La Rioja, an autonomous community and province in northern Spain, is one of the picturesque and historical destinations that tourists should visit at least once in their lives. Once you arrive in La Rioja, it almost feels like going back in time to a much simpler place. Here, you get to see buildings that still feature Renaissance architecture, Spanish Baroque, and Herrerian styles. Apart from its breathtaking scenery, the province is also known for its booming wine industry. So when you visit La Rioja, going on a wine tour is an absolute must to get the most out of your stay. With multiple options all around, it’s hard to choose a tour that should be included in your itinerary. To find something that matches your taste, check out the top wine tours in La Rioja, Spain.
1. Experience a wine-tasting tour in three different regions (from USD 332.0)
Clear out your schedule because this one is a bit unique as it covers three different spots. Allowing private tours for you and your family, this exciting activity includes stops in Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Alta. During this trip, you get to learn about the wine-making traditions of the regions as well as taste some of their delicacies. You don’t have to worry about limiting yourself either because the hosts provide pick-up and drop-off services. The wine tour ends with a traditional Spanish lunch in a medieval village full of history.
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour
Duration: 8 hours
2. Learn about the process of making wine in Rioja Alavesa (from USD 250.23)
This wine-tasting tour starts off at your hotel as the hosts pick you up to bring you to La Rioja Alavesa wine area. Surrounded by natural beauty, the tour begins in the vineyards where you get to learn the process of wine-making as well as taste some wonderful delicacies. Don’t worry if you’re new to the whole art of wine-making, the process is simple and the hosts will be more than happy to help. The final part of the tour is a delicious lunch paired with, of course, wine. Once the tour ends, don’t worry about finding your way back as the hosts also offer a drop-off service.
From San Sebastian/Bilbao/Vitoria: Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch
Duration: 7.5 to 9.0 hour
3. Explore the birthplace of Rioja red (from USD 365.0)
Unlike most wine tours, this one is special since you can customise it to your needs to make your experience as unique as possible. Once the tour begins, you get to obtain new facts about the wines made in Rioja as well as discover how the famous Rioja red came to be. If you’re lucky, you might even get to taste a new kind of wine, something that no one has ever had before. Once the tour is over, you get to walk through a fresh-produced market and even learn how to cook traditional Rioja dishes.
Rioja: Food and Wine Private and Customizable Tour
Duration: 8 hours
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4. Experience traditional wine-making methods (from USD 387.0)
While some people change with time, this winery has remained the same. On this tour led by the family who owns the winery, you get to learn everything about the area’s history and how they have changed over time. Having been around since the 15th century with generations’ worth of knowledge, there is a lot to uncover when it comes to wine-making methods. You don’t just get to taste a new-age wine but also historic ones at Train Station Quarter in Haro. Before the tour ends, you will be taken to a medieval 10th-century village.
Rioja Small-Group Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour
Duration: 9 hours
5. Join a day tour of one of the famous vineyards of Rioja Alta (from USD 181.0)
Led by a professional when it comes to wine-making, this tour covers three different wineries. This day tour will go over the process one by one, followed by introducing you to a variety of Rioja’s wines. From the oldest flavours to the newly developed ones, you will get to try them all here while learning about the history of the area. At the end of the tour, you will be taken to one of the most famous vineyards in the area for a picnic where you can try local products. What better way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of La Rioja than spending an afternoon here.
Tour Descubre los vinos de La Rioja Vines and Wine tasting
Duration: 8 hours
6. Cycle through different wineries while enjoying the view (from USD 262.0)
Most wine tours involve walking through the vineyard and experiencing the process. This one is, however, a little different. With a lot of ground to cover, the guests need to be people who know how to ride a bicycle. During the day, you will visit two wineries in La Rioja Alavesa area, one of which is well known for its tasty wine. From there, you get to see the wine-making process as well as taste them as you go. Once the tour is over, the guests get to have a traditional meal at a wonderful restaurant.
Rioja Alavesa: Cycling experience with wineries
Duration: 8 hours
7. Learn all about the process of storing wine at these wine cellars (from USD 239.35)
This is another unique tour that should be included in your travel list. After you are picked up at your hotel, instead of being taken to a vineyard, you will stop by an entrance of a cellar. Here, not only will you get to taste wine but also learn all about the process of picking, brewing, and finally, storing wine properly so that it can have that delicate flavour that people love so much. From old flavours to new ones, you will get to try them all as you explore these two cellars.
From San Sebastian/Bilbao/Vitoria: La Rioja Wineries Tour
Duration: 7.0 to 8.0 hour
8. Make your wine-tasting experience unique with a canoe tour (from USD 66.0)
Starting at the Ebro River, this wine tour is different from others as guests have to get on a canoe to reach the destination. This way, tourists have the opportunity to not just learn about the wine-making process but also explore the Spanish river. Nothing sets the atmosphere for a wine-tasting session than a journey through nature. For this tour, you will have the option to either have a guided canoe tour or sail independently and take your time. Isn’t this a fun way to learn and taste wine?
Discover Rioja paddling in the Ebro River and visiting family-run wineries.
Duration: 4 hours
9. Sign up for a small-group tour of local wineries (from USD 251.0)
With this full-day tour, you don’t just get to taste wine but also learn more about the history of the area you’re visiting. Since only seven people are allowed on the tour at once, guests get to have a more personal experience as they explore the area. Starting in the morning, the tour covers a total of three wineries, allowing guests to sample numerous wines. Once the tours are over, the hosts will take you to a traditional local restaurant where lunch will be served. Also, you will get to admire the walled town of Laguardia, a beautiful and historical place.
Boutique Rioja Wine Tour
Duration: 7 hours
10. Trek through beautiful vineyards with your pals (from USD 257.0)
Love trekking and drinking wine? Well, if you’re on your way to La Rioja, this tour might be the one for you as it combines the two activities that you love. As you travel amid the beauty of the surrounding area for eight hours, you will be able to visit two vineyards. From there, you and your buddies will get to witness the process of wine production as well as learn more about the history of the area. Apart from sampling wines, the tour also includes savouring a delicious meal at an on-site restaurant.
Rioja Alavesa: Trekking experience with wineries
Duration: 8 hours
Don't miss out on unique wine-tasting opportunities
La Rioja is a beautiful place to be, one that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The only way to truly enjoy your vacation in this province full of rustic charm is to embrace the things that it has to offer. Since La Rioja is known for its wine, why not take the time to go on one or two tours to really understand the delicate process of wine-making? Before the day ends, you might have a bottle of new favourite wine.
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