La Rioja’s wine region offers some of Spain’s most rewarding day trips and multi-day excursions. Top tours depart from Bilbao or Madrid, lasting 8-14 hours with door-to-door transportation. The best experiences combine premium winery visits with stops at medieval villages, where you’ll taste both celebrated Rioja wines and authentic Spanish ham. I’m especially fond of the rural homestay options – they showcase traditional farming methods and include unique activities like honey harvesting. My favorite tours provide intimate access to family-owned bodegas and include sit-down tastings with local experts. Let’s explore the standout tours that make La Rioja special.
Key Points
- The Semi-Private La Rioja Tour from Bilbao offers a comprehensive wine and food experience, including tastings and a walking tour of the medieval village of LaGuardia.
- The Full-Day Rioja Wineries Tour from Madrid provides a private, personalized experience with visits to premium wineries in the Ribera and Rioja denominations.
- The Iberian Ham Farm Tour and Tasting with Wine combines an educational tour of an organic farm with a tasting of ecological Jamón Iberico and Rioja wines.
- The Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour offers exclusive visits to top wineries, including traditional cave-cellars and the Marqués de Riscal winery, along with a guided stroll through medieval Laguardia.
- The Ocean Valley: Rural 2-Night Stay and Cultural Tour provides an immersive experience with activities such as Jamón de Bellota tasting, a visit to a Biosphere Reserve, and an ecological farm tour.
Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries From Bilbao
This semi-private La Rioja tour from Bilbao takes travelers to three premium wineries known for their exceptional, high-quality wines.
Over the course of 8 hours, the group, limited to just 7 participants, will enjoy 9-10 tastings of red and white wines, olive oil, chorizo, fresh bread, and cheese.
The tour also includes a walking tour of the medieval village of LaGuardia and a scenic lunch at a local restaurant or tapas bar.
Highlights include visiting the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal and exploring the Ebro Valley and Sierra Cantabria mountain range.
Travelers can also look forward to informative, engaging hosts and positive reviews that highlight the tour’s scenic views and overall experience.
With round-trip transportation from Bilbao and a live English-speaking guide, this tour is an excellent choice for couples and groups looking to enjoy the renowned wine region of La Rioja.
Read our full review: Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries From Bilbao Review
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Full-Day Rioja Wineries Tour From Madrid
Although departing from Madrid, this full-day Rioja wineries tour offers travelers an immersive experience in Spain’s renowned wine region.
Over 14 hours, the private trip includes visits to premium wineries in both the Ribera and Rioja denominations. Guests can expect personalized attention with a private pickup service available.
The tour provides the opportunity to skip the line and enjoy guided visits and tastings at the wineries. Prices start from Kč 24,505 per person, making it one of the pricier options in the region.
However, the extended duration and private nature of the experience may justify the cost for some travelers.
Whether a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Spanish viticulture, this comprehensive tour from Madrid allows visitors to fully explore the Rioja and Ribera wine country.
Read our full review: Full-Day Rioja Wineries Tour From Madrid Review
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La Rioja: Iberian Ham Farm Tour and Tasting With Wine
Exploring the heart of Spain’s renowned Rioja region, the La Rioja: Iberian Ham Farm Tour and Tasting with Wine offers travelers an immersive experience into the world of premium Jamón Iberico production.
Priced at $134.54 per person, this 3-hour tour provides an English-language guided experience that’s wheelchair accessible.
Highlights include a tour of the organic El Encinar farm, featuring Duroc piglet breeding, and a visit to a Spanish horse farm. Guests will also explore olive groves, cereal fields, and an animal feed mill, culminating in a tasting of ecological Jamón Iberico and acorn-fed hams paired with Rioja red and white wines.
Although the tour is slightly shorter than advertised, reviews praise the informative nature of the experience and the generous tastings.
Booking is available with a pay-later option, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance receive a full refund.
Read our full review: La Rioja: Iberian Ham Farm Tour and Tasting With Wine Review
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Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour
Enjoy the renowned Rioja wine region with the Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour. This 9-hour experience takes you on an exclusive journey through top Rioja wineries, offering the chance to savor the region’s finest vintages.
You’ll explore traditional cave-cellars, some 7-8 meters deep, and visit the famous Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
Along the way, you’ll stroll through the medieval streets of Laguardia and enjoy a delightful lunch at a local, non-touristy restaurant.
The tour includes private transportation, an expert guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. With a maximum group size of 8 people, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate wine tasting adventure.
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but it’s available in Spanish, Basque, and English, catering to a wide range of travelers.
Boasting a perfect 5/5 rating, the Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour is a highlight for many visitors to the region.
Read our full review: Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour Review
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Ocean Valley: Rural 2-Night Stay and Cultural Tour
One captivating option for exploring the Rioja region is the Ocean Valley: Rural 2-Night Stay and Cultural Tour. Priced at $729 per person, this 3-day experience offers an immersive look into the rural lifestyle and cultural heritage of the area.
Highlights include tasting Jamón de Bellota, discovering the Biosphere Reserve, and enjoying wine tastings from the renowned Rioja region. Participants will also visit an ecological farm, where they can learn about organic Spanish meat production and participate in a honey tasting.
The tour provides an authentic local experience, allowing guests to meet native hosts and learn about their family livestock project. Transportation, 2 nights of full-board accommodations, and a guided tour are all included.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and comprehensive way to explore the natural beauty, gastronomy, and cultural richness of Rioja.
Read our full review: Ocean Valley: Rural 2-Night Stay and Cultural Tour Review
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La Rioja: Private Tour to 3 Wineries With Tastings
For travelers seeking a more personalized wine experience in La Rioja, the Private Tour to 3 Wineries With Tastings offers a comprehensive and flexible option.
Spanning 8 hours, this semi-private tour from Bilbao allows visitors to explore three premium wineries in the renowned Rioja wine region. Throughout the day, guests will enjoy guided visits and tastings, learning about the winemaking process and local varietals.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the tour is a popular choice, offering a diverse and immersive experience. Priced at $234.66 per person, the tour provides excellent value, considering the duration and number of wineries visited.
Flexibility is a key feature, as the itinerary can be customized to accommodate participants’ preferences. Whether seeking a deep dive into Rioja’s rich wine heritage or a more casual introduction, this private tour caters to a range of travelers’ interests and needs.
Read our full review: La Rioja: Private Tour to 3 Wineries With Tastings Review
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Recap
La Rioja offers a variety of wine tours that allow visitors to explore the region’s renowned vineyards and sample its exceptional wines. From private tastings to immersive cultural experiences, these tours cater to different interests and budgets, providing an engaging way to discover the rich winemaking heritage of this celebrated Spanish destination.