The Wine Fountain

In medieval times, those who embarked on the Way didn’t have the wide variety of amenities and hospitality services that are available for modern-day peregrinos. After long days of walking through poorly signaled paths, enduring unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain, many primitive pilgrims would arrive at the end of their route stages either extremely tired or sick. To help motivate and lift up the spirits of these weakened travelers, the Benedictine monks in charge of the Camino’s hostels and hospitals would welcome them with a big cup of red wine.

The vineyards of this northern area of Spain have been producing high-quality wines since the XII century and Bodegas Irache — established in 1891 — is probably its most prestigious winery. To honor the ancient Xacobean tradition, the kind owners of the winery built a wine fountain exclusively for pilgrims on one of the walls of the ancient Irache Monastery.

Since 1991, every passing pilgrim has been welcomed to fill their flasks with some refreshing Galician wine...and the best of all is that it’s completely free! The fountain is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year and it's refilled daily with more than 100 liters of young wine that come directly from Bodegas Irache's cellars.

While you enjoy your wine and recover your energy, we recommend you look up and read the inscription that’s written on the wall above the fountain. We’re sure it will fill you with encouragement to take on what’s left of this unforgettable adventure: "Pilgrim! If you want to reach Santiago with strength and vitality, take a sip of this wine and toast to happiness".

Camino Sherpa tips:

1. If you want to feel like a true medieval pilgrim, drink your wine directly from a scallop shell.

2. If you feel dehydrated or are not of legal drinking age, the fountain has a second tap that pours fresh water to quench your thirst.

3. If you want to commemorate your visit with more than just a photo, go to the Wine Museum (on Saturdays and public holidays) or to the offices of Bodegas Irache (on weekdays) to stamp your Pilgrim Passport with a special Wine Fountain credential.

4. If you want to see what the fountain looks like before you visit it, check out this webcam that transmits real-time images from the Irache Monastery.

To discover more secrets and special places on the Camino, we invite you to read more expertly written articles on our blog. For now and until next time...Ultreia et Suseia!