The natural barrier of the River Ebro has historically served as a line of defence for a territory that has been desired by many kingdoms. Medieval struggles between Navarre and Castile meant that, what is now known as Rioja Alavesa, repeatedly changed hands; but in 1461 it was occupied by Castile and in 1486 the town of Laguardia and other villages permanently joined the Brotherhood of Álava on the orders of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

These lands have been inhabited since prehistoric times. This can be seen by the archaeological remains found at every turn. The village of La Hoya, for example, is one of the most important Bronze Age sites in the Basque Autonomous Region. The first settlement dates from the fifteenth century before Christ. The dolmens - burial monuments built around 2,500 years BC - are other vestiges of the historic wealth of this territory.