Alavesa

Alavesa is the feminine form of the Spanish demonym for a person from Álava (Araba), a province in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The masculine form is alavés. The term is used to describe a woman from Álava and appears in various Spanish-language references to the province.

Álava is one of the three provinces that comprise the Basque Autonomous Community. Its capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz. The province borders Biscay and Gipuzkoa to the north and east, La Rioja to the south, and Navarre to the southeast. Its landscape ranges from the Cantabrian mountain foothills to the Ebro valley, supporting diverse agriculture and industry, including wine production.

La Rioja Alavesa is a wine-producing subregion of the Rioja Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa Rioja). Located largely within Álava, it includes towns such as Laguardia and Elciego and is known for its slate soils, temperate climate, and high-quality Rioja wines. The subregion contributes significantly to the Rioja brand and to Álava’s economy through viticulture, tourism, and wine cellars that are often integrated into historic town centers and hillside vineyards.

Culture and language in Alavesa reflect the Basque Country’s mixed heritage. Spanish is the predominant language, with Basque spoken in parts of the province. The area features medieval towns, agricultural traditions, and a wine culture that shapes local cuisine and festivals.

See also: Álava, La Rioja Alavesa, Vitoria-Gasteiz.