Bargota

Bargota is a place name of Romance origin that could come from the expression varga alta, i.e. slope or incline. Historians believe that the evolution of its name would have been: Barga alta, Bargalta, Bargauta, Bargota.

Grape-growing began here in Roman times, and more intensely in the mediaeval era. The St James’ Way between Estella and Logroño crosses its valleys, and after leaving the chapel of Santa María del Poyo pilgrims can see the old irrigation dam of Arbanta (late 16th century) as they walk or ride the route.

This reservoir collected rainwater and snow at the foot of the nearby mountains, channelled it for 14 km around the slopes and gullies to irrigate the thirsty vines of the terraces of the River Ebro.

In the early 20th century the production and sale of wine started to become important here, and at the end of the same century a producer from Bargota presented his wines in an exhibition in Bordeaux.

In the mid-20th century a major change took place in winemaking in the village: the old family wineries, located on the ground floors and in the basements of noble houses, were abandoned in the search for more practical premises with mechanized systems.

This led to the appearance of wineries of a higher technological and financial capacity at the end of the 20th century, with better marketing channels.

In the early 1990s, the Llorens brothers founded the Bodega Biurko Gorri. They make, age and market wines from grapes grown in organic vineyards.