Bota Wineskins

The Bota and the Fan. They represent two of the most distinct cultures of Spain: the Basques, whose origins are lost in time; and the people of Andalucia whose way of life draws heavily from the mores of the Middle East.

The bota is popularly associated with the running of the bulls in Pamplona. During the festival of San Fermín the people of The Basque Country carry botas -- animal skins filled with heady wine - similar to the wineskins of Biblical times.

We have identified the premiere bota craftsmen in Pamplona, who for generations have cured and hand-sewn these animal skins. If you are a purist, your choice will be a bota whose interior is coated with pine pitch that you must patiently knead to assure uniform water-proofing. On the other hand, we have the same authentic animal skins with a superior lining of latex - a substance unknown to the ancients - so that you can enjoy drinking from them without a lot of tedious care. It all depends how uncompromising you want to be!