besides Drink Wine and Eat? (Blasphemy!)
Okay, okay, I get it. Maybe you need a break from the glorious excess. There's hiking! The surrounding mountains offer stunning views. There's exploring nearby villages. There's… wandering around the main square in Ezcaray and basking in the general loveliness. There's also the Monastery of Suso and Yuso. The Monasteries are super cool, UNESCO sites, and should be visited. Honestly, though? I usually just end up… drinking more wine. It's a vicious cycle. But a delicious one.
My Epic Fail (and Possibly Yours): Navigating the Language Barrier!
Ugh, okay. My Spanish is… rusty. Let's be kind and say that. I have butchered countless attempts to order food, ask directions, and generally communicate. Once, I tried to order a *tinto de verano* (wine mixed with lemonade - delicious, by the way) and somehow ended up ordering a *whole* fish. And then, I tried to explain that I meant to get a *cafe con leche* (coffee with milk) and got a glass of *straight* milk. It was a comedy of errors. Learn some basic phrases before you go. Download a translator app. But most importantly, be patient, be polite, and be prepared to laugh at yourself. The locals are incredibly friendly, even when you're making a total fool of yourself. They understand, and appreciate you trying.
The Bocadillo Incident: A Cautionary Tale
Okay, I have to tell you about The Bocadillo. This deserves its own section. At a tiny bodega, hours into my wine tour, I was wandering around, the world a beautiful, slightly blurry place. They had the most AMAZING looking *chorizo* bocadillos. I was hungry, I was happy, I was ready to DEVOUR. Except…Trip Hotel Hub
