The Camino de Santiago wine fountain is no conventional fountain, but rather a double dispenser that flows, free of charge, with top-quality red wine. This spot has become one of the greatest landmarks along the entire French Way.
What Is the Camino de Santiago Wine Fountain and Where Is It?
The Wine Fountain is a unique public dispenser built of stone, located in the Navarrese town of Ayegui, just a few kilometers from the city of Estella. The structure is built into one of the exterior walls of the Bodegas Irache winery. What makes this stop unique are its two independent brass taps: one labeled to serve fresh water and the other to serve wine.
Logistically, the Camino de Santiago wine fountain is positioned at a strategic location along the route, right before pilgrims tackle the dirt and stone slopes that lead toward the Castle of Monjardín. Bodegas Irache decided to build this fountain to offer a unique rest stop.
The Origin of the Camino de Santiago Wine Fountain: Why Does a Free Wine Fountain Exist?
To talk about the origin of the Camino de Santiago wine fountain, we must go back to the 12th century. At that time, the Benedictine monks living in the Monastery of Irache ran a field hospital dedicated to healing and feeding pilgrims who had crossed the Pyrenees. The monks considered wine to be a restorative food of the highest order, packed with the calories and medicinal properties needed to strengthen bodies weakened by fevers, fatigue, and grueling days of marching on foot or horseback.
Following tradition, Bodegas Irache decided to capture this spirit in a monument. In 1991, the winery inaugurated the Camino de Santiago Wine Fountain. With this gesture, the winery pays tribute to the history of its Navarrese vineyards and gifts pilgrims a symbol of generosity.
Rules of Use and Opening Hours of the Irache Wine Fountain
The Camino de Santiago Wine Fountain is intended exclusively to offer a complimentary welcome drink to pilgrims. It is strictly forbidden to use this fountain to fill up plastic bottles or hydration bladders; the wine must be consumed on the spot.
Additionally, the fountain is subject to daily hours and limits. The dispenser is automatically activated every day of the week at 8:00 AM and shuts off its supply at 8:00 PM. The winery sets a maximum daily allowance of 100 liters of free wine.
The Wine Fountain Motto That Every Pilgrim Should Know
Philosophy, respect, and poetry are permanently engraved on the walls of the Camino de Santiago wine fountain through two beautiful polychrome ceramic tiles. These mottoes dictate the moral rules of the site.
- The first motto, located in clear lettering right next to the brass taps, reads: “Pilgrim, if you wish to reach Santiago with strength and life, take a sip of this wine and toast to happiness.” This phrase sums up the spirit that the Benedictine monks attributed to wine back in the 12th century. Remember that the journey is long and you need energy.
- The second motto, featured on a complementary tile, reads: “We invite you to drink in moderation, pilgrim! But to fill your wineskin, we sell you our fine wine.” These words serve as a reminder of the code of honor. The Camino gifts us unforgettable moments selflessly, but in return, it demands that we take care of the environment.
