Samaniego takes the baton as the new host of the 2026 Rioja Alavesa Wine Run.

The Rioja Alavesa Wine Run will hold its 9th edition on Sunday, October 25, 2026, debuting a new venue: the town of Samaniego. This will be the first time the town hosts the event, which combines sport, wine, gastronomy, and scenery in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region.

After visiting iconic locations such as Laguardia, Labastida, Elciego, and—in 2025—Oyón-Oion, the event continues its tour of Rioja Alavesa towns, cementing its status as a traveling event that highlights the region's diversity, identity, and appeal for wine tourism. This year, Samaniego will welcome runners, walkers, and visitors, offering a fresh setting surrounded by vineyards and defined by a rich winemaking tradition.

Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Toloño mountains, Samaniego retains the serene, authentic character typical of Rioja Alavesa’s stone villages. Its town center, heritage sites, and deep connection to wine create a particularly attractive setting for experiencing the Wine Run beyond the racecourse itself. Landmarks such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Casa de los Diezmos, the Samaniego Palace, and the Matarredo winery district are part of a town where history, landscape, and wine culture coexist naturally.

The 2026 edition will feature two races (10 km and 20 km), a 10 km recreational walk, and the traditional wine and gastronomy fair, turning the day into a celebration open to participants, their companions, and visitors alike. Once the sporting events conclude, the festivities will continue near the finish line with Rioja Alavesa wines, culinary offerings, and a lively atmosphere.

With this new host location, the Rioja Alavesa Wine Run reaffirms its commitment to exploring the region through sport, wine tourism, and local culture. Samaniego is already preparing to host, for the first time, an edition that will once again bring together vineyards, wineries, landscape, and gastronomy in one of the most unique events on the Rioja Alavesa calendar.