Botas are wineskins that are an ancient way to transport wine and are still used today all over Spain. Botas were used by shepherds and travelers in bygone days, but today you’re likely to see them worn at festivals, bullfights and soccer matches. Traditional, high quality botas are made in small artisan workshops from cured, hand-sewn skins. The interior is coated with pine pitch for water-proofing. They are normally cut in a teardrop or kidney shape. The end has a small hole to squeeze the wine through and a screw-on top attached to a short cord, so it is not lost during merrymaking! Botas also come with a longer cord so you can sling them over your shoulder and keep your hands free.
The bota pictured is one that we purchased at a small, inconspicuous storefront that was a well-known artisan bota “factory” in Burgos, Spain. It is typical to see some kind of ink drawing stamped on botas. You’ll notice that this one has a drawing of the Gothic cathedral of Burgos on it.
When and How to Use a Bota
Whether you are going hiking, camping, to a football game or on a picnic a bota will keep the wine cool and can be passed around and shared with a group without bothering with glasses. Simply take off the top, hold the bota slightly above eye level, tilt your head back as you squeeze the bag slightly and a thin stream of wine will come pouring into your mouth. If you don’t have great aim at first, don’t worry! It does take a bit of practice to develop your bota-drinking skills, but you know what they say, “Practice makes perfect!” So, “Practice, Practice, Practice!”
Why Traditional Botas are Better
Although the pine pitch has a particular flavor, we still recommend that you purchase an old fashion bota rather than a plastic imitation, or one that is linted in latex. The traditional bota will last for years and is “all natural.” Although when empty, the traditional bota may stick together because of the pine pitch, simply warming it and blowing into it gently will cause it to expand without tearing the pine pitch from the skin.
Where to Buy a Bota
If you are traveling to Spain, you’ll see botas everywhere, including the airport gift shops, but these will mostly likely be poor quality botas made for tourists. To find a quality bota, ask the hotel staff, tour guide or bartender where you can purchase a good quality, traditional style bota.
If you are in the USA, you can purchase botas at large import retailers, small gourmet shops and Spanish food stores as well as on the internet. Read the description of the bota carefully if you are purchasing over the internet.
