Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao

Uncovering the rich winemaking tradition of La Rioja is an enticing prospect for any oenophile. This Rioja wine tour from Bilbao promises to whisk visitors on a captivating journey through the region’s medieval villages and family-owned wineries. Guests will savor a traditional Spanish lunch paired with the acclaimed local vintages, all while basking in the breathtaking vistas of the picturesque vineyards. With seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides providing engaging insights, this immersive experience offers a chance to truly take in the celebrated, yet often misunderstood, world of Rioja wines. What secrets about this renowned region might this tour unveil?

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

Key Points

• Full-day Rioja wine tour from Bilbao, including visits to a medieval village of Laguardia and underground family wineries.
• Traditional La Rioja lunch with regional wine pairing, as well as round-trip transfers from Bilbao, are included.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention, with four wine tastings to explore the winemaking history.
• Highlights include a guided winery tour, barrel room exploration, and a blending demonstration.
• Knowledgeable guides offer in-depth wine education, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Tour Overview

The full-day Rioja wine tour from Bilbao offers travelers the opportunity to experience Spain’s renowned La Rioja wine region.

Guests will visit the medieval village of Laguardia and explore underground family wineries, learning about the region’s rich winemaking history and the winemaking process from grape to bottle.

The tour includes a traditional La Rioja lunch paired with regional wines, as well as round-trip transfers from Bilbao hotels.

With a small group size for personalized attention, guests can enjoy four wine tastings during the day, all while being transported in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Inclusions

A traditional La Rioja lunch paired with regional wines is included in this full-day wine tour. Guests will also enjoy round-trip transfers from their Bilbao hotel, providing a hassle-free experience.

The small group size ensures personalized attention throughout the day. Four wine tastings are included, allowing visitors to explore Spain’s rich winemaking history and learn about the production process from grape to bottle.

An air-conditioned vehicle transports the group, ensuring a comfortable journey. With a minimum of two people required for booking, this tour provides an intimate and immersive exploration of the renowned Rioja wine region.

Itinerary Highlights

Arrival in Rioja, visitors will spend 2 hours exploring the medieval village of Laguardia and the surrounding region at no additional cost. After, a guided tour with wine tasting at a local winery provides an intimate, one-hour experience to learn about Spain’s rich winemaking history and the production process from grape to bottle.

Itinerary Highlights
Laguardia: 2-hour visit to medieval village and region
La Rioja: 1-hour guided winery tour and tasting
Knowledgeable guides provide in-depth wine education
Intimate group setting for personalized attention
Seamless roundtrip transportation from Bilbao provided

Laguardia Exploration

Exploring the medieval village of Laguardia offers visitors a glimpse into Spain’s rich history and cultural heritage. The tour begins with a 2-hour visit to this charming town, allowing guests to wander its cobblestone streets and admire its well-preserved architecture.

Highlights of the Laguardia exploration include:

• Visiting the historic Plaza Mayor, the heart of the village
• Discovering the underground wine cellars that date back centuries
• Exploring the 14th-century Gothic-style Church of Santa María de los Reyes
• Browsing the local shops and artisanal boutiques
• Taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Rioja vineyards from the town’s hilltop location

This immersive experience sets the stage for the wine tasting and culinary delights that await participants later in the day.

La Rioja Winery Tour

After exploring the charming medieval village of Laguardia, the Rioja wine tour continues with a guided visit to a renowned local winery. Guests are taken on a behind-the-scenes tour, learning about the region’s rich winemaking history and the intricate process from grape to bottle. The tour culminates in an exclusive wine tasting, allowing participants to savor the complexity and flavors of the Rioja’s celebrated vintages.

Winery Tour	Duration
Vineyard Exploration	30 minutes
Barrel Room Tour	20 minutes
Blending Demonstration	15 minutes
Wine Tasting	30 minutes
Q&A with Winemaker	15 minutes

This comprehensive winery experience offers a captivating glimpse into the traditions and innovation that have made Rioja one of Spain’s premier wine regions.

Booking Information

To book this Rioja wine tour from Bilbao, a minimum of 2 people is required, though single bookings can also be confirmed.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The price varies depending on the group size, starting from $261.11.

• Minimum of 2 people required for booking
• Confirmation needed for single bookings
• Operates in all weather conditions
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Price starts from $261.11 per person

Customer Reviews

The tour’s customer reviews provide valuable insights, with an overall rating of 4.5 based on 9 reviews.

The majority of reviewers – 7 out of 9 – awarded the tour 5 stars, praising the knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences.

However, 1 reviewer gave 4 stars, and 1 gave 3 stars, expressing some disappointment regarding the number of wineries visited and depth of wine education provided.

Despite these minor criticisms, the reviews suggest the tour offers a fulfilling exploration of Spain’s renowned La Rioja wine region, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to enjoy the winemaking process and local culture.

Experience Highlights

At the heart of the Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao lies an immersive exploration of Spain’s renowned La Rioja wine region. Guests embark on a captivating journey, beginning with a visit to the charming medieval village of Laguardia, where they can freely explore the town’s historic charms.

The tour then delves deeper into the region’s winemaking legacy, with a guided tour and tasting at a local winery. Participants gain firsthand insights into the intricate process, from grape to bottle. The experience is further elevated by:

• Sampling four distinct wines
• Indulging in a traditional La Rioja lunch paired with regional wines
• Enjoying round-trip transfers from Bilbao for a seamless experience
• Exploring the region in a small group for personalized attention
• Gaining a deeper appreciation for Spain’s rich winemaking heritage

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Know Spanish for This Tour?

No, you don’t need to know Spanish for this tour. The tour is conducted in English, providing a seamless experience for English-speaking travelers to explore the La Rioja wine region without language barriers.

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

The tour participants are generally not permitted to bring their own food or drinks. The tour includes a traditional La Rioja lunch paired with wines, so it’s best to enjoy the provided culinary experience.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with around 2 hours spent exploring the medieval village of Laguardia and visiting the winery. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour operator advises dressing appropriately for the weather conditions.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The itinerary seems fixed, with specific durations allocated for each activity. Additional time or customization may need to be arranged directly with the tour provider.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour does accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs, and the tour provider will work to accommodate them during the traditional La Rioja lunch.

Recap

Set out on a captivating Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao, exploring the medieval village of Laguardia and indulging in a traditional La Rioja lunch paired with regional wines. This full-day experience includes visits to underground family wineries, four wine tastings, and engaging insights from knowledgeable guides. Enjoy seamless round-trip transfers and learn about the rich winemaking history of the region, savoring the breathtaking views of the picturesque vineyards.