Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is a very traditional Rioja that is currently at the top of its game. La Rioja Alta is one of the key wineries in the region, based in Haro, the heart of Rioja. A major vineyard owner with 360 hectares of vines, it is almost self sufficient for grapes which is unusual for the area. It also re-opened its own cooperage in 2002 where they make their barrels from dried American oak. It has over 43,000 maturing casks.