Once a powerful and strategically important kingdom straddling the Pyrenees, the Spanish parts of Navarre have now been reduced to a self-governing region whose capital is the prosperous city of Pamplona. Navarra is considered as part of the historic Basque lands and it borders La Rioja which once formed part of the Kingdom of Pamplona.

Pamplona is, of course, famed for its week of alchohol-fuelled excess and heart-stopping bull-running in the Fiestas of San Fermín which takes place in the second week of July.

But in terms of cuisine Navarra is renowned for the high quality vegetables that spring from its fertile soil, including artichokes, white asparagus and peppers. Its lamb, beef and dairy products are also prized. Although its red wines have risen in prestige in the last 30 years, its most reputed drink is Pacharán or Patxaran, a red/brown coloured, anis-flavoured spirit made from sloes.

Neighbouring La Rioja is Spain's smallest autonomía but its name is familar across the world because of its wine. What catapulted the region to fame was the introduction of Bordeaux-style wine production in the mid-nineteenth century and the phylloxera disease that decimated French vineyards.

The local Tempranillo grape is at the heart of Rioja's success and the smooth-tasting reds from the region remain a Spanish and international favourite. Rioja's gastronomic offerings should not be overlooked either and its lamb, peppers and embutidos are amongst the region's specialities.