From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip With Wine Tastings

For wine enthusiasts seeking to explore the renowned wine region of La Rioja, this full-day tour from Bilbao offers an enriching and seamless experience. Visitors will explore the winemaking heritage of the area, touring iconic wineries, tasting acclaimed red wines, and discovering the historic towns that give this prestigious region its distinct character. With comfortable transportation and an expert guide, the tour provides an opportunity to take in the vibrant culture and savor the flavors that have made La Rioja a premier destination for oenophiles worldwide. What secrets might this renowned wine region reveal?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Bilbao.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Bilbao to explore the renowned wineries of La Rioja region.
• Visit historic towns of Haro, Laguardia, and the iconic Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego.
• Enjoy guided tours and wine tastings at the CVNE winery and a family-owned traditional winery.
• Convenient roundtrip transportation from a central meeting point in Bilbao.
• Tour operated rain or shine, not recommended for those with limited mobility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Bilbao allows visitors to discover La Rioja and its renowned wineries. The tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

It lasts 9 hours and includes pickup and drop-off at a meeting point in Bilbao, as well as transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

The key destinations on the itinerary are Haro, Laguardia, and Elciego, where you will enjoy guided tours of historic wineries and traditional bodegas, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the region’s renowned vintages.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility, but it operates rain or shine, and passengers need only bring their passport or ID and comfortable shoes.

Key Destinations

The tour visits several noteworthy destinations in the La Rioja region, including:

• The historic town of Haro
• The walled city of Laguardia
• The iconic Marqués de Riscal building in Elciego

In Haro, guests tour the CVNE, a centenary and emblematic winery, with a guided tour and wine tasting.

In Laguardia, the group takes a guided walking tour of the historical center and visits a small traditional winery for another wine tasting.

Winery Tours and Tastings

During the tour, visitors embark on guided tours of renowned wineries, delving into the intricate wine-making process and indulging in carefully curated wine tastings that showcase the region’s renowned vintages. At each stop, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history, techniques, and unique terroir that contribute to La Rioja’s exceptional wines.

Winery	Tour Highlights	Tasting Experience
CVNE	Explore a centenary winery and its historic cellars	Sample a selection of CVNE’s signature red and white wines
Small Traditional Winery	Discover the traditional methods used in a family-owned winery	Taste a variety of artisanal wines, including local grape varietals
Marqués de Riscal	Marvel at the iconic, modern architecture of the winery	Savor the complex flavors of the region’s acclaimed red wines

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour’s pickup and drop-off service conveniently takes travelers from a central meeting point in Bilbao, providing seamless transportation throughout the day-long excursion.

Passengers are picked up at the designated spot and whisked away to explore the wineries and charming towns of La Rioja.

At the end of the tour, travelers are dropped back off at the same meeting location in Bilbao.

This hassle-free service allows guests to fully enjoy the wine tasting experience without having to worry about logistics.

The transportation includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Comfortable seating
• Knowledgeable driver
• On-time arrivals and departures

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Transportation and Guide

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off service, travelers on the La Rioja Wineries Day Trip can expect reliable transportation and an expert guide throughout their excursion.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from a central meeting point in Bilbao, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will lead the group, providing insights into the region’s winemaking heritage and sharing fascinating details about the sites they visit.

With the guide’s expertise, guests can make the most of their time in La Rioja, learning about the production process and participating in guided tastings at renowned wineries.

The combination of reliable transportation and an informed guide contributes to the overall seamless and enriching experience.

Mobility and Accessibility

Although the La Rioja Wineries Day Trip offers an immersive wine-tasting experience, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility. Guests are required to navigate through historic town centers, winery grounds, and potentially uneven terrain during the excursion.

The tour includes:

• Walking tours of Haro and Laguardia’s historic centers
• Traversing winery facilities with stairs and inclines
• Exploring vineyards and cellars that may have unpaved or cobblestone pathways
• Standing for extended periods during winery tours and tastings

Passengers with accessibility needs are advised to consider these factors before booking the tour. The operator encourages guests to communicate any concerns to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Weather Considerations

Regardless of the weather, the La Rioja Wineries Day Trip operates year-round, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

The tour isn’t affected by rain or shine, so travelers can enjoy the experience regardless of the forecast. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy one, the guided visits to the wineries and the walking tour of Laguardia’s historical center will proceed as scheduled.

The only exception is in the case of extreme weather conditions that could pose a safety risk, but the tour provider will communicate any necessary changes in advance.

What to Bring

Carrying a passport or ID card is essential for this tour, as they’re required for entry into the wineries and historical sites.

Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as the tour involves guided walks through the vineyards and the charming town of Laguardia.

Bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable, as the temperature can vary throughout the day, especially in the wine cellars.

Plus, while the tour provider will provide water, visitors may wish to bring their own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day.

Other essentials to consider for the tour include:

• Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun
• Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture
• Snacks or a light lunch, as the tour schedule may not allow for extended meal breaks
• A small backpack or bag to carry personal items

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, outside food and drinks are generally not allowed on this type of winery tour. The tour provides wine tastings and likely has facilities for purchasing snacks or light meals on-site. Participants should plan to enjoy the cuisine and beverages offered as part of the tour experience.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Wine Tastings?

The tour generally includes several wine tastings, but there’s no strict limit. Participants can enjoy the wines responsibly and in moderation during the winery visits. The specific number of tastings may vary depending on the tour program.

Can I Purchase Wine at the Wineries During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase wine at the wineries visited during the tour. The tour includes guided winery tours and wine tastings, providing an opportunity to sample and purchase the region’s renowned wines.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t advertise any specific discounts or special offers. However, guests may find opportunities to purchase wine at the wineries visited, and some may offer event-exclusive pricing or promotions. Travelers should inquire directly with the wineries about any available discounts.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Wineries?

The tour offers a preset itinerary, but customers can’t customize it to visit specific wineries. However, travelers can contact the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made for special requests, subject to availability and additional fees.

Recap

This day trip from Bilbao offers wine enthusiasts an immersive experience in La Rioja’s renowned wine region.

Visitors will explore historic towns, iconic wineries, and savor acclaimed red wines through guided tours and tastings.

With comfortable transportation and an expert guide, the tour provides a seamless and enriching way to discover the winemaking heritage of this prestigious Spanish destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: