On one of the most famous sections of the Camino de Santiago, which passes through Navarre, travelers encounter an unusual stop. In the small town of Ayegui, near Estella, lies the Irache winery, where a fountain is built into the wall that dispenses not only water, but also young red wine. This spot has become legendary among pilgrims, with thousands stopping here every year to sample the drink, which is served free around the clock.
The fountain is equipped with two taps: one for water and the other for wine from Navarre. Every day, about 100 liters of wine are added to the reservoir so that everyone can refresh themselves and regain strength for the journey ahead. A webcam has been installed at the fountain, allowing people to watch what happens there in real time, which only adds to the site’s appeal.
The history of the wine fountain is closely tied to the traditions of hospitality along the Camino de Santiago. As far back as the Middle Ages, Benedictine monks from the nearby Irache monastery aided pilgrims, offering them food, shelter, and a little wine to help restore their strength. This tradition has survived to this day, with the Irache winery now continuing the monks’ legacy and sustaining the unique atmosphere of the route.
The Irache winery was founded in 1891 and is considered one of the oldest in the region. However, winemaking here began much earlier, when monks produced wine for the needs of pilgrims and local residents. Over time, Irache’s wines became renowned far beyond Navarre: they were served at royal tables and exported to France and Portugal. Today, the winery combines centuries-old traditions with modern technology, and its museum houses more than 400 exhibits related to the history of winemaking. The old cellars maintain a constant temperature, allowing the collection of rare wines to be preserved.
Visitors to Irache can not only sample wine from the famous fountain but also tour the vineyards, production facilities, and museum. The so-called “wine cathedral” — a hall with arches and columns reminiscent of temple architecture — is particularly impressive. Tours are held on Fridays and Saturdays at noon, with advance booking required. The visit costs 16 euros per person and includes tastings of several wines as well as access to all key areas of the winery.
A visit to the wine fountain has become an integral part of the route for many pilgrims and tourists, and the saying “With bread and wine, the journey is easier” takes on special meaning here. Stopping at Irache is not only a chance to rest, but also to connect with the centuries-old tradition of hospitality and winemaking in Navarre.
