In the book“Bodegas y Lagares de Roa“(2010, Cultivalibros), Juan Antonio Casín makes a detailed inventory of the wineries and wine presses in the town of Roa, arriving at the following figure: 155 wine presses and 238 wine cellars, almost all of them within the walls. Considering that the surface area on which they are located is around 135,000 m2, there is probably no other place that exceeds this density.

In this book, Casín also traces the history of these wineries, providing curious data that we present below (we are immensely grateful to him for this study, as well as for the images that accompany it):

HISTORY:

The cellars of Roa began to be excavated with the settlement of the repopulation initiated in 912 by Count Nuño Núñez. There were already good wine cellars in Roa in the 13th-14th centuries, as evidenced by the two Gothic cellars in the Plaza Mayor. One of the earliest records we have of them dates from 1520, as a result of a dispute between neighbours. During the 18th century, the existing cellars were extended, while several neighbours dug simple caves under their houses. In the 19th century many small cellars disappeared due to lack of care and resources, although some small family cellars continued to be excavated. Excavations continued until almost the middle of the 20th century. In 1956, when the Bodega Cooperativa was founded, a third of the existing cellars in Roa were already deteriorated and disused.

CONSTRUCTION:

The cellars were built in the winter months. The first thing was to decide on the route to follow or to avoid, as it was not advisable for the cellars to cross the streets, as the vibration produced by the carts and others could damage the wine. The next step was to excavate the descent and mark out the stairs. Ideally, the zarceras should face north (the word zarcera comes from cierzo, north wind), but it was the characteristics of the building under which they were built that determined their orientation and shape.

The cellars, in addition to ageing and storing wine, were a hiding place for money and jewellery in difficult times and moments. They also served as a refuge when the siren sounded to warn of possible bombing during the outbreak of the Civil War.

LOCATION:

The cellars of Roa began to be located around the Plaza Mayor, expanding into the surrounding area, close to the new parishes. The proximity between some of the bodegas and the interests of certain owners led to the union of some of them, for their convenience and benefit. This is attested to by the then mayor of Roa, Gregorio González, who escaped death in 1834 by fleeing from the liberals who were on their way to capture him.

In the map of the attached image you can see their distribution throughout the municipality.

VISITS:

There are currently no official visits to the underground cellars in Roa, but you can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the amazing views from the Paseo del Espolón and visit the underground cellar at the CHULETA grill restaurant.