wine tours rioja region spain

• Destinations
• Winery Directory

25 Best Rioja Wineries You Can’t Miss in 2024

Best Wineries in Rioja to Visit Throughout 2024: Ultimate Travel Guide

If you’re a red wine enthusiast and a foodie, you’re going to find yourself in paradise when you visit the remarkable wine region of Rioja in Spain. One of only two of the highest quality wine-producing regions in Spain, Rioja has (officially) tantalized palates for decades.

Here, the red Tempranillo grape is king. Although there is strong competition from its brethren Garnacha , yielding highly complex red wines we can’t get enough of. White wines are also beginning to show up on Rioja enthusiasts’ radars in the form of Viura , Malvasia and small quantities of Torrontes . Rosé varietal wines and blends are also on the rise, so be sure to keep an eye out when you visit any of the wineries on this list. 

RELATED: Understanding Wine Classifications in Spain – DO vs. DOCa and DOQ

The Rioja region itself is formally divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja (now called Rioja Oriental) . Each exhibits a unique terroir and varying wine styles. We recommend visiting wineries and small villages within each sub-region to get a more complete understanding of the area as a whole. In this guide, we’ll recommend visitation experiences in each.

But the wine isn’t the only reason why it’s worth visiting Rioja, the vibe also makes it a great place to spend a few days. One of our favorite food-centric towns in all of Spain is Logroño. It’s here that you can find two streets loaded with exceptional and bespoke tapas bars and restaurants:  Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan. The streets come alive in the evening, and you’ll have the opportunity to try locally produced wine by the bottle or glass for just a fraction of the price you’d see in the states.

Long story short, you don’t need to visit wineries to have a great time in Rioja, but we do recommend getting out in the countryside for a wine tourism experience because it’s beautiful, and the winemakers are often very warm and welcoming.

IN THIS GUIDE:

• Wineries With Lodging
• Wineries With Views
• Boutique Wineries
• Tours in Haro
• Unique Experiences

Private Rioja Wine Tours Led by Locals & Sommeliers

• …and more

RELATED: What’s the Difference Between Rioja’s 3 Sub-Regions?

Travel Logistics Getting To and Around Rioja

Rioja resides within North-central Spain, just south of what’s known as Basque country. Logroño is the capital of Rioja, and the largest city closest to the region is Bilbao. To get to Rioja, you have a couple of options.

First, you can fly into a major city such as Bilbao, Madrid or even Barcelona and take a short-haul flight into Logroño’s small airport. Check here for current flight deals  into these major cities as well as deals on short-haul flights with carriers like Air Europa, Vueling and Iberia.

Another option is to rent a car from one of these cities and drive to Rioja yourself (highly recommended). We recommend taking a car because the Spanish countryside is incredibly scenic. The drive itself will become one of the highlights of your trip. Check here for some of the best rental car rates in Spain offered through Expedia. Make sure you get lost, but do watch your speed when on major roadways as there are traffic cameras everywhere, and they WILL bill you 2 months later once you’re back home.

If you want to enjoy the wine and scenery of the region without having to worry about driving, consider hiring a private guide and driver, with all tasting fees and lunch in a medieval village included .

Taking a train from a major city in Spain is also an option, and you can then rent a car when you arrive in Logroño. For example, Renfe (Spain’s national railroad company), offers direct rail routes from Madrid to Logroño for around $80 one-way. The trip lasts just under 4 hours. Your cheapest option is to take a bus from one of the major cities mentioned previously. Bus tickets may be as low as $20.

First Make a Stop at The Barrio de la Estación in Rioja

It’s also worth noting that there’s another small town called Haro within Rioja’s borders. This is a much quieter, humble town where many of the wine production and storage facilities reside. Some of the wineries we discuss in this guide offer tours and tastings in Haro at these facilities.

The Barrio de la Estación in Rioja is a distinguished and historically significant neighborhood here. It’s uniquely characterized by its remarkable concentration of century-old wineries, making it the best way for for wine lovers to get a deeper understanding of the grape varieties and production practices in Rioja before starting their trip out into the countryside for winery visits.

Established in the late 19th century, the Barrio de la Estación owes its development to the advent of the railway in Haro. This strategic location near the train station enabled local wineries to easily export their wines, particularly to the international market. The train station’s establishment coincided with a crucial period in wine history: the phylloxera epidemic in France. This disastrous vine pest decimated French vineyards, leading French winemakers to Rioja in search of unaffected vines. Their influence significantly shaped the winemaking methods in the region, introducing new techniques and contributing to the high quality of Rioja wines.

Today, Barrio de la Estación is home to some of the most prestigious and historic bodegas (wineries) in Rioja. These include names like López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), Bodegas Muga, and La Rioja Alta, among others. Each of these wineries has its own unique story and approach to winemaking, yet they all share a commitment to quality and tradition.

Visiting the Barrio de la Estación is not just a journey through the world of wine but also a cultural experience. The architecture of the wineries and underground cellars stacked with old oak barrels, ranging from historic to modernist, reflects the rich history and evolution of winemaking in the region. Many of these bodegas offer winery tours and tastings, providing insights into their winemaking processes and the opportunity to sample some of the regions finest wines without leaving town.

In addition to the wineries, the Barrio de la Estación hosts an annual event known as “ La Cata del Barrio de la Estación ,” a celebrated wine-tasting festival that takes place on June 15th, 2024. This event brings together the local wineries and offers a festive atmosphere where visitors can enjoy exceptional wines, local cuisine, and various cultural activities.

*Winetraveler Side Trip Suggestion: Consider visiting the incredible city and foodie capital of the world: San Sebastián! No other city in the world is home to as many Michelin-star restaurants per square kilometer. If you’re staying in San Sebastián, you can also schedule a private day trip with a tour guide through Rioja with lunch included .

Those who are staying or plan to stay in Bilbao can book private tours ahead of time as well.

Top Wineries To Visit in Rioja Spain

Now, onto the wineries. There are many in the region, but for the sake of this list, we’ll recommend a blend of options that we feel express the culture of Rioja, great quality wine, beautiful scenery, and warm service. The first four wineries on the list include accommodation if you’re looking to stay on a vineyard.

Winery/Hotel Combinations

Marqués de riscal, a luxury collection hotel.

C. Torrea Kalea, 1, 01340 Eltziego, Álava, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Accommodation, Architecture, Beautiful Grounds, Upscale, Luxury

“A marvelous creature, with its hair flying in all directions, launching itself over the vineyards.”

Frank Gehry. Architect.

For luxury accommodation and a winery visit that will leave a lasting impression on you, no visit to Rioja is entirely complete without staying or at least stopping by Marques de Riscal . If you’re familiar with Rioja wine, then there’s no doubt you’ve seen this brand on grocery and liquor store shelves. Like most Rioja producers, wine quality levels and methods of aging vary with Marques de Riscal. And while some of their library, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are excellent, that’s not the reason why we’re recommending you visit this property.

The hotel building itself is enough to ‘wow’ visitors, as it’s one of the most unique structures in the wine world, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. The structure conveys a sense of luxury (it’s one of the most luxurious in Marriott’s portfolio), and its unique forms certainly stand out amongst the backdrop of Rioja Alavesa’s wine country.

Everything at Marques de Riscal is advanced. From the technology utilized on the property for wine production to the VIP lounge. Oh, did we mention the wine is pretty solid too? You can check availability and book one of the 61 luxury suites right here.

Finca de los Arandinos Bodega

Ctra LR 137, Km 4,6, (salida de Entrena dirección a Nalda), 26375 Entrena, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Great Service, Great Breakfast, Architecture, Great Views, Peaceful, Great Home Base

If you’re not looking to spend as much at a hotel in Rioja but still want the experience of staying on a wine estate, Finca de los Arandinos may be for you. Like other establishments across the region, this property seeks to differentiate itself and push the concept of ‘progress’ with a more modern style of architecture. 

We like Finca de los Arandinos because you can have several wine experiences without even leaving the property. These include guided visits with the winemaker, group tastings with lunch, and vineyard tours. At the same time, the property is conveniently located within the town of Entrena. A humble setting that provides easy access to all of the other wineries we mention on this list. Take a look at booking availability here .

RELATED: Best Wine Regions To Visit Near The Ocean

Bodegas Finca La Emperatriz

Finca Viña la Emperatriz Ctra. Santo Domingo – Haro, Km 31,5, 26241 Baños de Rioja, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Setting, Historic, Location, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Private Villas

For a private villa experience in a stunning setting, consider visiting Finca La Emperatriz. Stay right in the middle of the largest working vineyard in Rioja that once belonged to the last Empress of France and wife of Napoleon III. You’ll have access to free WiFi, tour and tasting experiences on-site, breakfast, a wine bar, and a private terrace. It’s pet-friendly, and conveniently located near other wineries on this list and all of the important towns in Rioja. You can take a look at dates that may be available to book here. 

Rusticae Hotel Teatrisso

C. Segundo Cantón, 26214 Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Exceptional Service, Vibrant, Great Breakfast, Boutique, Family Run, Old (Refurbished) Castle, Peaceful

While not a winery itself, we love Teatrisso because it speaks to the Riojan culture. It’s a beautifully restored palace from the 16th century. Stay at this property if you’re looking for boutique accommodation with convenient access to vineyards throughout Rioja. This family-run hotel is packed with unmatched charm in a gorgeous and quiet village. There’s a beautiful stone cellar and courtyard terrace that offer locations to relax and taste wine. This property is rustic, yet clean and vibrant, and the staff could not be more welcoming. Check availability for your travel dates here .

RELATED: The Top 15 Luxury Wine Hotels to Stay at Around the World

Beautiful Grounds and Scenery

Bodegas ysios.

La Hoya Bidea, s/n, 01300, Araba, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Architecture, Great Quality Wines, Beautiful Scenery / Backdrop

Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, Bodegas Ysios is one of the most iconic buildings in Rioja Alavesa. It stands out because the building is designed to mimic a wave. Contrasting against the vines in the foreground and the mountains in the back, you can actually feel a sense of motion when looking at the building.

Aside from the structure itself, Ysios offers 6 wine tasting and guided experiences on the property. Options range from simple tastings at the bar, to taking a wine car through the vineyards, tasting in the vineyards, terrace tastings and guided, customized experiences. Whichever you choose, be sure to call and book ahead of time or schedule a tour .

Bodega Hacienda López de Haro

Camino del Cementerio, s/n, 26338 San Vicente de la Sonsierra, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: New Winery, Beautiful Scenery, Warm Staff, Great Wines

For a more personal experience in a gorgeous setting, consider visiting Hacienda Lopez de Haro. Guided tours and tastings are offered on the property in the countryside, and there’s a good chance (depending on the time of year), you’ll be able to eat grapes right off of the vine, and/or try wines straight from the barrel. They frequently offer live music on their beautiful terrace, and you can eat lamb cutlet steaks cooked over vine shoots or sample tapas alongside their wines. Schedule a visit here .

Bodega Marqués de Murrieta

N-232a Km 402, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Stunning Property, Great Wines, Warm Staff, Delicious Food

A Rioja staple for any discerning wine tourist, Marques de Murrieta is not to be missed for a dose of scenery, drink and food pairings. Here, you can take a guided tour through the vineyards followed by a walk through their 19th-century winery castle. If that isn’t enough, enjoy a range of wines paired alongside gourmet appetizers and cheeses prepared by their in-house chef. Reservations for these experiences and visits to the wine bar are currently required. Alternatively, you can book guided and private wine tours that include visits to wineries like Marques de Murrieta.

Bodegas Baigorri

Vitoria Errepidea, km 53, 01307 Samaniego, Araba, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Incredible Architecture, Beautiful Cantabrian Mountain Range Views, Ultra-Modern Winemaking Technology, Vineyard Views, Dining Experience, Wine Quality

Bodegas Baigorri stands as a beacon of innovation and architectural marvel in the heart of Spain’s celebrated Rioja region. Distinctive for its striking modern design, the winery uniquely integrates into the landscape with a seven-story structure that plunges deep underground, harnessing gravity throughout the winemaking process. This gravity-fed technique, a hallmark of Baigorri, ensures a gentler handling of grapes and a purer expression of the varietal’s character in each bottle. The winery’s commitment to blending state-of-the-art technology with traditional winemaking methods results in a range of exquisite wines that are both complex and balanced. Overlooking the breathtaking Sierra de Cantabria and the Ebro Valley, Bodegas Baigorri not only captivates visitors with its architectural prowess but also with its dedication to sustainability and respect for the terroir, making it a standout destination in the Rioja Alavesa.

This winery offers several wine tasting and tour options, each crafted to provide an immersive experience in the world of Rioja wines. The Guided Tour + Guided Tasting allows visitors to explore the winery’s seven underground floors, culminating in a tasting of two Baigorri wines paired with two pintxos prepared by their chef. For a more elaborate experience, the Guided Tour + Tasting Menu includes a visit to the winery and a lunch service at their restaurant, offering either a Classic or Premium Menu, each comprising six courses paired with Baigorri wines.

The wine bar on the property is an inviting space for Winetravelers to sip with stunning views of the Sierra de Cantabria and Samaniego. For a unique outdoor experience, the Brunch among the vineyards is available during the summer, offering a gastronomic delight on a private terrace amidst the vines. Additionally, A Walk through the Vineyards during harvest season presents an intimate look at the winemaking process, including tastings and a special Harvest Tasting Menu.

For those seeking an in-depth exploration, Activities at the Foot of the Vineyard involve a guided vineyard tour, a premium wine tasting, and a local produce-based tasting menu in the restaurant with views of the vineyards and Barrel Room. Bodegas Baigorri also offers personalized experiences for groups, tailoring activities to individual preferences and needs. Arrange an experience by contacting them at [email protected] or calling +34945609420 .

Bodega Finca Valpiedra

El Montecillo, s/n, 26360 Fuenmayor, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Majestic Views, 4×4 Vineyard Tours Along the Ebro River, Comprehensive and Engaging Wine Tasting Tours, Warm Staff

This esteemed estate is renowned for its singular location within a stunning meander of the Ebro River, creating a unique microclimate that contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. Finca Valpiedra stands out for its commitment to single-vineyard wines, a rarity in the Rioja region, allowing for an exceptional expression of terroir in each bottle. The winery’s contemporary approach, combined with a deep respect for traditional winemaking practices, results in wines that are both elegant and complex. The picturesque landscape of the vineyard, with the river’s presence and the meticulously cared-for vines, adds to the attraction of Finca Valpiedra.

Finca Valpiedra offers a selection of unique wine tasting tours, each designed to showcase the vineyard’s philosophy and the singular beauty of its location in La Rioja. The Visit Cantos tour, priced at 18 euros per person, invites guests to experience the natural landscape and learn about the winery’s approach from vineyard to glass, emphasizing the importance of the fruit. For a more adventurous experience, the Visit Finca Tour, at 28 euros per person, includes a 4×4 tour through the Finca Valpiedra vineyards , offering insights into the vineyard work and wine production process, culminating in a tasting that captures the essence of their wines. The “On the Banks of the Ebro River Tour” tour, for 64 euros per person, is a comprehensive experience that combines a 4×4 vineyard route, a detailed winery tour, and a tasting of Finca Valpiedra’s most representative wines, followed by a delightful cold lunch amidst the stunning natural backdrop. (Prices accurate at time of publication). Email them at [email protected] or call +34 941 45 08 76 to book your preferred experience.

Boutique / Family-Owned Wineries & Intimate Tours and Tastings

Bodega miguel merino.

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Quality Wines, Off-the-beaten-path

Visiting Bodega Miguel Merino is the essence of a boutique winery visit in La Rioja. This is a small, family-run operation and each staff member truly takes pride in their work. The winery offers private tasting experiences that give you the opportunity to walk and taste along with the winemaker or a family member. It’s positioned just below the quaint town of Briones, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful rustic towns in Rioja. In order to make an appointment, email [email protected] or call (34) 689384566 .

RELATED: 15 of the Best Wineries Across Spain, Vineyard Resorts & Tours: Spain Travel Guide

Bodegas Santalba

Carretera N-232, KM 445, 26221 Gimileo, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Tapas, Organic, Great Setting

Combining a sense of place, family tradition and visitation customization options, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest stopping by Bodegas Santalba. For the “discoverer” Winetraveler, this is one of those boutique experiences where at the end of your visit you’ll feel like a part of the family. 

It’s important that you book a visit to Santalba ahead of time. Not only will this allow you to reserve a spot, but they’ll also try their best to tailor your visit to your specific preferences. Be sure to email [email protected] or call (34) 941 304 231 to enquire about opportunities.

Bodegas Vinícola Real

Carr. de Nalda, Km 9, 26120 Albelda de Iregua, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Historic Setting, Customizable Experiences

A hidden gem in Rioja, step into the underground cellar of Vinicola Real and be transported back in time. The cellar here has been in use for over a thousand years when medieval monks once inhabited the property. Here, you can taste wine in a familial setting on historic grounds. Contact the winery ahead of time to see if you can secure guided experiences through the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, vineyard tasting experiences, or how to attend their annual harvest festival. Bodegas Vinicola Real also offers customized itinerary options once you get in touch.

Bodegas Gregorio Martínez

Polígono 1 Parcela 12- Nalda La Rioja (Ubicación bodega), 26002 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Personal, Intimate Tours, Small Family Winery, Passionate Staff

Keeping with the boutique theme, this humble producer crafts a delicious portfolio of terroir-driven wines. In most cases, you’ll receive a private guided tour through the small property by Miguel, the winemaker himself. Following the tour, relax in the tasting room and enjoy small bites of local cuisine designed to be paired with the wines, including somewhat rare truffle-topped potatoes. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, though you may be able to drop in for a tasting unannounced. Contact [email protected]  or call (34) 941 22 62 63 .

Vinos naturales DOCa Rioja Bodegas Ojuel

C. Mayor, 49, 26376 Sojuela, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Views, Organic, Charming Setting, Intimate Tours, Small Family Winery, Passionate Staff

The epitome of a boutique, familial visitation experience in wine country, we highly recommend scheduling an afternoon with winemaking couple Mila and Miguel. A visit to Ojuel on the slopes of the Sierra de Moncalvillo offers guests the opportunity to experience something different. Whether it’s picking the grapes themselves and hanging them up to dry, or sampling the resulting (and somewhat rare) dessert wine called Supurao, you’ll leave with an incredible memory. Get in touch ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or call Mila at (34) 629 455 157, and plan to enjoy a glass or two with Ojuel out in the vineyard.

Bodegas Gonzalez-Puras

C. las Cuevas, 238, 26340 San Asensio, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Charming Setting, Personal Tours, Wine Caves, Local Cuisine, Warm Staff

Another humble winery worth stopping by if boutique is your thing. Bodegas Gonzalez-Puras keeps it simple and offers two kinds of tasting experiences. Their “Discover Rioja” experience will take you through the winemaking process which culminates with a visit down into the centuries-old wine caves. You’ll get to taste three of their wines on their terrace paired with a local appetizer. At the end, enjoy a walk through the vineyards. Their “Authentic Rioja” experience is similar but includes more local cuisine paired with their wines. Call ahead at (34) 687 936 272 or email  [email protected] .

Bodegas Lecea

Barrio de Las Bodegas, C. las Cuevas, 246, 26340 San Asensio, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Traditional Craftsmanship, Intimate Cellar Tours, 16th-Century Underground Caves, Authentic Riojan Flavors, Family-Run Charm

Bodegas Lecea stands out as a gem in the Rioja region, particularly for those who treasure authenticity and tradition in winemaking. This family-run bodega, rooted in generations of wine-making heritage (over 500 years in the business), offers several special wine tasting experiences, each by appointment only.

The classic tour takes visitors through their 16th-century cellars, blending historical insights with a tasting of three distinct wines. For a more hands-on experience, the Premium Tour invites guests to partake in vineyard activities, followed by a relaxing aperitif and a cellar tour. Adventure-seekers can embark on an electric bike tour, meandering through scenic vineyards, or opt for the thrill of a 4×4 ride across the picturesque landscapes, each including a winery visit and wine tasting. For a truly gastronomic delight, the Gastronomic Tour offers a traditional Rioja lunch, combined with an exclusive tour and wine tasting, encapsulating the authentic flavors and stories of this renowned winemaking region. To book your visit, contact them at +34 685 01 04 00 or via email at [email protected] .

RECOMMENDED: Book a Rioja Like a Native Tour and Enjoy Round Trip Transfers from Your Hotel

Cellar Tours & Tastings in Haro

Lopez de heredia.

Av. Vizcaya, 3, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Tasting Room, Great Quality Wine, Location, Friendly Staff

The town of Haro presents an opportunity for Winetravelers to quickly navigate through a number of famous producer’s cellars and tasting rooms. Grape production takes place out in Rioja’s countryside, but some winemakers process and age their wines at facilities within Haro. Lopez de Heredia (Viña Tondonia) is one of those producers. Their label is one of the most iconic, and if you’re already a Spanish wine lover, you’ve probably seen it before. 

The winery has been in operation for over 144 years and is one of the 3 first wineries in Rioja. You can expect nothing less than quality juice no matter what you taste here, simply because they’ve been making it for so long.

Lopez de Heredia offers small private group tours through their cellar and facilities, and the staff are very accommodating if you’re looking for advice on other things to do in Haro. Learn more about scheduling a visit or drop in for a tasting .

Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A.

Av. Vizcaya, 8, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Exceptional Wines, Beautiful Grounds, Great Guided Tours, Warm Staff

If there’s one aspect about Bodegas La Rioja Alta we hear more than anything else, it’s the quality of their wines. Our readers rave about them. If you’re looking for a true expression of what wines from Rioja Alta should be, look no further than this producer. 

We also like this winery because they offer a number of visitation options. You can taste and tour the facility within the town of Haro, or during certain times of the year, you can visit the wine estate (Torre de Oña) out in the countryside of Rioja Alta. Guided tours and tastings are offered at both .

RELATED: 8 Charming Places To Visit in Spain If You Love Food & Wine

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta

Paraje de Ubieta s/n Acceso desde la rotonda, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Great Wines, Vermouth, Wine Cellar, Engaging Staff, Location

Another option while in Haro is to drop by Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, known for their engaging wine cellar tours and high-quality Rioja wines. Enjoy a guided, walk-around tour and tasting in the barrel room and learn about the winemaking process. Lunch may also be an option for larger groups. You can also simply drop by their wine bar and terrace to try wines by the glass.

For a taste of something different, be sure to ask about their Vermouth, which has been made in the same style since 1937 and includes over 30 different herbs and spices. Schedule a visit or learn more here.

Bodegas Muga

Av. Vizcaya, 2, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It:  Elegant Tasting Room & Shop, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Location, Accommodating

Located just down the road from Lopez de Heredia, it’s well worth a stop at Bodegas Muga. This is another iconic Rioja brand with a beautiful tasting room, shop and guided tour opportunities. If you’re interested in a guided tour of the facility, we highly recommend scheduling a visit ahead of time, but we’ve found the staff to be accommodating and willing to fit last-minute arrivals into a group. Tours are offered in multiple languages and start at different times. Click here for contact information and visitation options .

Note that you don’t need to participate in a tour, you can also drop in and taste through their wines. They have sommeliers on staff that are very friendly and will walk you through the winery’s history, philosophy, and the wines themselves.

Bodegas Roda

Av. Vizcaya, 5, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Location, Great Wines, Beautiful Grounds, Olive Oil Samples, Underground Cellar

It’s not every day we find a winery with such a well-known brand name that can still offer a boutique experience. Roda provides wine tastings within Haro, but if you book one of their more luxurious tours in advance, you can have a guided experience in the vineyard that ends with a visit to a cave where some of their wine is stored. 

Bodegas Roda makes an effort to accommodate every kind of Winetraveler. If you want to get outside of Haro for a bit, consider their horse-and-carriage tour through the vineyard for just 50 euros. They also offer lunch and picnic experiences on a balcony overlooking the Ebro River and surrounding Rioja landscape. Click here for contact information and experience options .

Unique Experiences, Tastings and Museums

Bodegas vivanco.

Carretera Nacional, 232, 26330 Briones, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Museum, History, Restaurant, Educational, Beautiful Cellar

If you’re curious about winemaking and the culture of Rioja as it evolved over the centuries, you’ll find no better starting point than Bodegas Vivanco. While the winemaking process is overseen by Rafael Vivanco Saenz himself, a third-generation winemaker, Bodegas Vivanco attempts to bring the entirety of the growth and development of global wine culture under one roof with specific attention to Rioja.

The museum on the property will take you back 8,000 years to when we believe wine was first produced. The space spans over 4,000 meters and includes 6 rooms worth of displays and artifacts articulating the world of wine. Note that touring the museum is un-guided and audio is provided.

Aside from the museum, you can of course also taste the wine on-site, have a drink at the gastro bar or enjoy a meal at their restaurant with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the background. Schedule an experience of your choice here.

Viña Real (CVNE)

Av. Costa del Vino, 21, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Great Wine, Modern Facilities, Friendly Staff, Architecture, Impressive Cellar, Great Views

One of the more well-known Rioja producers, Bodega Viña Real stands out for its architecture and cutting-edge wine production techniques. This is a large winery, with numerous tour and tasting opportunities, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of experience and wines you can expect at Viña Real. They offer tours through their expansive cellar, lunch at both the winery and on the vineyard, and tastings on the terrace. Take a look at the various visitation options and availability here .

Bodegas Aradón

C. San Isidro, 46, 26509 Alcanadre, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Exceptional Wines, Local Produce, Friendly Staff, Charming Setting

For a slower-paced and boutique-tasting experience through a range of exceptionally crafted Rioja wine, it’s worth a stop at Bodegas Aradón. The staff at this farmers cooperative are incredibly attentive and passionate about their work. This is an opportunity to sample small-craft wines (including delicious whites) on grounds that have been inhabited since Roman times. If you’re lucky, you may get to enjoy some live jazz while you sip and take in the scenery. It’s best to call ahead of time to inquire about scheduling a visit: (34) 941 16 50 36

Bodegas Senorio de Libano & Castillo de Sajazarra

C. del Río, s/n, 26212 Sajazarra, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Castle Experience, Unique, Beautiful Grounds, Great Wine, Small Bites

For a winery experience that includes a side of medieval castle, consider scheduling a visit with Bodegas Senorio de Libano. You’ll make stops in the vineyard of the Fuente Negra country estate, explore outside the 15th-century Sajazarra Castle which belongs to the Libano family, and taste through their wines paired with an appetizer. Currently, 4 different wine-tourism experiences are offered. Each includes a visit to the castle gardens, but the wines and cuisine offered vary (red/white and various appetizer options). Learn more here and do schedule your visit ahead of time.

Bodegas Y Viñedos Puente Del Ea

Camino del Aguachal, 26212 Sajazarra, La Rioja, Spain

Why Guests Like It: Great Wines, Warm Staff, Beautiful Grounds, Great Value, Charming Setting

If you’re heading out from Senorio de Libano, continue your drive through Rioja Alta and meander along the road until you find yourself in the historic and charming setting of Bodegas Puente Del Ea. This small but high-quality organization offers guided wine tasting options as well as wine and local food pairings on the property. Taste through red, white and rosé wines along with a visit to their underground cellar. Reservations are required ahead of time, call (34) 941 320 405 or email [email protected] .

Opting for a private guided wine tour of Rioja, led by local experts and sommeliers, presents a seamless and enriching way to explore this renowned wine region. These tours eliminate the hassle of logistics and planning, as every detail, from transportation to vineyard access, is meticulously arranged. This approach ensures a stress-free experience, allowing Winetravelers to fully immerse themselves in the delights of Rioja without the concerns of driving or navigating unfamiliar routes. Get insider perspectives and access to hidden gems that might otherwise be missed. Additionally, most of the below tours allow you to curate and customize a selection of vineyards or itinerary that caters to you or your group’s personal preferences.

Private Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour

Embark on a Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour, expertly operated by Rioja Like A Native . This tour offers a deep dive into the rich winemaking heritage of Rioja, covering the distinct sub-regions of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. With the convenience of a local guide and a designated driver, you’re free to indulge in multiple wine tastings without any transportation concerns. The journey is punctuated by a delightful stop in a medieval village for a traditional Spanish lunch, perfectly paired with local wines. The tour includes entrance fees and tastings at three renowned wineries, ensuring a comprehensive Rioja wine experience. All transportation is taken care of.

Book Your Private Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour with Rioja Like A Native

Private Rioja Wine Tasting Tour with Local Lunch (From San Sebastian, Bilbao, Pamplona, or Logroño)

This Private Rioja Wine Tasting Tour with Local Lunch, brought to you by Basque Guides , is a personalized journey through the heart of Spain’s premier wine region, La Rioja. Departing from San Sebastian, Bilbao, Pamplona, or Logroño, this exclusive tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate wine experience. You’ll visit two exceptional wineries, including some of the oldest underground wine caves in the region and a famous winery designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. Each tasting offers a chance to savor Rioja’s bold red blends right at the source. Complementing the wine adventure is a lunch at an authentic Basque restaurant, steering clear of the usual tourist spots for a genuine local dining experience. The tour also includes a stroll through the medieval streets of Laguardia village, adding a touch of historical charm. With private transportation and a dedicated driver, you can relax and enjoy the day without the hassle of car rentals. This tour is designed exclusively for your party, ensuring a truly personalized and memorable exploration of Rioja’s winemaking wonders.

Book Your Private Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch with Basque Guides

La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour: 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao)

Experience the essence of Rioja’s gastronomic delights with the La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour, meticulously organized by Northern Spain Gastronomy . This full-day, small-group tour, commencing from Bilbao, offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Rioja’s renowned food and wine culture. The tour includes visits to two local wine bars and a traditional winery, where winemaking techniques have been perfected over five generations. Your expert guide, an experienced sommelier, will provide insightful commentary and personalized tips throughout the day.

The highlight of the tour is a picturesque picnic lunch set against the stunning backdrop of the Rioja vineyards, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Additionally, the tour features a leisurely stroll through the historic, walled medieval city of Laguardia, adding a touch of historical charm to your gastronomic adventure. You will have the opportunity to taste up to four regional wine labels in an authentic wine cellar, each thoughtfully paired with local cheeses, olive oil and chorizo. Transportation is provided in a comfortable and stylish new van, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey to and from Bilbao.

Book Your Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Northern Spain Gastronomy

You are reading “Best Wineries to Visit in Rioja This Year”:  Back To Top

wineries near me, wine tasting near me, vineyards near me, Rioja wine tours, Rioja wine tasting: more top wineries to visit in Spain

If you enjoyed this guide, consider joining the  Facebook Group  to interact with other Winetravelers and for wine travel inspiration around the world. Be sure to follow us on both  Twitter  and  Instagram  to stay up to date with our trending content.

Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!

Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new travel guides and itineraries are published. It's free!

Email Address

Sign Me Up!

Login to view more Articles

Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, comments ( 2 ).

👍👍👍Puente del Ea

Thanks for the recommendation Benjamin! We’ll have to stop by on our next visit.

You Might Also Like

From beans to bliss: exploring italy’s charming and hidden coffee villages, stunning us wine regions to combine wine tasting with outdoor adventures, best mornington peninsula wineries & wine tours for 2024, ultimate guide to visiting châteauneuf-du-pape’s best wineries in 2024, southern spain itinerary: 10 perfect days in andalusia, 15 best luxury wine hotels & vineyard resorts around the world, visit these 15 charming food cities in spain to sample spanish cuisine, wineries nearby, marqués de riscal, bodegas lópez de heredia, celler devinssi, cheers to free membership.

Explore new paths. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts.

Get free access to all the goods:

• Exclusive articles
• In-depth itineraries

• Rioja wine tours
• Private wine tours in Rioja
• Rioja wine tours from other cities
• Rioja travel guide

Since 2010 - Rioja wine tours

We organize and operate Rioja wine tours with one objective in mind: to provide each of our customers with magic and memorable experiences in Rioja. We design itineraries aiming at pleasing all types of wine lovers. With our Rioja wine tours, you will not only taste but also feel & enjoy Rioja!

You may be wondering, what is the best wine tour in Rioja? This is not a question for us to answer. We aim however at given our best in each of our wine tours in Rioja to ensure we share with you our passion for our land. 

Our wine tours with a start in Rioja

Traditional best of Rioja wine tour

Terroirs – Rioja private wine tour

Wine & Architecture in Rioja – private tour

Questions you may have about our rioja wine tours.

1 – Pick-up location . Pick-up and drop-off are included in our private wine tours in Rioja. Our region is not huge, but that does not mean we can pick you up from all locations. The price of our tours includes pick up and drop off for the following locations. If yours is not on this list you can assume that an extra fee will apply. 

City of Logroño, Haro, Laguardia, villages between Laguardia and Haro (this includes hotels Marques de Riscal, Viura and Palacio Tondon)

If you are looking for a wine tour in Rioja from Bilbao or from San Sebastian you should look at the bottom of this page where you will find specific Rioja wine tours from these two cities. 

2- Pick up time. The pick-up time will be confirmed by your guide. You can estimate pick-up will take place between 09:00 and 09:30 in the morning.

3- Drop-off time. Not all tours end at the exact same time (this can vary based on your accommodation and also on the tour chosen or the wineries selected for a given day) You should estimate the tour will end 8 hours after your pick-up time. 

4- Will I be able to purchase wine during the tour?  Yes, you will be able to purchase wine. Most wineries we visit do also send wine outside of Spain, including to the United States.

5- Does the price of the tour include wine tasting? Yes, wine is tasted at all wineries visited. The actual number of wines tasted varies from tour to tour. You can find more information on the tour descriptions. Please note that since the selection of wineries for a given day may vary, the actual number of tastings of a tour can also change. As a general rule, at least two wines are tasted at each winery. Your guide will indicate how many tastings are included in each of the visits. At some wineries, you may also have the opportunity to purchase extra tastings or also purchase wine and enjoy it there. Please note that those extras will need to be paid on top of the tour fee and they can only be paid directly at the winery premises. 

6- Does the price of the tours include meals? Yes, a high-quality Rioja meal is included with the price of the tour. Wine is included though if you would like to request a specific wine from the restaurant´s wine list you will need to pay for this at the restaurant. 

7- Are vegetarian options available? Riojan gastronomy is rich in vegetables and you can rest assured there will be options for you in case you require a vegetarian menu. Your guide will enquire about dietary restrictions to make sure there is no problem for you during your wine tour in Rioja. 

Rioja: more than wine. Beautiful landscapes, history, and gastronomy

We are very proud of our land. And we believe we have good reasons to be so. Many visitors tell us one of the things they love about Rioja is the fact it resembles the wine country of their dreams, the landscapes as sometimes seen in postcards.

Rioja is full of rolling green hills where small ancient villages stand. You will discover walled cities next to the river Ebro and mountains to both North and South. The mountains on the North are the majestic Sierra de Cantabria. These mountains are fundamental for our wines since they ensure the cold winds of the Atlantic don´t reach us. The mountains to the South are the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range. Two of Spain´s most important monasteries are located near those mountains. Yuso and Suso. The Spanish language was first written in them. Those are lands well-known to pilgrims. Rioja is an important part of El Camino de Santiago, and pilgrims find their most important stop in Rioja at Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Despite Rioja is a small region, it is full of history. Traces of Neolithic activity are visible not far from Laguardia, and close to some small roads, you can still be surprised by stones that were used to press grapes and produce wine.  

During our wine tours in Rioja, we make sure we take the roads where the most beautiful landscapes are enjoyed. We also make sure you taste not just wines, but also good examples of our rich and tasty gastronomy.  

Wine tours with a start from other areas of Spain

Barcelona to Rioja wine tour (3 day)

Madrid to Rioja wine tour (3 day)

Rioja wine tours from San Sebastian

Private Rioja wine tour from Bilbao

La rioja - the region and travelling tips.

Types of wine in Rioja

Things to do in Rioja

Things to do in Logroño

Why book with us, expert local guides.

Private or very small groups

Luxury vehicles (AC)

Quality meals

Hotel pick-up

Hotel or Airbnb pick-up

Hand-picked wineries

Guaranteed departures

Guaranteed departures           

More tastings at each winery

Certified travel agency protection

THE 10 BEST La Rioja Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in la rioja.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao

2. Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño

3. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian

4. Rioja Alavesa Wineries and Medieval Villages Day Trip

5. Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian

6. Rioja Like A Native Wine Tour

7. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour

8. Private Full Day Wine Tour in Rioja

9. Rioja Wine Route with winery owner

10. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao

11. Rioja Boutique Wineries Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

12. Private Wine Tasting in San Vicente de la Sonsierra

13. Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria

14. A Sip-By-Sip Tour of 3 Boutique Rioja Family Wineries (Private Tour with Lunch)

15. Two winery visits with tastings and a walking tour of la Guardia

16. Half Day Rioja Wine Tour

17. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona

18. Rioja Wine Tour

19. Rioja Boutique Wineries Tour with Lunch, SS

20. Private Rioja wine Tour: Premium wineries from Bilbao with Lunch

21. Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao

22. Rioja Full Experience Tour from San Sebastian with Lunch

23. Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja

24. Luxury La Rioja Wineries Private Tour

25. Private Rioja wine tasting tour with local lunch

26. Rioja Wineries and Laguardia Tour with Picnic from San Sebastian

27. Full Day Tasting The Unknown Rioja Wine Region

28. Rioja Wine Private Tour from San Sebastian

29. Private Rioja Wine Tour of Vines and Wines in Spain

30. RIOJA UNCORKED - Private Enological Adventure

What travelers are saying.

HAVE YOU DECIDED WHAT TO DO IN LA RIOJA?

Wine-related experiences

Become a winegrower, taste wine, visit wineries… In Riojatrek we are tour guides who specialise in wine .

Visit La Rioja

Hire a tour guide and make the most of your trip to La Rioja. We’ll take you to the most interesting wineries, the most charming villages and the spots in the region with the most history.

Visit Logroño

A border city nestled between kingdoms and a stop you can’t miss on the Walk of St. James. Hire the services of a tour guide and discover the history and explore the old quarter of Logroño.

Wednesday in La Rioja

Join our “ Wednesday in La Rioja “: a whole day spent in the region with visits to two wineries. Trips are held every Wednesday for a minimum of two people.

Wine-tasting courses

Do you want to try different Rioja wines without having to go to different wineries? Come to our wine-tasting courses .

Activities with children

Grape harvesting with the family, grape treading, must tastings, experiments in the winery… Have fun with your children while you learn about Rioja wine .

What do people say about us?

Very enriching wine/vine experiece.

Evanng , Singapur (Tripadvisor)

mmpatr , Madrid, Spain (Tripadvisor)

Best wine tour ever

BrissieClive , Brisbane, Australia (Tripadvisor)

Fantastic experience!

TheFantasticMrJones , Richmond, London, U.K. (Tripadvisor)

Breathtaking Rioja!!

Angelica1812 , England (Tripadvisor)

From grapes to glass

Janey_318 , Prague, Czech Republic (Tripadvisor)

Excellent tour

Profnancy , Boston, U.S.A. (Tripadvisor)

Kieron P , Madrid, Spain (Tripadvisor)

A wonderful viticultural morning

Geguemor G , Madrid, Spain (Tripadvisor)

Put your holidays in the hands of experts

Official tour guides, wine specialists, we design your trip, do you want to discover rioja with us.

0.00 €

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES Curated Rioja wine tours

Enjoy rioja like a riojan, who better to show you rioja's secret wine spots curated by trained locals, these experiences offer an inside look for curious travelers..

You can choose a private tour or join a small group tour (4-7 people) and mingle with other like-minded wine lovers

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

WINERY HOPPING

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

RIOJA UNCOVERED

ARCHITECTURE & WINE

THE 92+ POINTS RIOJA CLUB

BESPOKE EXPERIENCES

FROM BILBAO AND SAN SEBASTIAN

Spain's top wine region, rioja is the hidden gem of the north and we'd love to show you around.

It offers top-notch wines, superb gastronomy, tons of history and dramatic scenery . It’s stunning and unassuming at the same time.

We are locals , avid wine drinkers and have lots of contacts .

The wine and food tours we have put together are authentic experiences for foodies, wine lovers and wine enthusiasts.

We want you to discover an authentic Rioja .

Our homeland is centuries of winemaking expertise and culture. We drive for you so it’s hassle-free and you can focus on enjoying the experience to the most.

Soak up the scenery, drink the wines and relax.

We take care of everything., featured in.

ADMISSION FEES

TRANSPORTATION

GUIDE SERVICES

TRAVEL AGENCY INSURANCE

Other wine lovers' opinions on our rioja wine tours.

We are an independent small husband-and-wife wine tour agency in love with Rioja

As travel curators we are offically educated and trained to offer professional advice on tours and customized wine and food experiences.

RIOJA WINE TRIPS-WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCES is an officially accredited Travel Agency by the La Rioja Tourism Board. License no. CARL-95 Mm.

Booking request

You don't have any booking saved.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Wine Tours in Rioja

Rioja alta & alavesa tour.

Take one of our best-selling Wine Tours in Rioja to discover the very best of Spain’s most famous wine region!

All our tours include history, enology, gastronomy and education , to achieve a complete and unforgettable experience for you through our homeland, La Rioja ?

• Half Day Wine Tours in Rioja : Takes approximately 5 hours
• Full Day Wine Tours in Rioja : Takes approximately 9 hours
• 2-Day Wine Wine Tours in Rioja : 2 days of approximately 9 hours each
• Please contact us if you need to start later, or you prefer to do a Customised Wine Tours in Rioja  with your requirements

Reviews of our Wine Tours in Rioja

Full Day Wine Tour with Lunch

What a day!!! My fiance and I had the great pleasure of going on a day long wine tour that included a beautiful lunch in a 10th Century village. The flow of the tour was very well planned. We learned something different about the wine making process at each winery, three wineries in all. We learned everything from the agricultural side of wine making to processing of the grapes to the history of the region itself. Oh…and there was the wine drinking! We honestly could not have asked for a better experience from Rioja Like A Native. To date this is one of my favorite traveling experiences and my fiance and I would, and do, tell anyone that this tour is so worth the time should you find yourself in the Rioja region of Spain …     Read more

REVIEW BY KATY J  (August, 2019)

Amazing Honeymoon Wine Experience!

We had such an amazing time on our tour with Rioja Like a Native. Rebeca was a fantastic guide and made it feel more like touring with a friend than a guide. She was super knowledgeable and went the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable, having fun and learning. The selection of wineries was perfect and allowed us to experience different environments, wine making methods and flavors. It was a great trip through the history of the region as well. The transportation was first class, the wineries were great, lunch was delicious and Rebeca was top-notch; this was one of our best wine experiences ever and would highly recommend. Rebeca is great. Cheers! …     Read more

REVIEW BY SBRADENBOND (August, 2019 )

An amazing day full of great wine

We had an amazing time on our Rioja Like a Native Wine Tour. Rebeca gave us so much background, helped us really understand Rioja and the wine, and really made the experience special for us. She took us to some beautiful places with great views and delicious wine. She was able to answer our questions and made sure we were well taken care of. I would recommend this to anyone. Door to door service, delicious wine, and a very special experience! And not to forget, an amazing lunch! I’ve done a variety of wine tours previously, and this was definitely my favorite! …   Read more

REVIEW BY KATE T  (July, 2019)

A Superb Wine Day That Won’t Disappoint!

I have had the liberty to book last minute and join the group for one of my most favorite wine days. Rebecca went out of her way with helping me figure out my transportation to join the group as I took a day off trekking the Camino and had to get to my next town. I have done many wine tours in Canada, Napa, Sonoma and Oregon, but this one was very unique from any others. From each visit we did, they all shared educational components that complimented each other. An entertaining and educational day. Our group was a ton of fun and Rebecca incubated that funness. Rioja Like A Native tours is your premium choice. Highly recommend – you won’t be disappointed. You may get a little tipsy though! …     Read more

REVIEW BY SANNON Y  (July, 2019)

Wonderful 2 day Rioja Tour!

What a fantastic decision to book with ‘Rioja like a Native’! Our 2 day tour gave us such a wonderful experience that we will never forget. We were four friends who wanted to learn and have fun and drink wine and we certainly did just that. Rebeca was our guide and she was so knowledgeable about everything to do with the wine and the wine making and it was obvious that she had a good relationship with all of the wine growers. We stayed in Logroño and Rebeca picked us up from the hotel. We were walking in beautiful vineyards and tasting wine within an hour. We visited 6 very different wineries from small scale to super modern and met the wine makers in person, all of whom were such lovely, friendly people who were passionate about their wine. You could not achieve this total experience by trying to arrange these tours yourself. We highly recommend ‘Rioja like a Native’ for making your trip truly special. Thank you Rebeca for making it easy for us to book and for planning our tours so perfectly and thank you Rebeca for a fabulous 2 days. We need to return to buy more wine!!!!!!!! …     Read more

REVIEW BY SANDRA W.  (September, 2019)

High Quality, Knowledge, and access to the roads less traveled

This was by far the best wine tour and tasting I can remember in recent history. Why? First of all Rebeca is flexible and can pivot quickly to meet your needs. We stayed in the Marques and did that wine tour on our own without her. However Rebeca took us to the roads less traveled and we had a more intimate tour with winemakers she picked. The difference between these family vineyards and their cool history is a must see. The Marques was just a retail wine tour meant to herd cattle as fast as possible. In the places we went the winemakers served us cheese and meats and it seems to be a coordinated effort to ensure the customer is happy. If you need something special or not the menu, just ask and Rebeca will make it happen giving memories that you cannot purchase. I can’t say enough about how much of a highlight of our time in Spain this trip was …     Read more

REVIEW BY CRKNIPE.  (July, 2021)

If you continue using this website without changing your cookie settings or clicking "Accept" you will be giving your consent to this. más información Accept

The cookie settings of this website are configured to "allow cookies" and thus offer you the best possible browsing experience. If you continue using this website without changing your cookie settings or clicking "Accept" you will be giving your consent to this.

• +44 (0)20 8877 4940

Rioja Wine Tours

Home Destinations Spain Rioja

Rioja Wine Holidays

It may be among the smallest of Spain’s provinces, but don’t let size fool you. The petite but perfectly formed region of Rioja has found fame across the world thanks to its eponymous export.

And what an export it is! Each year the region produces around 175 million bottles of hearty Rioja, and the proof of such productivity is evident for anyone to see. It seems everywhere you look, vines of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes are growing from the fertile ground.

Of course, there’s more to life than just wine (or so we’re told). On a wine tasting trip to Rioja you can also enjoy vigorous pursuits like exploring Mediterranean forests and medieval towns high on hilltops, as well as cultural highlights like the walled city of Laguardia and the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Get in touch on  020  8877 4940  or at  [email protected]  to talk through your perfect Rioja wine tour. We have all sorts of ready-made Rioja wine tour and self-drive tours to choose from. Or we’ll happily craft one for you from scratch. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Where to visit in the Rioja region?

A good place to start is the regional capital of Logroño. The city is renowned as something of a gastronomic hotspot, its tightly packed streets lined with endless tapas bars. Head to Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan to sample some of the best.

Elsewhere in town you’ll find space to reflect in the city’s Santa Maria de la Redonda, a Catholic cathedral with more peace and solemnity than you can shake a stick at (not that we recommend you try this).

Along the road to the west you’ll find the medieval streets of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and its old Parador Pilgrim’s Hospital. Meanwhile, a short drive to the south sits San Millán de la Cogolla, site of the Suso and Yuso monasteries that are known as the birthplace of the written Spanish language.

The wines of Rioja

Rioja boasts over 500 wineries or “bodegas”, split between three sub-regions: the two cooler regions of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa and the slightly warmer climate of Rioja Baja.

Throughout these sub-regions the bodegas vary hugely. From the grand and well known like the Marqués De Riscal winery at Elciego with its dazzling, Frank Gehry-designed hotel, to the smaller, family-run affairs like the one at Finca Valpiedra, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the different methods of creating this wonderful wine.

As for the wine itself, around 90% of Rioja wines are reds. These come in three varieties: fresh, youthful Crianza that works beautifully with tapas; the slightly pricier Reserva that works best with grilled meats and wonderful Spanish jam ón; and last but certainly not least, Gran Reserva, the finest of all Riojas and worth trying on its own.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal

Designed and built by the legendary architect Frank O. Gehry, Hotel Marqués de Riscal is…

Hotel Marques De Riscal

Description Stay in this iconic Hotel Marques de Riscal vineyard hotel in Elciego near Logrono….

Rioja wine trips

Luxury Rioja Wine Tasting Experience

'Times Featured' Spanish Collection: San Sebastián, Rioja & Ribera

Rioja to san sebastián luxury food & wine experience.

Rioja Wine Tour - Haro to Logrono

Rioja Wine Experience

La Batalla del Vino Experience in Rioja

Spanish wine collection: ribera & rioja.

San Sebastián to Valladolid Tapas & Wine Experience

The European Wine Adventure

Luxury European Wine Tour: Burgundy to Rioja

The VIP collection: Bordeaux, Tuscany & Rioja

“Thanks for taking the time and trouble to call. You really have set the standard by which we compare  all other companies!! Thank you so much for organising a fantastic itinerary with such an interesting  and varied range of stop-overs. We are already starting to think about next year’s trip to France so  would welcome any suggestions.”

Hilary Alder

Start Planning Your Holiday

Speak to our experienced travel consultants.

020 8877 4940       Enquire online

Book with confidence, we are fully ATOL bonded and ABTA members.

Inspiration

Exploring Cognac, France: Where to go and what to experience

 Charente vineyards, Aurélien Terrade / BNIC Discover the Cognac territory, where centuries of tradition meet innovation to create...

Georgia - An introduction to the cradle of wine

A true wine lover has surely asked the question before: Where does wine originate? Countries and cultures have...

A Taste of Christmas: Visiting Christmas Markets in Europe

Chestnuts and sausages roasting on an open fire. Mulled wine and gingerbread lending a spicy aroma to the...

Our Customers Rate Our Rioja Tours

Our recent reviews.

SmoothRed planned a truly fabulous trip from Paris through Brittany to Normandy and back to Paris. Every part of the trip was wonderful and seamlessly executed. It was a trip of a lifetime! Without any hesitation or qualifications, we heartily recommend SmoothRed. They customized an extraordinary family trip.

Dorothy Weinstein

Very well organised trip to Tuscany, getting in 2 wine regions. Lovely hotel with amazing view. The best part was our guide Paula who ensured our wine tasting tours were with smaller wineries which have authenticity and care for the environment. Highly recommend SmoothRed!

Warren De Villiers

To Adam & the SmoothRed Team. Our recent trip to Bordeaux and the Medoc/St Emillion has been a wonderful trip & experience. One I would have no hesitation in saying is top class. I would certainly use SmoothRed & their travel associates in future wine tasting trips. The entire group…

SmoothRed did an outstanding job providing chauffeured driven wine tour through Bourgogne and the Rhone valley (France). The multiple vendors they used were all Courteous, Prompt, and very fluent in English. This 7 day trip went without problems. I would highly recommend SmoothRed.

We came to Bordeaux for part of our honeymoon and took the First Growth Bordeaux tour. SmoothRed worked with us to curate a trip based on our desires. The 8 Chateaux we visited, the 3 delicious lunches, and the hotel were wonderful, but what set the trip apart was our…

Tibita Kaneene

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive inspiring travel ideas and offers. We won't share your email address with anyone.

Contact our team

Start creating your tailor made wine-tasting tour today. Call our team on +44 (0)20 8877 4940

Privacy Overview

Rioja Wine Tours for discerning people

We are rioja in style.

A local travel atelier with whom you can design your own private guided tour in La Rioja, Spain. Rioja is a prestigious wine region , home of The Way of Saint James and the birthplace of the Spanish language. We believe each person is unique, with his or her own interests and preferences, which is why all our wine tours are different. Explore our Rioja wine tours for inspiration and tailor them to your heart’s – and tastebuds’ – desire.

We design the Rioja wine tour of your dreams.

Rioja Wine Tours

¿Deciding on the best way to experience Rioja? Browse samples and reviews of our tours for inspiration. We propose three complete wine tours to discover what Rioja wine is through its vineyards , the architecture of its wineries and its flavor.

You can take them as they are, or use them for ideas and ask us to tailor them to your preference. We have a 24-hour wine tour for a short break, a 2-day tour or personalized longer  trips. Take all the time you need to smell, taste, feel… Enjoy the essence of wine visiting Rioja (Spain).

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

+34 945 33 10 60

10 Tips to plan your perfect trip to Rioja wine region

Planning a trip has always its challenges. You need time, resources and specially first hand information. And planning a trip to Rioja is not an exception.

Touring Spain’s Rioja wine region is an unforgettable experience. Rioja is one of the most important wine regions in Spain, with top wines recognized all over the world. The food is also gorgeous. You can find amazing villages from Middle Ages or the most avant-garde buildings. People is very kind and helpful. It is in a short distance of many of the main cities you may be visting on your trip to Spain such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona… even Madrid and Barcelona are not that far.

However, it can be a bit overhelming figuring out which wineries to visit, how to design your itinerary – there are more than 600 wineries in Rioja! -, how to organize transportation as public transport is not wide. Or where is the best place to stay in Rioja for touring the region.

So, if you’re thinking about heading to Rioja for the first time, here are some tips for planning your perfect wine trip to Rioja, based on our experience as locals and professional tour operators and travel planners in this beautiful region of Spain.

1 – How to get to Rioja

If you are coming by plane , the nearest and most convenient airport is Bilbao international airport. From there you have different options to come to Rioja:

• Rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to Rioja. It is about 1/1.5 hour drive depending on where you plan to stay
• Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Bilbao Bus station and from there take the public transport by bus to Rioja (Haro, Laguardia, Labastida, Logroño..)
• Have a private transfer . It is the most comfortable and quickest way, but obviously the most expensive

If you are coming to Rioja from other cities in Spain such as Madrid or Barcelona, you can take a train to Logroño. It will take you 3/4 hours.

2 – Where to stay in Rioja

There are many places and options to stay in Rioja and it will depend on what type of accommodation you prefer or what kind of town you are looking for.  These are some good places to base yourself:

•   Logroño is the capital of La Rioja. It is the main and biggest city in the area with a population of 150.000 people, so you will find a big selection of hotels, apartments or even hostels and campings. If you are looking for a relaxed and rural atmosphere, this is not the place for you. If you are into night life, then Logroño is the perfect place to stay.
• Haro – or the capital of Rioja wine, as their residents call it,- is a smaller town but with a big concentration of historical centenary wineries and a nice selection of bars and restaurants. It is not a big city but also not a small town.
• Laguardia , located in the Basque side of Rioja wine region, Rioja Alavesa . It is a beautiful small town from Middle Ages with lots of charm and a medieval wall from the Xth century. The selection of places to stay and also bars and restaurants is also very good despite being a small town.
• Labastida, Samaniego, Villabuena, Elciego, Lapuebla, Abalos … if you are looking for places off-the-beaten-track with less tourism, rual atmosphere but still good accommodation and some dining options.  At these places, you can find from rural little bed and breakfasts to one 5 star hotel. Most of these little towns have amazing Old Quarters and top small wine producers at family-run wineries. The location is also perfect for touring the Rioja region as they are right in the middle of the region.

You can also do a day trip to Rioja from Bilbao or a tour from San Sebastian to Rioja if you are based there. As the distances are not big from those cities.

>> Check our post with tips and recommendations on where to stay in Rioja, best town to stay  and our favourite hotels : Where to stay in Rioja

3 – How to get around in Rioja

You need transportation to get around in Rioja if you want to visit wineries and the beautiful towns of the region. Public transportation is not wide and does not run very often . Also some of the wineries are located out of towns. So you need a car.

You can rent a car (only in the big cities of the area such as Logroño, Vitoria or Bilbao) which will give you the freedom to go everywhere at you own pace. But if you want to visit the wineries and taste some of the fabulous Rioja wines you shouldn’t drive. To avoid driving and drinking, and if you want to experience a relaxing time while tasting wine, you can hire in advance chauffeur services or book a tour with driver and guide , who will pick you up from your hotel, show you around, take you to lunch and to some  of  the best wineries of the region. This option is not only good to avoid driving, it will give help you planning your visit in Rioja, give you a lot of insider tips and recommendations, explain you about tradition and history of the area and translate where needed.

If you want a stress-free expererience and prefer to have a guided and chauffered wine tour in Rioja, you can contact us . We will help you organizing your perfect wine trip to Rioja so that you can enjoy the best wineries in the area and hidden gems off-the-beaten-track. We offer different options to choose from, pick yours!

You can also mix different options. Drive yourself one day and use a guided tour another day . This will give you the best of both options. In any case, think about logistics  and explore all the options. And please, take care if you plan to drive and taste wine.

4 – Visiting wineries in Rioja

As we mentioned before,  there are more than 600 wineries in Rioja . So it can be a difficult task to choose the specific winery that will fit your wishes, specially if you are looking for a non commercial and tourist winery.

Most of wineries, require a previous appointment, so even if you know which one you want to visit is always recommended to call or write them and make a reservation in advance . Some wineries, specially on high season, require booking well in advance as they can get fully booked soon.

Manage your time . Do not plan to visit more than 3 wineries a day. 2-3 wineries a day is the perfect choice . Some of the wineries in Rioja offer wine tastings only, so you can go there just to taste. But at the most places, you need to do a whole winery tour before proceeding to taste. The good thing about the tour is that you will get a lot of information about how wine is ellaborated in Rioja. The tour duration depends on the winery, but it usually takes 1 to 2 hours or even more. So do not fill your day with too many wineries .

Plan ahead and check their visit schedules, as most wineries have specific visiting times only, specially for tours in English. Also take in mind that the wineries are spread out all across the region and you need to drive from one winery to another, so plan accordingly the time you need to get around. And also to enjoy the experience. You may not want to rush all day, you are here on vacation!

All the wineries charge a fee for the winery tour. The price will depend on the tour experience and also on the type of wine tasting you choose.

Some wineries, especially the smaller and family-run ones, do not speak English and offer tours in Spanish only , so be prepared or have a guide with you to translate.

5 – Mix wineries

Even if you have a big knwoledge about wine and are looking for specific wineries, we highly recommend to mix wineries, specially if you are a first time visitor in Rioja.

Mixing big and small family-run wineries, and modern and traditional places will give you a good sense of the contrast and different sides of Rioja’s wine production.

And let yourself discover the small wineries and artisanal wine producers , even if you have other wineries or wine brands in mind. The best experience is not always in the famous places. You will experience a really intimate and personalized atmosphere and discover really top wines with small production you can hardly find at home.

You can learn more about Rioja wine at Rioja wine official website .

6 – Do not forget lunch

You will be tasting wines from morning until late afternoon so don’t forget to include time on your day to take lunch.

Gastronomy in Rioja is delicious and full of flavours and tradition . Rioja is part of a pilgrims way and located in the crossing of 3 lands: Basque Country, Navarra and Castilla so it has influences from the three and the thousands of pilgrims who crossed this region along the centuries. You can find many phantastic options in different places from the most traditional proposals to the most innovative modern cuisine.

If you go to a restaurant and have a typical lunch, plan around 1.5/2 hours for lunch . More if you decide to have a tasting menu. We take food matters very seriously here. Another great option is to have lunch at a winery with wine pairings.

If you are more into light lunch, then go for tapas or pinchos (local name for tapas). It is also a lot of fun and a perfect way to socialize with locals if you go from bar to bar. You will find wonderful tapas bars in Logroño, Laguardia or Haro for example.

You can check here some of the dishes you should not miss when visiting Rioja: Food of Rioja, 10 dishes not to be missed

7 – Take a tour

Even if you are an independent traveler and you have your own car during your time in Rioja , it deserves to take at least one day tour and rely in a local company . A local operator will provide you not only good insider tips and recommendations and help you to craft your itinerary choosing the best wineries to visit and the best dining options. Also, you will have a driver and a guide which will keep you stress-free. Drinking and driving is not a good idea, so having a driver is a must. You can have a private tour in Rioja, for a private experience, or a small group tour in Rioja if you prefer to share your time with other winelovers.

Having the expertise of a local who understands the scene, have all the contacts and can offer you customized recommendations can definitely change your experience in Rioja.

8 – Best season to visit Rioja and how long to stay

Late spring and early summer is the ideal time to enjoy the explosion of the vineyards brouts. Weather is good and sunny and days are long. Harvest time , in September and October, is also a wonderful time. You can experience the grapes harvesting and be amazed by the beauty of the vineyards changing colours. The best time to enjoy the vineyards colour kaleidoscope is in November, after harvest is finished.

The high season in Rioja goes from May to October . Being May, June, September and October the peakest months. So book well in advance if you plan to visit Rioja during these months.

Winter is also perfect to visit Rioja if you do not need to have warm weather.  Wine can also help you to warm up. Winter and early spring is quietest time of the year. Prices are cheaper and you will have most places for yourself as there are not so many visitors. Having a private tour at a winery just for you is much easier (and cheaper) in winter or early spring. And, believe us, a private and intimate tour at a winery is well worth it, and will give you a total different experience.

Rioja is beautiful all year round.

A good length of time to plan to be in Rioja  is 2-3 days , depending on how many wineries you’d like to visit and if you plan to see more than wineries. Rioja is a fascinating region with centuries of history.

9 – More than wineries

History and cultural heritage in Rioja is amazing . The history of our region has very deep roots into the past going back centuries and centuries. From the prehistoric time to nowadays, different tribes and cultures have passed along the history of Rioja. From celtiberian to romans who were the ones to “blame” for the vineyards that made Rioja wine region so rich today. Rioja has been a melting pot of different cultures who left a rich heritage tha we can enjoy today. From dolmens (prehistoric funeral monuments), medieval churches, fortresses and monasteries to the avant-garde design wineries we can admire today, 21st century cathedrals.

It is well worth you plan a bit of time to visit some of the stunning places and towns full of history in Rioja. You may not find some of the most authentic and beautiful towns in a travel guide, so a local recommendation can be essential.

10 – Check out local festivities

We, people from Rioja, are friendly and cheerful so any excuse is good to celebrate. There are many festivals, local festivities or “Fiestas” everywhere and all along the year in Rioja but it is during the summer when there is the biggest concentration of these festivities. Some of the festivals are big, famous and crowded but there are also some local festivities where you can enjoy a lot and socialize with locals. Also during the summer, many of the small villages of Rioja cellebrate an open day to the wineries . You can buy a wine glass and some tokens and pop into all the wineries to taste their wines. It’s great fun!

Some local festivities can be crowded and accommodation can be fully booked months in advance, so try to book soon if you travel to Rioja during these periods. Also some of the wineries can be closed during local festivities.

Are you planning a trip to Rioja? We hope this information is useful for you. If you need some assistance in planning your perfect itinerary and wine vacation in Rioja, we would love to help you. Just check out our experiences or contact us with your ideas.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you in our beautiful region!

18 Comments

Kenneth Glassberg

9 November, 2019

My wife and I are looking into visiting the Basque region in mid or late May. One option I am considering is flying into Bilbao and maybe spending 2 or 3 days there. On day 3 or 4, we would consider leaving Bilbao with your driver, with or without others in the car, to join a small all day tour of Rioja in a small group. After the all day tour we would want to be dropped off at our hotel, maybe in Haro but very much open to other suggestions. One possibility is to take the 1/2 day Haro tour/tasting/lunch the next morning in a small group and maybe go with your driver from Haro to San Sebastian. Please let us know if you can provide transportation from Haro to San Sebastian some time after the tour. Please give us an idea of the costs for such a trip and if possible break down the costs. Do your day tours include Rioja Alta? Please let me know some of the wineries we would be visiting on the day tour and the half day tour. I realize that Haro is in Rio Alta. We love wine and are looking forward to this experience. Which all day tour and half day tour would you recommend?

10 November, 2019

These queries are a bit more specific than what I emailed you yesterday. Please work from this one. My wife and I are looking into visiting the Basque region in mid or late May. One option I am considering is flying into Bilbao and maybe spending 2 or 3 days there. On day 3 or 4, we would consider leaving Bilbao with your driver, with or without others in the car, to join a small all day tour of Rioja in a small group. After the all day tour we would want to be dropped off at our hotel, maybe in Haro but very much open to other suggestions such as San Millan de la Cogolla . One possibility is to take the 1/2 day Haro or another tour/tasting/lunch the next morning in a small group and maybe go with your driver from Haro to San Sebastian. Please let us know if you can provide transportation from Haro to San Sebastian some time after the tour. Please give us an idea of the costs for each arm of trip or in other words please break down the costs. Do any of your tours include La Rioja Alta and the winery Lopez de Heredia Villa Tondonia? Please let me know some of the wineries we would be visiting on the day tour and the half-day tour. I realize that Haro. We love wine and are looking forward to this experience. Which all day tour and half-day tour would you recommend? We are open to your suggestions. Thank you.

11 November, 2019

Dear Kenneth,

Thank you very much for your interest in our wine tours in Rioja. We have sent you an e-mail with all information requested. Thank you!

23 February, 2020

We are planning on visiting Rioja for a week in early Oct (before that we will be in Madrid and Barcelona where we pick up a car to head a bit south before heading up to Rioja)….our reservation is in Haro. I’m having a hard time trying to balance visits to wineries and seeing other sites as well…..any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Di Lincoln

Dear Di Lincoln,

I recommend to take at least one of tours during your time in Rioja. This way, you will maximize your time and visit many places that you will probably not find on travel guides. Also we will give you a lot of insider tips about Rioja for the days you will be exploring Rioja on your own.

You can send us an e-mail and we will be happy to assist.

Luis Gonzalez

9 February, 2022

I will be in Spain in late March (20th or so). I know it is not the perfect time to visit La Rioja but what should I expect weather-wise? I know that May-June is the preferred time; not sure if I should schedule a trip during harvest or take advantage of this time. Thank you.

16 February, 2022

Hi Luis, Any time is good to visit Rioja. During late March, weather could be unpredictable. From sunny days to rain or even snow. But days are longer than in winter and nature is blooming. May-June is nice and weather is usually good but it is also high season and very busy everywhere in the region (hotels, wineries… ) March is quieter. So it is easier to have more intimate experiences. Harvest time is also very nice , October is really beautiful but it is also the peakest season of the year. Each time of the year has pros and cons 😉

8 July, 2022

What is late April like?

9 July, 2022

Late April is usually nice and the region is still no too crowded. May, for example is very busy.

14 January, 2023

What is early September like?

6 February, 2023

September is perfect for visiting Rioja. Weather is still nice and not so hot, light is beautiful and landscape is very nice. All the wineries are almost ready for harvesting, which usually starts Mid-September (it depends on the year). But it is also one of busiest months of the year (together with October). So booking well in advance is highly recommended

Dennis Miller

2 February, 2023

Hello. We will leave Madrid on August 16 and plan to drive to Bilboa with a stop in Rioja Alavesa. Can you advise as us to good locations for wine tours with English speaking guides? We also need a nice, quiet homey hotel for two nights (Hotel Viura is now closed) on the way between Madrid and Bilboa – quiet is key (cost is not the top concern). Thanks very much.

Hi Dennis, We have sent you an email. Thank you

Carrie Roudebush

2 April, 2023

We would like to take the train from Madrid to Lograño on April 6. We’d like to do a one day wine tour and then the following day, (April 7) see the historic areas close by. Where would you suggest we stay on the evening of April 6.

This would be for two people.

Jeff Fortino

4 April, 2023

Hi Dennis, We are planning to be in Rioja this June for 3 days, Starting on a Sunday. Will wineries be open on Sunday and Monday? Also, we are interested in getting guided tours and transportation between the small towns. Can you suggest what we need to do. Thanks, Jeff

12 May, 2023

Wineries in Rioja are open on Monday. On Sundays, many of them are closed but there are still some wineries which are open on Sunday. If you want a guided tour, you can take one our tours. You can take a look at our Rioja private tours https://winetoursrioja.com/rioja-private-tours/

June is a fantastic month to visit Rioja 🙂

You can contact us for further info. Thank you

Amber Quinn

29 July, 2023

Hola! My husband and I are currently in Bilbao for a week and last minute decided we want to check out Rioja. Can you recommend some kid friendly wineries? Perhaps ones that cater more to tasting than tours so our 10 month old doesn’t distrust a tour? My husband doesn’t drink so he will be driving! Thanks a ton 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Plan a La Rioja Wine Tour (Guided + Self-Guided Options)

Looking for the best La Rioja wine tour? You’ve come to the right place! Plus, I’ll give suggestions if you prefer to take a self-guided La Rioja wine tour.

One of the highlights of a trip to northern Spain is visiting the La Rioja wine region.

The small province of La Rioja is absolutely packed with gorgeous bodegas (wineries) that have been producing the best Spanish wines for decades – some for centuries.

Read on for the best way to enjoy the area (spoiler: I recommend a La Rioja wine tour!) and why I think everyone should visit La Rioja.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

Where is La Rioja?

The smallest province in Spain, La Rioja hugs Basque Country and Navarra, squeezed into the east of Castile y León province. Driving through La Rioja is a picturesque mix of stunning landscapes, gorgeous Spanish architecture, and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

While visitors don’t flock to the La Rioja wine region the way they do to Tuscany or Bordeaux, those in the know appreciate the grapes that grow in the region’s dry climate: Spain’s famous Tempranillo, of course, but Rioja wines also include Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Malvasia and Viura grape varietals. The region produces mostly red varietals, but has quickly gained acclaim for its whites and rosés.

Rioja has three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa.

Rioja wine has been made since the since the times of Phoenicians and the Celtiberians, and many bodegas continue using ancient wine production methods.

Wine from Rioja must adhere to strict quality controls, and only wine made with grapes from the region and produced in Rioja can be labeled as Rioja wines. The  Denominación de Origen Calificada , the quality control board, must approve all wines.

Should you visit La Rioja alone or on a guided tour?

Visiting La Rioja is a great day trip from San Sebastián (the foodie capital of Spain) or the port city of Bilbao .

Now, while you can visit the La Rioja wine region by yourself (if you have a designated driver, of course!), I think it’s far more fun to relax and have the whole trip planned for you.

That way, there’s no need to research the best La Rioja wineries (especially difficult when there are more than 500 bodegas in Rioja!), or see which ones offer tours or reserve a spot on a tour in advance. Someone else does all of that for you. Plus, a guide will point out things to see and share interesting facts about Rioja wine and the area.

That’s why we chose to book a La Rioja wine tour when we visited.

But if you want to do a self-guided La Rioja wine tour , then read on, because I suggest several wineries throughout this article. Simply plug them into your GPS and make a road trip of it.

What to expect on a La Rioja wine tour

Following on from the great  pintxos  tour  we did with Mimo Food (formerly San Sebastian Food), we decided to also take their La Rioja wine tour.

The full-day winery tour included visits to three Rioja wineries that were vastly different, an incredible five-course gourmet lunch and a stroll through a gorgeous village. And a LOT of the best Spanish wines, of course.

There were only a handful of people on the tour so it felt very intimate and we had plenty of chances to ask questions of our guide.

While they no longer offer this tour, I will share our experience of this La Rioja wine tour because we visited some fantastic wineries. You can use this information to create your own self-guided wine tour of La Rioja.

Or, book a wine tour with one of these well-regarded companies:

• This 9-hour wine tour includes visits to three local wineries as well as a lovely picnic (with wine!) at a fourth winery. You’ll visit the picturesque medieval village of Laguardia. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. Book the tour online here .
• Prefer a private wine tour? This full-day tour offers a more personalised experience, with tastings at two wineries and a 5-course gourmet lunch. Check availability online .
• This full-day wine tour includes visits to some of the oldest underground wine caves in the area, and lunch at a Basque restaurant. It’s another private tour, and the cost varies depending on your group size. Check pricing here .

Bodegas Muga

We started our tour at Bodegas Muga in Haro. This traditional winery is over two hundred years old.

The winery is also one of the few that still makes its own oak barrels, a dying tradition. Each different oak used to make the barrels – French, Spanish and American – impacts the flavour, along with the flavours imparted as the cooper fires the inside of the barrels. Bodegas Muga is one of the best bodegas in Rioja – you’ll see it on must-visit lists everywhere.

This first stop was where we discovered that wine tasting in Spain is unlike anywhere else I’ve experienced (except perhaps in Argentina ). The tasting pours were enormous.

At Muga (and the other wineries we visited later in the day) our tasting glasses were filled up halfway rather than with just a tiny slug. I guess you’re supposed to sip and spit, but I hate to waste a good thing!

Bodegas Baigorri

Next, we moved on to a more modern winery that used different techniques.

Bodegas Baigorri is the product of a wealthy local businessman, a winery that received some criticism when it was being built. The winery is seven floors – but six of these are below ground, built into a mountain.

The top floor is the only part visible, a large glass box which some people say blends well into the surrounding countryside, while others think it looks out of place.

Whatever your view, it certainly is a unique structure.

Baigorri uses gravity in its production system, so there are no pumps.

Descending into the depths of the James Bond-style building, we came across silver metal tanks holding thousands of litres of wine, stark concrete flooring and a clever gantry.

It was here that we had lunch, on the lowest level of the winery. The view from here was stunning – we weren’t completely underground as the side that we were sat on peeked out of the mountain and in front of us stretched sun-drenched vineyards bordered by mountains.

Lunch was a five-course gourmet meal that included almond gazpacho and Iberico pork jowl slowly cooked in red wine, finished off with panna cotta with blueberry jelly. And eight different varieties of wine!

Bodegas Carlos San Pedro

Fully satisfied, we nodded off in the car as we drove to the final winery, located in the gorgeous medieval town of Laguardia.

Narrow, winding streets belied the fact that built under these houses are hundreds of caves. Only a few are now in use, including at Bodegas Carlos San Pedro, a 600-year-old cellar.

We made our way eight metres underground into a cool cellar and sampled wine straight from the barrel.

As we drove back into San Sebastián, the persistent rain we’d experienced during the entirety of our visit once again broke through.

So, happily tipsy after a day sipping plenty of red wine, we made our way directly to the nearest  pintxos  bar to continue the indulgence.

Best La Rioja bodegas

So you can plan your own trip, here are the details of the wineries we visited on our La Rioja wine tour:

Address: Avda. Vizcaya, 2. Barrio de la Estación, 26200 Haro Website

Address: Carretera Vitoria-Logroño, km 53, 01307 Samaniego, Álava Website

Address: C/ Paganos nº44 01300 Laguardia Website

More recommended La Rioja wineries

Here are some other recommended wineries in La Rioja to add to your self-guided wine tour of La Rioja region.

Bodegas Marques de Riscal

We drove past this famous La Rioja bodega and hotel on our day trip to La Rioja. Designed by Frank Gehry (who also designed the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum), this futuristic building is like ribbons of titanium piled on the side of the highway. You can tour the facilities and dine at the award-winning restaurant onsite.

Address: Torrea, 1, 01340 Elciego, Álava Website

Bodegas Ysios

Located in yet another incredible building, Ysios winery has a variety of tastings including tutored tastings and tastings paired with walks around the vineyard.

Address: Camino de La Hoya s/n 01300 Laguardia, Álava Website

López de Heredia

With more than 140 years of wine-making history, López de Heredia is the oldest bodega in Haro and one of the first bodegas in the entire Rioja region. Tours last two hours and can be provided in a number of languages. You must reserve a tour in advance.

Address: Avda. de Vizcaya, 3. 26200 Haro Website

Dinastia Vivanco

Bodega, restaurant and wine museum all in one, Dinastia Vivanco is a great one-stop shop for wine lovers. This family-run bodega is a must on a visit to the La Rioja wine region.

Address: Carretera Nacional 232, 26330 Website

Founded in the 1960s, the family that runs this bodega has links to wine back to the 16 th century. The winery is attached to an 18 th century mansion which was, until 2009, the family’s home. You’ll need to book ahead for a tour, but you can enjoy a tasting in the wine bar without a reservation.

Address: Carretera de Vitoria, 1, 01307 Samaniego Website

Tips for a self-guided wine tour of La Rioja

If you don’t want to do a wine tour and prefer to explore the area yourself at your own pace, then here are a few tips to keep in mind.

You can hire a car in Bilbao, San Sebastián or Logroño , the capital of La Rioja. Public transport isn’t widely available in the area – at least, not that you can coordinate to put together a wine tour.

Have a designated driver ! Be safe!

If you don’t want to drive, then consider booking a driver to take you around.

Plan out your wineries in advance and plot them out on Google Maps so that you can determine the best route.

For many Rioja wineries, you’ll need to reserve a wine tasting in advance , usually a few days ahead. Check websites for booking information.

Plan to visit 2-3 wineries in a day, no more – you’ll struggle to fit anymore into a day.

Wineries charge a fee for tastings, usually between €10 and €25.

Don’t forget to eat during the day! The wine pours are pretty big in La Rioja. Bring snacks with you and stop for a delicious lunch in one of the small villages you’ll pass through. Many Rioja wineries also serve lunch or have snacks and pintxos for sale.

If you’re really into Rioja wine, consider staying in the area for two or three days. While we stayed in San Sebastián and did a day trip from there, an alternative is to base yourself in La Rioja. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in the Rioja wine region:

• Hotel Marques de Riscal – this amazing winery is also a hotel. Each of the 43 rooms has gorgeous views of the vineyards. There’s an onsite wine therapy spa and award-winning restaurant. Check the latest rates online and book your stay now .
• Hotel Finca de los Arandinos – with only 14 rooms, this minimalist hotel just outside of Logroño is a beautiful choice. Compare prices and book online now .
• Sercotel Calle Mayor  – located right in Logroño is this 4-star hotel. Rooms are modern and minimalist, and there’s a rooftop terrace. Check rates online now .

When to visit La Rioja

There’s no bad time to visit La Rioja, but the best time to visit is in late spring and early summer when the vines are full and green. Book well in advance if you plan to visit between May and October.

The harvest takes place in September and October. In autumn, the leaves turn to gold so it’s a great time to see the leaves changing colour.

If you want to plan a trip around a fun time, then look into booking a visit during the Batalla del Vino , literally “battle of wine”. I only just learned about this festival and would love to experience it!

Every June, hundreds of litres of red wine are used to soak attendees. The festival’s history stretches back hundreds of years to wine baptisms! You need to wear all white and tie a red handkerchief around your neck – obviously wear clothes you don’t mind getting ruined!

Final thoughts: La Rioja wine tour

Whichever way you choose to visit – on a La Rioja wine tour or on your own self-guided trip – the La Rioja wine region is a must-visit. Not only are the wineries world-class, but the scenery is just stunning and the old villages are fascinating.

While we only had a day to experience the region, spending a few days exploring the different areas of La Rioja would be an incredible way to taste your way through this important wine area.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Would you take a La Rioja wine tour or prefer to do it yourself? I’d love to hear about your favourite bodegas in La Rioja, leave them in the comments below!

Related posts:

Before you go… you might like these Spain travel guides:

• 9 of the Best Things To Do in San Sebastián, Spain
• Best San Sebastián Pintxos Tour: Eat Your Way Through Basque Country
• What To Do in Bilbao, Spain: 8 Fun Things for Your Itinerary
• Southern Spain Itinerary: The Best of Andalucía in 7 Days
• Where to Find the Best Tapas in Seville: 7 Must-Visit Tapas Bars

SPAIN TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book flights to and around Spain online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in Spain. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• For train travel, Omio should be your starting point for checking routes and booking tickets.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Spain on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Spain will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

Save this guide to planning a La Rioja wine tour to Pinterest for later.

This post was written in July 2013, and updated in August 2019 and March 2024.

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT WORK WITH ME CONTACT PUBLISHED WORK

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES

© 2024 REBECCA AND THE WORLD

Privacy Policy

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE WURUNDJERI AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLE OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LANDS AND WATERWAYS OF THE AREA I LIVE ON. I PAY MY RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT AND CELEBRATE THE STORIES, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Home > Tours of La Rioja Region

Tours of La Rioja in Spain

Expert guides, luxury vehicles, discover la rioja your way.

Discover the best of Spanish wine, cathedrals, monasteries, and more with your private tour of La Rioja with Guided Spain Tours.

Located just outside the Catalan region in the Ebro Valley, and approximately one hour drive from Bilbao, La Rioja is renowned worldwide for the quality of its wines, Indeed, with no fewer than 500 wineries in the region, you will be spoilt for choice as our specialist tour planners work with you to design a bespoke tour of Spain’s premier wine destination.

Moreover, our tours can be designed to deliver the full scope and variety of treasures in La Rioja beyond the classic wine experiences. Here there is a bounty of beautiful cities and towns such as Logroño, Haro, Rueda, and others featuring amazing historic cathedrals and monasteries, and stunning natural landscapes. Finally, La Rioja has great food! How better to enjoy a glass of Vino than pairing it with typically Spanish fare such as chorizo, paella, and tortilla española?

Rioja Wine Experience

Quite simply, Rioja means wine. We mean this quite literally, while La Rioja is the name of the entire region, Rioja is used to refer strictly to the wine-producing district suitable for the quality of grapes required for the fine red wines La Rioja has become so famous for.

Talk to our team about arranging an exclusive tour with a local estate of grape growers and winemakers to appreciate the nuances, customs, and traditions that give wine from the region its distinctive palette of flavors.

On your Rioja wine experience you will:

• Explore the vineyards wine the producer to understand how the different soil types and nurturing methods affect the grape
• Guided tour of the winery and cellars
• Tasting sessions included along with foods to pair with each

Marqués de Riscal Hotel

With its daring colors and sweeping avant-garde design making it the iconic building in the region, the Marques de Riscal Hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, the architect responsible for the Guggenheim museum is the premier destination for your stay in La Rioja.

Alongside enjoying the luxurious hotel and spa facilities you can also visit the Marqués de Riscal winery for a fuller appreciation of the history of Rioja wines.

Other Locations to Visit in La Rioja

La Rioja is such a joy to visit as there are so many underappreciated sites and attractions outside of the Rioja wine estates. 

Join your private guide as together you explore:

Cathedral of Santo Domingos de la Calzada

One of the most famous churches in La Rioja is the Cathedral of Santo Domenico de la Calzada. This large and ornate cathedral was built between 1550 and 1610 and contains a terrific variety of paintings and sculptures depicting Biblical scenes to visit with your guide.

Santa Maria la Real Monastery

In the town of San Millan de la Cogolla your guide will deliver you to the Santa Maria la Real Monastery, founded in 1052 it is known for being one of the oldest religious buildings in Spain and is an important pilgrimage stop on the Camino de Santiago or Path of St James Way.

Calle Laurel In Logrono

Enjoy the Tapas, Pinchos, and Sangrias on offer in Logronos’ most famous street, packed with independent bars and restaurants for you to get a true and authentic taste of Spain.

Meet Your Personal Tour Planner!

Say Ola to Emily, your personal tour planner at Guided Spain Tours. Get in touch by filling in the form below and requesting your complimentary itinerary!

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

US: +1 (240) 332-1519

Contact Us About Your La Rioja Tour

As leading experts in providing custom tour solutions for La Rioja and the surrounding areas in Spain with over 15 years of experience, there is no one better to discuss planning your private tour with.

When designing your bespoke tour itinerary we will consult with you and provide our specialists insight into which wine estates and wineries would make for the best experience for your tastes, along with a curated list of highlights from the region for you to explore with your guide. Get your complimentary itinerary now by completing our online inquiry form.

Other Day Tours in Spain

Balearic Islands Guided Tour

Private Tour of Madrid

Jewish Guided Spain

Barcelona Full-Day Private Tour

Best of Granada

Guided Tour of Seville

Example multi-day spain tour itineraries.

10 Day Southern Spain

10 Day Barcelona & South Spain Tour

One Week in Spain

16 Day Spain & Portugal

10 Days Jewish Heritage

14 Days North Iberia

4 Weeks Itinerary of Spain

16 Day Spain Vacation

Guided Camino De Santiago Tour

15 Day Iberia Itinerary

White Villages of Southern Spain

21 Day Spain Itinerary

5 Days in Andalucia

Foodie Tour Itinerary In Spain & Portugal

7 Day Catalonia Tour

France & Spain 14-Day Tour Itinerary

10 Day Spain & Portugal

Madrid & Andalucia In One Week 

Spain, Portugal & Morocco: 13-Day Tour

14 Day Spain & Portugal

7 Day Family Vacation

2 Weeks in Spain

21 Day Spain & Portugal

7 Day Bullrun Tour

10 Day Camino a Santiponce

Best of Spain in 10 Days

11 Days Hiking in Spain

3 Day Mallorca Tour

9 Day Family Tour

Food & Wine Tour

7 Day Basque Country

Costa Brava, Barcelona & Garrotxa Tour

Search for more guided spain tours.

Popular Searches:  Barcelona Tours ,  Madrid Tours ,  Custom Tours of Spain ,  Family Tours

Spain Tours

Tour itineraries, other destinations.

Partnered with DABA Tourism Marketing

Guided Spain Tours is managed and operated by Guided Spain Tours SLU B56482201

Ask Our Experts For Your Custom Tour Itinerary

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

• Destinations
• Travel Guides
• For The Home
• Privacy Policy

Drinks , Spain

The best rioja wineries and bodegas to tour in spain.

It took us about two years of living in Spain before we finally made our way north, to one of the most famous wine regions in the world. We spent almost a week exploring the Rioja wineries while traveling with a group of certified wine experts. All in the name of research for our guide on how to tour the best bodegas in Rioja Spain.

Wine Tasting in the Rioja Wineries

In this Spain wine blog post, I want to help wine travelers to Spain understand a little more about this famous wine region. I provide an overview of how to go about touring the wineries and recommend the wineries we visited.

All of the wineries we toured offer tours and tastings and many also can arrange some premium wine tour experiences.

I also explain what Rioja wine is and how to read wine labels. This will help you buy Rioja wine at home too.

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In This Spain Wine Blog, You Will Learn

• What is Rioja wine and why is it considered some of the best Spanish wine? We explore the history and terroir of the wine region.
• How to find a bodega in Rioja to learn more about Spanish wines. We share our favorite bodegas and explain how to visit them
• How to determine which Rioja wine tours are best for you. We recommend a few ways to explore Rioja even if you don’t have your own car

The Most Famous Of Spanish Wine Regions

We lived in one of the least-known wine regions of Spain, Emporda. This is in Northeastern Spain outside the city of Girona in Catalonia .

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the wine country where the most famous Spanish wines originate.

When looking at a Spain wine region map, Rioja certainly isn’t the largest wine region on the map. It is certainly one of the most common wines to find at a Spanish wine tasting anywhere in the world. 

Most Popular Wine Tourism Regions

Although there are many regions where travelers can find great wine tours in Spain, Rioja is the region that most wine travelers focus on. That’s why I created this comprehensive guide to wine tourism in Spain with a focus on the Rioja region.

In addition to the quality of these famous wines, Rioja is also a beautiful region of Spain. It’s everything you expect from a Spanish wine country. Rolling hills, small villages, and miles upon miles of vineyards. It is exactly what many people imagine a Spain wine country to be.

The Ebro River flows through the region as well, separating it into the seven valleys of Rioja. Although we focused on wine tastings, there is a lot of nature to explore in the area as well.

How To Book Hotels In Spain

Since leaving the US over a decade ago, we’ve traveled to Spain numerous times. We’ve even lived in Spain for over three years. During these trips to Spain, we learned a few things about booking hotels in Spain.

We’ve stayed at stunning luxury hotels like the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville and the W Barcelona . And sadly we have stayed in our fair share of not-so-great hotels in Spain.

When planning our trips to Spain, we use Booking.com for hotels in Spain. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them to book apartments in Spain for longer stays.

When we’ve wanted something special, we’ve used Booking to find stunning villas in Spain . We’ve even found some charming and less expensive guest houses in Spain on Booking.com.

Recommended Rioja Bodegas For Tours And Tastings

The region includes over 600 bodegas Riojas– it’s obvious we didn’t visit all of them. About 200 of the bodegas are open for wine tasting, tours, or wine tourism experiences. The region hosts about 850,000 wine tourists a year making it one of the most popular wine destinations in Spain. 

We managed to visit a good number of Rioja bodegas in one week. We visited family-owned boutique wineries and some of the most historic and well-respected wineries in Spain.

And, we visited wineries in each of the three regions within Rioja: Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental, and Rioja Alavesa.

Each of the wineries we visited offers wine tours and tastings when reserved in advance through their website. At a few, you might be able to just stop by unannounced, but this is less common.

We experienced a variety of Spanish wine tourism experiences while there, in part because the Rioja wine consortium arranged our trip. 

We did some pretty cool things and met some amazing winemakers. Although it might not be possible to replicate everything we did in Rioja, each of these recommended wineries offers their own unique experiences so it is best to contact them and see what they can arrange.

Rioja Wine Tours Pro Tip

Most tastings in Rioja cost about €15-20 per person, but there are premium experiences that will cost more. Almost all wineries require advanced booking.

Bodegas In Rioja Alta

Finca allende – briones, rioja alta.

History Of Briones

Briones is an adorable village in La Rioja that is home to less than 1000 people, but there is a strong wine tradition. The Celts founded the village in the 2d Century BC.

It was one of the largest producing wine villages in the area prior to phylloxera, an insect plague that destroyed wine production in the area in the late 1800s. Briones is only a 30-minute drive from Logroño, where we stayed during our visit.

There remain a few bodegas in the village including Finca Allende Rioja. Miguel Ángel de Gregorio started producing wine in Briones in the 1980s in a 17th Century mansion.

Finca Allende owns several vineyards in the surrounding area, some of which they planted decades ago. They continue to use some pretty traditional methods to cultivate grapes, including using donkeys to till the soil.

Visiting Finca Allende

Many Rioja wineries label their wines based on the name of the vineyards where the grapes are grown. For Finca Allende, their vineyards include Calvario, Mártires, and Aurus.

Miguel took us to two of his vineyards and he is quite the character, passionate about wine and food and the history of the region. You can arrange a tour and tasting at Finca Allende by booking ahead of time via email.

Bodegas Muga – Haro, Rioja Alta

Bodegas Muga Rioja is one of the most well-known Rioja wineries and one of the best wineries in the World. So it’s no surprise, that it’s also one of our favorite Rioja wineries to visit.

They are located in Haro , one of the main wine production cities in Rioja. There are a handful of wineries in Haro that are located in the historical Barrio de La Estación or railway station district. 

Most of the Muga facilities are over two centuries old and simply stunning. But, they have a contemporary wine shop and wine bar for tastings as well. It’s a perfect mix of history and modernity.

Muga is one of the top Rioja producers both in terms of quality and quantity. The winery offers a variety of wine tourism options in addition to wine tasting and tours.

They arrange hot air balloon rides over the vineyards or segway tours among the vines. During our visit, we enjoyed a Muga rosé with the most incredible chorizo we’ve eaten.

All of these wine tastings can be booked on the Muga website . One of the most unique experiences is seeing their own in-house cooperage, where Muga produces many of their own barrels by hand.

In general, learning about the importance of barrels to the character of Rioja wine is key to any visit to Rioja. Most wineries have thousands of barrels stored in their cellars but Muga is the only one that makes its own barrels on-site.

Bodegas Bilbainas and Vina Pomal – Haro, Rioja Alta

Bodegas Bilbainas is also located in the railway station district of Haro but is unique in one main way. Not only is it a centuries-old winery, but it has one of the largest underground cellars in Rioja. The cellars cover a distance of over 3400 square meters. 

In 1901 a group of Bilbao businessmen established the Bodegas Bilbainas. Around the same time, the co-founder of the company started another wine label under the name Viña Pomal. They eventually merged to create one of the great wine houses of Rioja. 

Visits can be made to the bodega by emailing the winery directly. Tours include a walk through these famed cellars as well as a wine tasting in their contemporary tasting room.

There’s also a chance to visit their vineyards, some of which have stunning hilltop views over Haro and Rioja Alta.

Hacienda El Ternero – Castillo y Leon, Rioja Alta

The original hacienda dates to 1077, but recently Hacienda El Ternero became one of the most unique wineries in Rioja mostly due to its location.

Technically Hacienda El Ternero is located in Rioja Alta, but geographically they are the only DOCa Rioja winery that is located in the geographic zone of Castillo y Leon, not in La Rioja, Navarra, or the Basque Country. 

Originally it was part of a monastery. Some of the buildings used for the winery today date to the 17th and 18th Centuries. At one point the land included a hospice for pilgrims traveling on the Camino de Santiago.

Our first tasting occurred in a small chapel, which is a first for us, along with some local meats and cheeses. They are also passionate about wine tourism, with all sorts of unique ways to explore the vineyards.

We toured the vines on a segway (neither of us fell off!) and ended our segway tour with a lovely wine tasting under the trees with 360-degree views of the vineyards and mountains around us.

We’ve been to a lot of vineyards around Spain and I have to say, this is as beautiful a vineyard in Spain as you’ll ever find. You can book tours and activities directly on their website .

Bodegas in Rioja Alavesa

Baigorri – samaniego, rioja alavesa.

Bodegas BAIGORRI is located in the Rioja Alavesa, the Basque region of Rioja. The winery is built on the concept of gravity winemaking.

As you move from the upper levels to the lower levels of the winery, gravity takes over so there is less need to use pumps to move wine or use excess machinery to move the grapes. 

This is becoming a trend in contemporary wineries and BAIGORRI is the definition of contemporary. The building is a glass box where the vineyards and Cantabria mountains can be seen in every direction.

Most of the action occurs underneath the main level, where they excavated ground to build. The interior is also industrial and contemporary and could be the scene of a Bond film.

BAIGORRI Restaurant

When it comes to tourism, Bodegas BAIGORRI also sets a new standard. They offer tours and wine tasting but also operate a restaurant with views over the vineyards.

The restaurant provides a tasting menu of traditional Riojan dishes, paired with BAIGORRI wines. The tasting menu is €50 per person including wine and a guided tour of the winery. It can easily be reserved on the winery’s website .

Valserrano – Bodega de la Marquesa, Araba Rioja Alavesa

Located just down the road from BAIGORRI is another Rioja Alavesa winery but one that is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum.

Bodega de la Marquesa is first and foremost the only Bodega named after a woman (Marquesa) rather than a man (Marques, which is common in Rioja). 

The buildings that form the winery include century-old underground cellars, some of which are over 10 meters deep. They house over 2500 barrels at one time for aging.

Of course, the winery, which includes the Valserrano label, is producing wine in modern facilities. The history, though, is undeniable.

Valserrano is a family-run operation with a quaint and historic feeling tasting room open for visits. The fifth generation is already taking on responsibility for production, including increasing wine tourism.

Tours must be booked in advance. They offer simple wine tastings, tours of the bodega, and a premium tasting with a sensory element to teach travelers how to taste wine.

Bodegas in Rioja Oriental (Rioja Baja)

Bodegas manzanos – azagra, rioja oriental.

Another unique visit greeted us when we ventured into Rioja Oriental, previously known as Rioja Baja. Bodegas Manzanos is a family-operated winery with bodegas in Azagra as well as in Haro in Rioja Alta.

They offer probably the widest variety of wine tourism options including private dining, wine tastings and tours, and a Hummer tour of the vineyards. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they have two military-style Hummers for a little 4-wheel drive-style tour through the vineyards. Then, we stopped for a tasting in the middle of the vineyards. Totally bling.

It’s a young operation, where two brothers took over from their father when he passed suddenly at a young age. Most of their staff is also under 30 (as they are).

This is why despite having a long history of winemaking in the family, they are at the forefront of tourism in the Rioja Oriental region.

They also are embarking on a massive project in Haro that is set to change the city forever, with a winery, luxury hotel, boutique apartments, and more. Learn more here .

Bodega Ontañón – Quel, Rioja Oriental

Our last visit during our tour of Rioja bodegas led us to Bodega Ontañón, which is also located in Rioja Oriental. They are located high in the Sierra Yerga Mountains.

During our exploration of Ontañón, we drank rose in the vineyards near some of the land’s chozos. Chozos are bee-hive-shaped stone storage buildings that dot the landscape of Rioja. Winemakers use the chozos to store tools or to offer a place of rest for vineyard workers.

We also enjoyed a wine tasting on a hilltop overlooking the mountains and a wine tasting at their brand-new winery, which was just opened. We met Raquel, the daughter of the current winemaker, who is the fifth generation of the family to produce wine in this area.

It was interesting to see how they are linking their family traditions with their focus on contemporary winemaking techniques.

Something unique in Quel is that many of the local winemaking families still own their original “wineries,” which are almost like caves dug out of the rock facades in the cliffs along the river. Originally, they produced and stored wine in the caves. 

Now, they serve as gathering places for family and friends, often with little BBQ grills outside. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend in the summer.

And Ontañón arranges wine tastings at their little cave winery. They also have a bodega and a small wine museum in Logroño for visits in the city. Learn more here .

Vivanco Wine Museum

If looking for a different way to learn about Rioja and wine history in general, then the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture is a must-visit.

Developed as a passion project by the Vivanco family, one of the most well-respected wine families in Rioja, the museum includes over 4,000 square meters of space dedicated to the wine industry. 

From traditional means of production to the development of modern techniques, it has it all, including one of the largest selections of wine bottle openers in the world.

What is most interesting, though, is the family’s dedication to preserving art related to wine. On display are paintings from some of the top painters of the 20th Century. Combine a visit to the winery with a wine tasting of Vivanco wines and a tour of the contemporary wine production facilities.

They are located in the village of Briones, about a 30-minute drive from Logroño. We spent about 90 minutes in the wine museum, but I could have spent two or three hours there. Learn more here .

Where To Stay To Visit The Rioja Wineries

There are a lot of options on Rioja hotels depending on whether you want to base yourself in one of the cities or towns, or in a more rural area, or wine hotel.

Haro is often considered the capital of Rioja (as opposed to La Rioja). It is smaller than Logroño (where we stayed) but is surrounded by some of the most historic Rioja wineries.

It has a good variety of accommodations and restaurants. One of the best things about staying in Haro is that you can walk to several of the Rioja wineries.

Get the Best Prices for Hotels in Haro here

Some of the other towns include Laguardia, which is in the Basque Country, and Labastida, Villabuena, Lapuebla, and more. These are definitely more off-the-beaten-track.

If looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of the wine region, definitely check out Marques de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel that is part of a complex designed by Frank Gehry. It is centrally located at the border of the Basque Country and La Rioja. Check rates here .

Where To Stay In Logroño

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja and is located in the center of the region. This is where we based ourselves during our visit to Rioja. It’s a great place to base yourself because there are loads of great pintxos bars for dinner at night. 

We stayed at Hotel Marques de Vallejo , a contemporary hotel with prices starting at €140 a night. It was centrally located, blocks from all of the pintxos bars. We also heard very good things about Hotel Calle Mayor , which is a little cheaper but also centrally located.

How To Get To Rioja And How To Travel The Region

The closest airport to Rioja is Bilbao, although the region is also accessible from Madrid. To make the most of a tour of Rioja it’s best to rent a car, either at one of the airports or in a nearby city, to explore the region.

You can reach Rioja in a little more than an hour from Bilbao, or a little over two hours from Madrid.

You can also reach many of the towns of Rioja, including Haro and Logroño by bus or train. But, this makes it a little more difficult to explore the Rioja bodegas on your own.

Trains from Madrid to Logroño, for example, take between 3.5-4.5 hours. Bodegas Espanolas is located within Logroño. You can book a wine tasting and tour ahead of time, but it’s a great option within the city.

Renting A Car

Much like most wine regions, it is a challenge at best to explore the wineries via public transportation. Renting a car makes the wineries very accessible, but of course, that means you need to drive yourself.

You can book a chauffeured car for a day and be able to do all the Rioja wine tastings you want. This is a great option if you have four or five people in your group.

If you do not want to rent a car or a driver, the best way to explore Rioja is to book either a half-day or a full-day tour from a nearby city or to book a multi-day tour, which often also arranges for your accommodations. Here are some options.

Packing For La Rioja

The Rioja region nearly has all four seasons so doing your homework before packing for Rioja is important. Like the rest of Spain, summers in Rioja see temperatures into the upper 80s Fahrenheit and even low 90s. Winters are “cold” with temperatures averaging in the upper 30s Fahrenheit. It’s recommended to have a raincoat or umbrella especially if you are doing wineries visits which include tours of the vineyard. For all our Spain packing tips, visit our Spain Packing List .

How To Visit The Rioja Wineries

From San Sebastian

The first option is to book an all-day Rioja wine-tasting tour from San Sebastian . This small-group tour includes winery visits and a three-course lunch. Check the current price here .

From Bilbao

If staying in Bilbao, a day tour is also an option. This small-group tour is similar but visits some of the wineries closer to Bilbao. This tour doesn’t include a full lunch, but a pintxos (Basque-style tapas) tasting. Check the current price here .

From Pamplona, Haro, or Logrono

This tour is pretty flexible and will offer transport from Pamplona, Haro, or Logroño. The tour includes a visit to two of the most famous wineries in the region. Check the current price here .

We spent five nights in Old Town Logroño and visited several wineries along the way. We were on a small group tour with other wine writers, so it was a pretty tailored experience and hard to replicate.

This tour comes closest. It is a four-day tour that includes pinchos in Logrono, multiple winery visits, and more. Check the current price here .

What Is The Rioja Wine Region In Spain

The Rioja wine region includes over 50,000 hectares of vineyards. The wine region spans three different political or geographic regions of Spain: La Rioja, the Basque Country, and Navarre ( Pamplona ). Most of the wine region falls within La Rioja. 

Rather than the borders of the wine region being based on the city or county lines, the borders are more determined by natural features. This includes the Ebro River and the foothills of the Sierra de la Demanda and the Sierra de Cantabria mountain ranges.

Rioja is a certified wine region under EU and Spanish law. It was the first Spanish region to receive the DO status. It later received the DOCa or Denominación de Origen Calificada. This is the highest-level wine classification in Spain. Only two Spanish wine regions hold this classification, Rioja and Priorat, which is closer to Barcelona.

The Three Rioja Wine Regions

The Rioja map is separated into three primary wine regions, Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja), and Rioja Alavesa.

Most of the more famous bodegas are located in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. These Rioja vineyards are located in the regions that are most easily visited by some of the more popular cities in Northern Spain, like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Rioja Alta is where many of the oldest bodegas are located, in and around the town of Haro. It is the westernmost region and sits at higher altitudes, i.e. Rioja Alta or high. Because most of the area falls within La Rioja, it is sometimes referred to as La Rioja Alta. 

Haro is a small town but loaded with wineries. Some of them are so close to each other that the wineries almost look to be one. Several of them cluster around the historic railway station that was the main transport hub for years.

Rioja Oriental or Rioja Baja

Rioja Oriental is the easternmost section of Rioja, which is dryer and warmer than the other two regions. Many wine lovers still know the region as Rioja Baja, its name for generations. In Spanish, Rioja Oriental essentially means that it is the Rioja of the east.

Rioja Alavesa

Geographically, Rioja Alavesa is part of the Basque Country, so it is common to find wines from here in Bilbao and San Sebastian . It’s also pretty common to find Rioja wine tours that visit some of the wineries in this area on day trips from Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Rioja Grape Varieties

There are a few primary Spanish red wine varieties produced in Rioja. They grow both local, and Spanish grapes as well as more well-known international varieties. These grapes produce mostly red wine, although it is also possible to find white wines, rose, and even sparkling wine in Rioja.

Rioja Red Wine – Tempranillo Rioja And More

About 90% of the wine produced each year in Rioja is red. The most common grape associated with Spanish wine is Tempranillo. This is the primary grape grown in Rioja.

Other grapes grown in Rioja include Garnacha, Carignan, and Maturana. Before this trip, we were most familiar with Garnacha. It is one of the primary grapes grown in Emporda.

Rioja White Wine and Rioja Rose Wine

Most people associate Rioja wines with the most typical red wines produced in the region. But, there are also white Rioja wines that should be tracked down.

Some of the more popular white grapes grown in Rioja include Viura (which is also known as Macabeo), Garnacha Blanca, Malvasia, and Maturana Blanca. It’s also common to find Chardonnay in Rioja.

Although the most traditional Rioja wines tend to be red or white wines, there is no avoiding rosé wines when tasting wine in any European wine region. A small percentage of the wine produced each year in Rioja is rosé, which they refer to as rosado. 

Because we visited in the Spring, we drank a lot of rosé. I had no complaints. Often it was the first wine to taste at a winery, almost like an introductory wine, before we got to the serious tasting.

What Are The Different Rioja Wine Classifications

In order to understand Rioja wines, it is important not only to understand what grapes are used but also to understand the aging categories and how to read labels. I did a lot of research before we arrived in Rioja. Part of this was because we were traveling with professional wine tasters and sommeliers from the US. 

In large part, this was also because I wanted to know how to buy Rioja wine at my local wine shop. Sometimes buying European wines can be intimidating because the labels are so unfamiliar.

The Rioja wine taste comes from a variety of factors. Whereas many Spanish wines produced in other regions tend to focus on younger wines, Rioja is most known for its barrel-aged wines. This is what makes the Rioja taste distinctive among Spanish wines.

Crianza And Reserva – What Does This All Mean?

There is a traditional classification system for aging wines. It is focused on the terms Crianza and Reserva. Rioja wine labels often say whether the wine is Joven, Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva. The easiest is Joven, which means young. These wines spend little or no time in the barrel and are intended to be drunk young.

Winemakers age Rioja Crianza wine at least one year in oak and one year in bottle. Crianza can be both red and white wine, but the white wine only needs to be in the barrel for six months. For both Crianza wines, wineries release the bottles to the market in the third year. 

Winemakers age Rioja Reserva wine for at least one year in oak, but they are not released to the market until the fourth year after harvest. This means the wine spends a combination of three years in oak and bottle.

Then, there is Rioja Gran Reserva, which includes a total of five years of aging, with at least two of those years in oak barrels. For white Rioja Gran Reserva, there must be a minimum of one year in barrel. 

This strict classification system is why many people think that Rioja is the best Spanish red wine. Basically, this classification system helps wine drinkers to understand whether they are purchasing a young, easy-to-drink Rioja (Joven or Crianza) or a complex Spanish red wine (Reserva or Gran Reserva).

Recent Changes To The Labeling

Recently, the consortium that regulates Rioja wine production started to adjust the wine labels to provide more information to consumers. In the future, wine labels will start to say more about the vineyards and production.

For most wine drinkers, though. understanding the difference between Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva is a great start.

The Best Rioja Wines

Rioja wine prices vary drastically. Within a grocery store in Spain, including the ones where we lived, there are bottles of Rioja on the shelves for as little as €2. Considering the price of wine in the US, I still find this unbelievable. 

Of course, a €2 bottle probably tastes better than what is known in the US as Two Buck Chuck. That said, we generally tend to splurge a little more when purchasing wine for our home. A €2 bottle is hardly the best Rioja wine on the market, by a long shot.

Similar to other European wine regions, there are certain Rioja vintages or wineries that are more well-known. These are the wines that can cost a lot more. We found many wines in the €7-15 range that we tasted while in Rioja were really good and a great value. Of course, we also tried some wines that were a lot more.

When looking at vintages, though, most of the winemakers we spoke with said that 2016 was a great year – the best in the last five years. If looking for an investment, most people we spoke with said that 2001 was the best Rioja vintage in a century. Very interesting!

*The  Rioja Wine Consortium  and  RWest PR  hosted us to help educate us about the Rioja wine experiences and to share what we learned with our readers, but all views are our own. I was thrilled to finally get a chance to learn about this famous Spanish wine region.

FAQs – Best Rioja Wineries And Bodegas To Tour In Spain

There are several options for accommodations in Rioja including wineries, self-catering, and hotels. Many visitors to Rioja base themselves out of the town Logrono. It’s centrally located and allows for shorter driving times.

La Rioja can be reached by car, train, or bus. It’s approximately a 4-hour drive from the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Spanish is the dominant language spoken in Rioja. While it is near the Basque Country and has Basque influences, Spanish is the main language. Many of the wineries and restaurants have staff who speak English.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Rioja Wine Region

Explore the best wineries in rioja.

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Displaying 1-3 of 61 wineries

Bodegas Jer

Bodegas JER: honoring tradition, crafting excellence - a legacy winery in La Rioja's heartland with high altitude vineyards and organic practices

Eguren Ugarte

A winery that consecutively won three first awards and a Gold medal in wine competitions.

Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia

A family boutique winery with around 500 years of winemaking history

Travel Guide to Rioja Wine Region

Like many of Europe's famous wine regions, Ancient Romans were the first also here to start viticulture in Rioja wine region. Once travelling in Rioja, you will discover traces of the history of the place. Rioja wine region boasts beautiful countryside dating back to medieval times, a breathtaking hilly landscape dotted with fortresses. In addition to this, here, you will be able to discover fabulous wine museums, wineries with modern architecture, great restaurants, and hotels.

Nestled in the heart of North Central Spain, not far from the vibrant city of Bilbao, lies the renowned La Rioja wine region. Despite being Spain's second smallest region, spanning a mere 5,000 km2, La Rioja holds the esteemed title as the country's most distinguished wine-producing area. Home to approximately 316,000 residents, this region is a wine lover's paradise, producing some of Spain's finest wines. Known globally for its exceptional wine quality, La Rioja is truly a testament to Spanish viticulture

Find out more about Wine tastings and Tours in Rioja Wine Region .

Explore more about Rioja wine region with the help of our travel guide:

Rioja Wines

Wineries to visit in Rioja

Cultural and natural places to visit

Local gastronomy

Rioja – The Fine Wine Capital of Spain

Rioja is a province of Spain located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. This region is famous for its wines and has over 500 wineries spread across 54000 hectares of land. However, the diversity of Rioja wine region is not just limited to its wines. It offers a great amount of religious and cultural variety. Rioja is linked to the famous Saint James pilgrim route and boasts the San Millan Yuso and Suso monasteries, which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Rioja wine region is also a great destination for nature lovers. The amazing landscapes of Sierra de Cebollera Nature Reserve and the Arnedillo Biosphere Reserve are not to be missed!

Rioja is known as Spain’s fine wine capital and the wine region that is characterised by rich tradition and modern innovation. In the area, there are many historic wine producers, many of whom have been making wine for centuries. More recently, Rioja wine region has seen the arrival of a new wave of modern bodegas that are pushing the boundaries of winemaking and taking the local wines to even greater heights. The region spans a terrain stretching 75 miles from northwest to southeast. Rioja wine region is surrounded by other winemaking regions of Spain. It borders the Basque Country to the north, Navarra to the northeast, Aragón to the southeast, and Castilla y León to the west and south.

Interested in customizing your Rioja wine vacation?  Simply send us your preferences  here , and our team of experts will tailor the perfect itinerary for you.

Rioja Wine Region Map

Vineyards of Rioja Wine Region

Rioja wine region is best known for red wines made predominately from Tempranillo with dark berry aromas, spice on the palate, and long barrel ageing. The region is regarded by many as Spain ’s top wine region and is certainly the most famous, the vineyards follow along the route of the Ebro River for roughly 100 km between the towns of Haro and Alfaro. In 2017, the vineyard area was recorded at 64,215 hectares, 91 % of which is planted with red grape varieties. Certified production of wine exceeded 250 million litres.

Climate & soil: The Cantabrian Mountains, which flank Rioja to the north and west, provide shelter from the cold, wet influences of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a significant factor in the local climate, which is warmer and drier than that just to the north. The region's soils vary from plot to plot, with the finest containing high levels of limestone.

Although Rioja's vineyards focus very strongly on producing wines in the regional style, and for sale under the Rioja DO appellation title, other styles of wine are also produced here. The most notable of these, and perhaps the most unexpected, are sparkling wines – not something with which Rioja is often associated. However, certain parts of the region are officially authorized to produce Cava. A few dessert wines are also produced on a commercial scale from both red and white grape varieties. These hark back to traditional wines called Supurados, dried in lofts over the winter.

Grape Varieties: Usually, Rioja wines are a blend of various grape varieties. Since 1925, there have been seven authorised local grape varieties. Tempranillo ,  Garnacha Tinta , Mazuelo, and Graciano from red grapes and Viura, Malvasía, and Garnacha Blanca from white. However, in 2007 Regulating Council of Rioja permitted more grape varieties to be planted and used in winemaking. This regulation also included some international grapes such as Chardonnay ,  Sauvignon blanc  and  Verdejo .

Classification System

Rioja's traditional classification system for ageing wine has influenced other Spanish regions. All high-quality Rioja is matured in new oak barrels. American oak has been the preference historically, but many wineries now use a mix of American and French oak. American oak maturation is what gives more traditional Rioja red wines their distinctive notes of coconut, vanilla, and sweet spice. The amount of time that a Rioja wine spends in a barrel dictates which of the official Rioja ageing categories goes on the label: Joven, Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva . The Rioja Classification for wines guarantees the wines have aged for a significant amount of time in both barrel and bottle. Here is a simple guide on how to differentiate Rioja wines and what to expect.

Joven , which literary means "young" is a fruity refreshing wine, which in most of the cases have not even seen oak. The name tells that these wines should be drunk young at its prime period, max 2 years.

Crianza wines spend a minimum of two years ageing, 12 months in oak barrels for red wines and six months in oak for whites and rosés. Crianza red is a more complex wine, which expresses more red fruit and spicy flavours.

Red Reserva wines require a minimum of three years of ageing with a least one year in a barrel. White Reserva wines need a minimum of two years, including six months in oak. Reserva wines express the great balance between fruitiness, acidity and tannins. If you are looking for Rioja wine for a special occasion, this is what you have to choose.

Gran Reserva wines require a minimum of two years in oak, and at least three years more in a bottle. White Gran Reserva wines need a minimum of four years altogether, of which at least six months must be in oak.

Top Wineries to Visit in Rioja Wine Region

If you are planning a trip to Rioja, our local partners would guarantee the best wine experience for you. Check the full list of Wineries in Rioja Wine Region , where you will be able to discover the most famous wines from Spain and a long history of winemaking.

Bodegas Corral

Bodegas Corral is located right on the Camino Francés, a World Heritage site on the oldest pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela. The family that kept winemaking traditions and culture for over a hundred years are willing to impart their knowledge and art of winemaking to every visitor to their historical winery.

Bodegas Luis Alegre

Bodegas Luis Alegre is located in Laguardia, which is one of the most exclusive parts of the Rioja wine region. Since 1968 the passionate winemakers family is trying to reach exceptional quality and produce wines with personality. With respect to local traditions and innovations, the family is producing one of the highest quality of Rioja wines.

Bodegas Alvia

Wine lovers can visit Bodegas Alvia any time of the year. The winery offers a diversity of experiences. Starting from wine tasting paired with local food and desserts and harvest experience, finishing with an exciting escape room game.

Where to Stay in Rioja?

Hotel Real Casona de las Amas is located in a 17th-century palace in Azofra. It offers a salt-water swimming pool, sun terrace, and a garden area. An exclusive spa for guests is also available, including a thermal circuit and Scottish showers. The hotel is set close to the wine and monastery routes. Local activities include hiking, cycling, skiing and golfing.

The stunning Hotel Marqués de Riscal is located in Elciego, in La Rioja’s Álava province. Designed by Frank Gehry, this avant-garde hotel offers a spa and 2 restaurants. The Vinothérapie Spa offers a range of grape-based treatments. There is also an indoor pool, hammam, Finnish sauna, fitness centre and massage services.

Situated in Haro, 26 km from Rioja Alta, limehome Haro Calle de la Vega features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and all amenities for a comfortable stay. The nearest airport is Vitoria Airport, 42 km from limehome Haro Calle de la Vega.

Featuring a restaurant, bar and views of river, Palacio Tondón, La Rioja Brinas is set in Briñas. Guests at Palacio Tondón will be able to enjoy activities in and around Briñas, like cycling.

Top 3 sites in Rioja Wine Region

Logroño- where history and traditions are perfectly preserved.

Logroño is a city rich in history and traditions which has been preserved since the Middle Ages. The town is one of the most important along the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela which became a popular route in the 11 th century. The first guide of the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela makes mention of Logroño in its pages and it is documented that many merchants, artists and pilgrims passed through the town's cobbled streets. The Ebro River passes through the city with two bridges over the river that connect the city to Navarre and Alava. Around Logroño, there are various examples of St. James architecture such as the pilgrim’s shelter or the famous pilgrim’s fountain. One of the most significant sites in the town is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Redonda whose baroque towers rise above Market Square.

If you are staying in Bilbao and looking for the wineries to visit nearby, check out our list  wineries near Bilbao .

San Millán de la Cogolla - a Gem at the Foot of the Demanda Mountains

Located in the centre of the Cardenas River Valley is San Millán de la Cogolla, a town founded by a saint of the same name and which has for centuries been linked to the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela. The town has its roots in the monastic traditions of the area, this is apparent through the many beautiful historic buildings and houses. The Monasteries of Suso and Yuso have both been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. San Millán de la Cogolla is considered the cradle of the Spanish language since the first documents written in the language are preserved here. Around the 16th century, San Millán sought spiritual refuge in the town in a dugout rock-dwelling, a historic event – a historic event which now attracts crowds of pilgrims to visit.

Calahorra - the Heart of Lower Rioja

Calahorra is the main town in Lower Rioja wine region and is situated on a promontory overlooking the plain of Cidacos. In the historic centre of Calahorra, there are many vestiges of the past such as the flamboyant Gothic-style cathedral which dates from the 15th century.  Around the town, there are also many smaller chapels such as the Cristo de la Pelota or Visitación chapels.

In the Muslim old town, there is a Roman arch and the church of San Andres which was built in the 16th century. In Plaza del Raso, a former Roman forum, stands the church of Santiago, a beautiful example of Le Rioja’s neoclassical style. Other sites worth visiting in the town are the Municipal Museum which houses around 11 000 archaeological pieces, and the Carmelite Convent where one can see a magnificent statue of Christ tied to the column by Gregorio Fernandez.

Where to Go in Rioja Wine Region

An Entire Continent of Wonders Tucked into One Region

Rioja wine region is the smallest of Spain, but the territory is home to a range of landscapes and locations typical of a continent. The Mediterranean essence appears in the vineyards, the alpine climate takes shape in the snow-capped mountains, and the rain-fed land creates incredible moonscapes. Despite all of this, it is the rivers of the region that steal the show. Seven rivers originate in the region and criss-cross, decorating the landscape. Every step opens onto a new world without ever leaving the region. Stay at a country guesthouse in a unique natural environment and enjoy a starry night while staying in the region.

Sierra de la Demanda - Dramatic Mountains and Exciting Adventures

Sierra de la Demanda is a mountain sub-range situated in the Northern Iberian Peninsula. The highest peaks of the range are normally covered in snow between October and May; one can visit the Valdezcaray ski resort. The hiking trails follow the mountains through a nature reserve that encapsulates the highest peaks allowing visits to many historic and cultural highlights. There is a lot of wildlife to be seen in this area including wolves, deers, otters, royal eagles, falcons, and a lot more. The beautiful horses found in the area are Spanish and Arab mix. Horseriding in Sierra de la Demanda gives a pleasurable experience for visitors. Overnight accommodation is available in a variety of characteristic small country hotels along the riding trails.

Sierra de Cobollera National Park - Preserved Natural Beauty at Its Best

The Sierra is considered to be an area of international importance for the passage of migratory birds.

The Sierra de Cobollera National Park is one of the best-preserved forest areas of the region. The park is surrounded by the central mountains of the Northern Iberian Mountain Range, in the region of Cameros, on the border of the province of Soria. In this protected space, there are some exquisite forest areas in the Iberian Mountain Range.

The most outstanding natural forests are of wild pine, beech, and Pyrenean oak groves. Lime trees, maple trees, whitebeams, mountain elms, yew trees, quaking aspen, and ash trees also appear in the National Park. Various animals can be found such as the fox, wild boar, deer, squirrel, mountain cat, and otter, and in the rivers. There are numerous species of forest birds of prey, such as the goshawk, the sparrowhawk, the honey buzzard, the booted eagle, the common buzzard, and the short-toed eagle. Nocturnal birds can also be seen such as the long-eared owl and the tawny owl.

Rioja Baja Valleys - Seven Valleys in One UNESCO Biosphere

The Rioja Wine Region stretches over seven valleys of the Baja, with incredible biodiversity throughout. The Ebro River together with seven small tributaries form these valleys, each with unique characteristics of climate and terroir. 

The valleys of the Rioja Baja are very distinct and diverse in terms of their flora and fauna, which has earned the region Biosphere Reserve recognition by UNESCO. 

This diversity gives an explanation as to why Rioja wines are so distinctly different across the region. The highest elevated vineyards are located in the Oja Valley which is often referred to as "Alta Alta” translating to the “High High”. The Najerilla Valley offers ancient wine terraces planted with indigenous vines. Visiting these various valleys and tasting the wines from each location is the best way to understand their diversity. 

Find the best Rioja Wine Tour Guides and experience unforgettable Guided Wine Tours in Rioja .

Gastronomy in Rioja Wine Region

Food is the key to warming the soul.

Rioja wine region is home to superb cuisine, where there is a great wine, and excellent food is usually nearby. The agricultural region of Rioja provides many excellent and high-quality products such as olive oil, red peppers, and other vegetables. With all of these excellent product, the gastronomy of the region is very diverse both classic and creative.

Rioja Potatoes, Accompanied by Tinto de la Rioja - Spice up your Potatoes!

Most visitors to Spain know of the famous Spanish Patatas Bravas, but Rioja potatoes are a very different version, everyone who tastes them absolutely loves. Spanish cuisine is not well known for spicy food but in Rioja, potatoes come cooked with spicy chorizo and smoky paprika – a delicious combination. The only way to make this meal better is to pair it with a Tinto de la Rioja, a spectacular local wine made with a variety of different grape types.

Cod ‘A La Rioja' - Not your Average Cod Fish Dish

In historic times when fridges did not exist, the only fish that was available in Rioja was the salty preserved Codfish. In Cod ‘A la Rioja’, the salty preserved Codfish is cooked with local ingredients including tomatoes, onions, and peppers using a recipe that has been passed down through many generations. This dish is also known as Bacalao and the drying of the fish preserves many nutrients which are said to make the dish even tastier!

Vegetable Garden of Rioja

Due to the climate and the fertile soil of the region, Rioja is one big natural fruit and vegetable garden where most of the product is natural, and organically grown. At the beginning of autumn, one can find the local people in villages roasting small red sweet peppers with delicious aromas wafting. The peppers are skinned and cooked before being eaten and are also perfect for making salads.

White asparagus is a regional specialty from the southeast of Rioja, nothing can beat their flavour and tenderness. To get the white colour, the asparagus is buried and covered with soil to avoid sunlight, which also makes them extremely tender. The asparagus can be found either fresh or canned. The artichoke variety called Blanca de Tudela can also be found in Rioja and is usually eaten fresh but can also be preserved in jars.

Check out our blog about Rioja food and wine pairings.

Insider Tips about Rioja Wine Region

Where to eat in Rioja?

Regi Jatetxea

• Address: Calle Hegoalde, 2. Urduliz, Vizcaya, Spain
• Menu: Spanish Traditional and modern cuisine
• Specialties: Meat

Recommended by Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia

Asador Julian

• Address: Paraje la Venta, 11, 31579 Cárcar, Navarra, Spain
• Menu: Traditional Spanish food
• Specialty: Meat

Recommended by Bodegas Bagordi

Venta Moncalvillo

• Address: Ctra. de Medrano, 6. Daroca de Rioja, Spain
• Menu: Spanish food, Gourmet, Vegetarian options
• Specialties: Game, fresh fish, homegrown ingredients

Recommended by Bodegas Corral

Where to stay in Rioja?

Hotel Viura

• Address: Calle Herrerías, s/n, 01307 Eskuernaga, Álava, Spain
• Facilities and services: Restaurant, Gym, pool in the building next door, bike rentals, spa treatments

Hotel Villa De Ábalos

• Address: Plaza Fermín Gurbindo, nº 2 26339 Ábalos (La Rioja), Spain
• Facilities and services: Restaurant, Terrace and Garden

Posada Ignatius

• Address: Plaza del Arco, 4, 26370 Navarrete, La Rioja, Spain
• Facilities and services: Restaurant, outdoor area

The best wine bars in Rioja

Tercera Estacion Wine Bar

• Address: Calle el Remedio, 12A, 26338 San Vicente de la Sonsierra, La Rioja, Spain
• Wine menu: Regional wines
• A ddress:  Calle Ramón y Cajal, 70 Bajo, 31261 Andosilla, Navarra, Spain
• Wine menu: Local wines
• Address: Calle del Laurel, 2, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Wine menu: International and Local wines

What to do in Rioja ?

Visit Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

• Address: Calle Cristo, s/n, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja, Spain

Walk at Calle San Juan

• Address: Logroño, La Rioja, Spain

Visit Iglesia de San Servando y San German

• Address: Calle Tomba 2, 26589 Arnedillo Spain

Frequently Asked Questions about Rioja Wine Region

1. where is the rioja wine region located, 2. what are the most famous sub-regions and appellations in rioja, 3. what are the main grape varieties in rioja , 4. what is the best wine to try in rioja , 5. is rioja red or white, discover rioja with local wine guides.

Check out our local wine tour guides with their wine tour offers to have everything organized when visiting the Rioja wine region.

Displaying 1-3 of 3 local wine guides

We began in 2010 leading tours and welcoming visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area, in...

My name is Diego and I am a certified local guide working in the Basque Country and Rioja. I have...

Local Experts Tours

We operate in small groups and private in the region of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, operating...

Map of Wineries in Rioja

Discover the locations of wineries in Rioja

Subregions in Rioja

Are you interested in reading more about rioja wine region in spain.

Visit our selection of the best wineries in Rioja wine region that you can book during your stay.

Get your monthly boost of wine inspiration

Join our newsletter now to receive our free guide on how to plan the perfect wine tour

Spanish Wine

Self-guided tours in Rioja

Prefer traveling at your own pace and exploring a place on your own without the need for a tour guide? Then you have come to the right section.

Our self-guided tours include a day’s itinerary to discover wineries and enjoy the local gastronomy and culture on your own. You will receive a customized itinerary for your date with the times and locations of your winery visits. Let the experts plan your wine day for you!

Be a Winemaker for a day in Rioja!

This enchanting and fun activity will show you what it´s like to be a wine expert for a day. Perfect for children and small groups of adults. You will not only learn by watching the activity leader, but you will also get to try the activities yourself- feel like a real enologist and pretend you are a Riojan winemaker!

• Self-guided

Rioja Winery Pass

A self-driven itinerary that incudes a guided visit (in English) at Marques de Riscal and wine tasting at a family onwed winery. 5 wines tasted. This Rioja Winery Pass is the simplest way to book your winery visits in Rioja and taste. Great value for money to ensure you will have visit some of the "must see" wineries Simply select it and you will receive your itinerary for the day. NO TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED

1 Day Wine Tour in Rioja from Bilbao

A perfect introduction to the wines of the Rioja region. A self-guided tour in Rioja, including regular bus service from Bilbao. From the bus station, you will walk to 2 of the best wineries in Haro, the wine capital of Rioja. Enjoy 2 wine tasting sessions at the famous "Barrio dela Estación" in Haro.

• Regular coach
• Full or half day

from €72,90

More interesting information on rioja.

Hotels in Rioja – the top 10 hotels in Rioja

Winetourismspain´s blog with articles about Spain´s wine regions, wine tours in Spain´s wine country, local wines and gastronomy … Read More

Rioja wine region. Routes, trips and terroir

Discover Rioja wine region, a land in Northern Spain famous for its red wines and beautiful landscapes. This is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Peaceful villages, fantastic hotels and one of the best tapas districts in Spain await you … Read More

is proudly powered by WordPress

20 of the best things to do in Spain

Mar 7, 2024 • 10 min read

From relaxing on beaches in the Canary Islands to wine tasting in La Rioja, here are Spain's top experiences © Imgorthand / Getty Images

From the snow-dusted, ski-worthy Pyrenees to the glinting golden beaches of the south, Spain unfolds in a series of ever-changing landscapes, traditions, attractions, cuisines and even languages.

Its vast natural spaces are a dream for those who love the great outdoors , while the cities, towns and villages fizz with energy, cultural jewels and mouth-watering gastronomy. But where to start? Whether you’re keen to get stuck into dazzling architecture, cycle to a secret beach or spend your days tasting wines, tapas or olive oils, here are 20 unmissable things to do in Spain. 

1. Hike or ride to a secluded beach

Hitting the beach is a national hobby here, and you’ll inevitably fall in love with your own pocket of Spain’s 5470km-long (3400-mile) coastline. Leave the crowds behind by escaping to tranquil, hidden coves that can only be reached on foot, on a bike or on horseback. Head out hiking along Menorca ’s pine-shaded Camí de Cavalls (a restored 14th-century path) to reach turquoise coves; ramble between wild, pebble-studded bays along the Costa Brava; walk to remote sugar-white strands on Andalucía’s breezy Costa de la Luz (also great for kitesurfing); and find protected nudist beaches in Almería’s Parque Natural Cabo de Gata . 

2. Taste Spain's best wines

From headlining grape-growing regions such as La Rioja and the cava-making Penedès to Andalucía’s unmatched Sherry Triangle, Spain’s 70 Denominaciones de Origen (Denominations of Origin) roll out a tantalizing line-up of wines. Many wineries here are now experimenting with unusual combinations, pushing forward sustainable production methods and working to recover rare ancestral grapes.

For the most exciting tours, seek out small, independent bodegas (some still run by their founding families) and track down lesser-known wine-making areas such as Galicia’s up-and-coming Ribeira Sacra, Catalonia’s cool Costers del Segre or the innovative El Hierro and Lanzarote DOs in the Canary Islands. Salud!

Planning tip: If you'd prefer to be the designated drinker rather than the driver, here are some  other ways to travel around in Spain .

3. Dive into art (and nightlife) in Madrid 

Spain’s capital is one of Europe’s greatest cities for art lovers, with a clutch of prestigious galleries where you’ll meet such icons as Picasso’s Guernica ( Centro de Arte Reina Sofía ), Van Gogh’s Les Vessenots in Auvers ( Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza ), and Velázquez’s Las meninas and Goya’s Saturno devorando a su hijo ( Museo del Prado ). More hidden thrills range from sketches by poet Federico García Lorca to mysterious works by Antoni Tàpies. Pre-book tickets online and explore galleries first thing; some even offer "out of hours" tours before the doors officially open. 

Planning tip: Save some energy, though – later on,  one of the best things to do  in the capital city is join the madrileños at buzzy tapas spots, elegant cocktail lounges, laid-back rooftop bars, heaving clubs and more. The party inevitably goes on into the next morning. 

4. Feast on local specialties across Spain

A deep love of fabulous food infuses Spain’s soul. You’ll be grazing on pintxos in Bilbao and San Sebastián , crowding into  Granada 's tapas bars, seeking out creative Michelin stars in Catalonia, digging into super-fresh Valencian paellas by the Mediterranean, getting to know the country’s 2023 Capital of Gastronomy Cuenca  and much more. 

Planning tip:  For a deep dive into regional Spanish cuisine, join an expert-led food tour. Devour Tours  has switched-on guides in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and San Sebastián, while Annie B’s Spanish Kitchen runs fabulous tapas tours in Cádiz province (an Andalucian foodie hot spot).

5. Admire Modernisme in Barcelona with an insider

Exploring Catalonia’s irresistible capital with a local architect instantly brings life to the Modernista wonders created by Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch and others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Look beyond the star acts ( La Sagrada Família , Casa Batlló, Park Güell ), and don’t miss Gaudí’s floral-tiled first commission Casa Vicens (in Gràcia) and other lesser-known Modernista flourishes around L’Eixample and El Raval.

Planning tip: Help combat Barcelona’s much-discussed overtourism issues by visiting outside high season and weekends, staying in officially licensed accommodations , and supporting sustainably focused projects with local roots and powerful initiatives, as well as exploring the rest of Catalonia (from the heights of the Pyrenees to the rice-making Delta de l’Ebre). 

6. Road trip around Galicia’s lyrical landscapes

Savoring a glass of crisp albariño with a platter of fresh-as-it-gets seafood is a distinctly Galician moment – just one of many surprises in Spain’s beautifully green northwest corner. Roam well beyond Santiago de Compostela to uncover timeworn stone villages, centuries-old wineries, plunging valleys and over 1000km (620 miles) of wild, windswept coastline sprinkled with sublime beaches, particularly around the Illas Cíes and the Costa da Morte .

Planning tip:  While summer brings the warmest weather, June and September are much quieter (always pack an umbrella!).

7. Walk an alternative Camino

Finally stumbling into the glittering cathedral in Galicia’s capital Santiago de Compostela , after trekking hundreds of miles along the fabled Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), is a magical moment. Travelers seeking a less-trodden path can swap the popular traditional Camino Francés for the wonderfully rewarding Camino del Norte (Northern Way) or Camino Primitivo . The 600km (373-mile) Norte meanders along and inland from Spain’s northern coastline from Irún, while the challenging 320km (199-mile) Primitivo from Oviedo is believed to be the original Camino, walked by King Alfonso II back in the ninth century.

Planning tip:  You can combine the two routes by following an alternative branch of the Norte to Oviedo, then linking up with the Primitivo. 

8. Wander off the beaten track in Extremadura

Portugal-bordering Extremadura plunges visitors into one of Spain’s least-touristed corners and is well worth a visit. The secluded Jerte, Ambroz and La Vera valleys reveal half-timbered houses, snow-topped mountains and spring cherry blossom, and there’s outstanding birdwatching in the 180-sq-km (69-sq-mile) Parque Nacional de Monfragüe from March to October. There are also some extraordinary monumental cities, including Cáceres (with its glittering historical core), Trujillo (made wealthy by its high-profile conquistador families) and Mérida (for some of Spain’s most important Roman ruins).

9. Bask in the beauty of Andalucía’s Moorish architecture

Spain’s eight centuries of Islamic rule produced some of its most spectacular architecture, particularly across Andalucía. The unmissable jewels of Moorish Al-Andalus are Granada’s Alhambra , Córdoba’s Mezquita-Catedral and Seville’s Real Alcázar and Giralda , but there’s plenty more. Travel between Córdoba and Granada along the little-known Ruta del Califato (Route of the Caliphate), whose castle-topped villages mark the final medieval frontier between Christian and Islamic Spain; ramble around the majestic alcazabas (fortified palaces) in Almería and Málaga; or head into Huelva’s remote Aracena hills to uncover a rare, perfectly preserved Moorish-era mosque. 

10. Enjoy heavenly hikes in every season

Spain’s varied climate means there are outstanding hiking opportunities year-round – from Granada’s snow-dusted Sierra Nevada (perfect in July/August) and northern Spain’s jagged Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa  to the cloud-brushing heights of Aragón ’s Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido and Catalonia ’s Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici. Along the coast, hit soul-stirringly beautiful trails such as the 200km-long (124-mile) Camiño dos Faros in Galicia or the cliff-top paths in Almería’s Cabo de Gata. 

Planning tip:  The north shines brightest from June to September/October (book accommodations ahead), while walking in Andalucía is best from March to June and in September and October.

11. Stroll between Andalucía’s white villages

Sunny Andalucía is dotted with impossibly scenic pueblos blancos (white villages), with two main pockets in rural Cádiz and Granada’s Alpujarras valleys – and while these make for fascinating road trips , a series of serene rural walking paths also track between them. Venture off on the long-distance GR7 in the remote eastern Alpujarras (Mairena and Trevélez villages are highlights), or lace up your walking boots in Cádiz’s Sierra de Grazalema, where Moorish castles, rare pinsapos (Spanish firs) and rust-roof villages await. 

12. Learn about Spain’s finest olive oil

If you’ve ever wondered where those liquid-gold Spanish olive oils come from, central Andalucía’s Mar de Olivos (Sea of Olives) is a hidden-in-plain-sight joy. Some of the world’s top-tier olive oils are produced among its 15,000 sq km (5790 sq miles) of rolling hills, craggy peaks and silent valleys, particularly across Jaén and Córdoba provinces (where Priego de Córdoba in the Sierra Subbética is the shining star). Stay in one of the region’s peaceful rural hotels, some of which offer home-cooked meals using their own olive oils, and visit local almazaras (olive mills) for tastings, tours and strolls among the olive groves.

13. Engage in responsible tourism in the Balearics

Forget the dance-until-dawn stereotypes – the four Balearics islands make up one of the Mediterranean’s most blissful escapes, with a strong drive towards responsible tourism that includes a ban on single-use plastics since early 2021. Whether you fancy seductive Mallorca , soothing Menorca , always-chic Ibiza or barefoot-beach Formentera , you can stay in a stylish environment-first agroturisme , learn about the islands’ artisan traditions (from cheese-making to basketry), get involved in beach clean-ups, and soak up the outdoors on hikes, kayak trips, horse-riding adventures and more. 

14. Don’t miss the Canary Islands

Around 1000km (620 miles) southwest of mainland Spain, the eight sunbathed Canaries pack in everything from Atlantic volcanic beaches and eerily beautiful pine forests to hikes up the country’s tallest peak, 3715m-high (12,100ft) Teide.

Planning tip:  Picking just one island can be a challenge – here’s our in-depth Canary Islands guide to help you narrow it down. 

15. Go surfing and exploring along Spain’s green north coast

Some of Spain’s top surf beaches are hidden along the cliff-edged northern coastline, hugging the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia . While here, discover stone-built villages, extraordinary galleries, ancient cave art, lively cities, local cider and spectacular mountain ranges.

16. Spot rare wildlife in a remote natural wonderland

In recent years, major conservation efforts have brought several of Spain’s most beloved threatened species back from the brink of extinction, including the Iberian lynx, the Cantabrian brown bear and the majestic quebrantahuesos (bearded vulture). Head out in Andalucía’s mountainous Parque Natural Sierra de Andújar for the chance to see a lynx, or venture to the remote Parque Natural de Somiedo in southwest Asturias to (perhaps!) spy a brown bear.

17. Experience flamenco in its Andalucían heartland

There are flamenco shows all over Spain, but the most inspiring place to lose yourself in this soulful ancient art is its southern birthplace: the Cádiz-Jerez-Seville triangle. Hunt down events at local peñas (flamenco clubs), and don’t miss Jerez ’s lively tabancos , where fiery shows are served up alongside sherry poured straight from the barrel.

Planning tip:  If you've ever dreamed of learning to dance, this is the ideal place to pick up a few flamenco steps of your own. 

18. Wake up in magical accommodations

Fancy slumbering away in a medieval monastery, a fairy-tale castle or a Renaissance palace? Book in at one of Spain’s 98 wonderfully atmospheric paradores , which revolve around sensitively converted buildings packed with centuries of history. Or hunt down a seductive independent stay with its own backstory: a chicly reimagined Modernista mansion in Barcelona, a Balearic farmhouse hidden down a dusty pine-scented track, an artily reimagined home in Cádiz’s Vejer de la Frontera. Many of Spain’s most exciting accommodation spots are attractions in their own right, fueled by inspired, creative design.

19. Get lost in lively, forward-looking Valencia

With its pioneering plans for achieving carbon-neutral tourism , Valencia (Spain’s third-largest city) is becoming a hot tourist favorite. In a short visit, you could be uncovering the Ciutat Vella ’s market-fresh meals, intriguing museums and varied architecture, exploring Santiago de Calatrava’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias , savoring seafood in El Cabanyal, cycling along the seafront and more.

Planning tip:  The Fallas de Valencia festival makes March an outrageously popular month to visit Valencia, but this sunny Mediterranean city is also a perfect autumn or winter escape . 

20. Marvel at an ancient (or not so ancient) cathedral

Most Spanish cities unravel around a central plaza overlooked by a formidable cathedral, with styles stretching from Romanesque to Modernista. The country’s most architecturally and spiritually moving cathedrals include León, Toledo , Salamanca , Seville, Burgos , Granada, Segovia , Santiago de Compostela and Palma de Mallorca , as well as Barcelona’s Sagrada Família.

Planning tip:  Climbing up a cathedral tower or joining one of an ever-growing number of rooftop tours is a fantastic way to find a fresh perspective on the city below.

This article was first published Sep 30, 2021 and updated Mar 7, 2024.

Explore related stories

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Hundreds of thousands walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain every year: here are the most popular routes.

Mar 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 28, 2024 • 3 min read

Feb 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 2, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 22, 2023 • 11 min read

Aug 22, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Jul 25, 2023 • 5 min read

Feb 15, 2023 • 6 min read

Mechanic Insider

The Wine Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Best Vineyards

Posted: June 8, 2024 | Last updated: June 8, 2024

For wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike, exploring the world’s renowned vineyards and wine regions offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of wine culture. Each destination brings its unique flavors, traditions, and scenic landscapes. This guide will take you through ten of the world’s most famous wine regions, providing insights into what makes each of them special.

Bordeaux, France

Image Credit: Shutterstock / barmalini

Bordeaux is a region that has become a byword for fine wine. You’ll find yourself amidst some of the most esteemed vineyards globally. This region, famed for its sophisticated red blends, primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offers more than just a wine-tasting experience. As you journey through Bordeaux, you’ll have the opportunity to savor some of the world’s most exquisite wines, each reflecting the area’s unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions. But there’s more to Bordeaux than just its vineyards. The region is also rich in history as evidenced by thee magnificent chateaux scattered across the landscape. These grand estates produce top-quality wines and serve as landmarks that tell the story of Bordeaux’s storied past. Your visit here is as much about immersing yourself in the culture and history of winemaking as it is about enjoying the wines themselves.

Insider’s Tip

Schedule visits to smaller, family-run vineyards for a more intimate experience.

When To Travel

Late spring to early fall for the best weather and harvest season.

How To Get There

Fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or take a train from major cities in France.

Napa Valley, California, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cassiohabib

In Napa Valley, a destination that echoes the acclaim of wine aficionados, you’ll be in the heart of one of the most famous wine regions in the world. This valley is a mosaic of hundreds of wineries varying from intimate, family-run estates to globally recognized wine brands. As you explore Napa Valley, you’ll discover that it’s mainly celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal has put this region on the map. The wine-tasting experience here is as diverse as the landscape, offering a range of flavors and styles to suit every palate. While you indulge in these tastings, you’ll be surrounded by the scenic beauty of rolling hills and lush vineyards, making your wine journey a culinary delight and a visual feast. Napa Valley is more than a wine destination; it’s a sensory experience that combines the best of nature, culture, and exquisite winemaking.

Consider a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the vineyards.

August to October for the harvest season.

Fly into San Francisco or Oakland and drive to Napa Valley.

Tuscany, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zoom Team

You’ll find yourself in a region that epitomizes the essence of Italian charm, renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its distinguished wines, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. As you travel through Tuscany, the picturesque scenery unfolds before you – rolling hills adorned with rows of vineyards, interspersed with olive groves and dotted with medieval towns that seem frozen in time. This setting creates the perfect backdrop for a quintessential Italian wine experience. Each glass of wine here is a reflection of the region’s rich winemaking heritage, deeply rooted in the soil and the culture. Tuscany offers more than just wine; it offers a journey into a landscape where every vineyard and hill tells a story, and every sip brings you closer to the heart of Italian tradition.

Try the local olive oil along with your wine tastings.

May to October for pleasant weather and grape harvests.

Fly into Florence or Pisa and rent a car or join a guided tour.

Barossa Valley, Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ekaterina Kamenetsky

Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most esteemed wine regions; you’ll discover a world-renowned haven for Shiraz lovers. This region is celebrated for producing some of the finest Shiraz wines, characterized by their depth and complexity. As you explore Barossa Valley, you’ll notice the unique blend of rich German heritage intertwined with the quintessential Australian spirit. This cultural fusion is reflected in the winemaking techniques and styles, contributing to a distinctive wine-tasting experience. The valley’s landscape, with its picturesque vineyards and historic towns, adds to the charm of your visit. Here, you’re not just tasting wines; you’re immersing yourself in a region that has shaped Australia’s wine history, offering a blend of tradition and innovation in every glass.

Visit during the Barossa Vintage Festival to experience local festivities.

February to April for the grape harvest and cooler temperatures.

Fly into Adelaide and drive to Barossa Valley.

Rioja, Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alberto Loyo

Upon arriving in Spain through Bilbao or Madrid, your journey to Rioja, the country’s most acclaimed wine region, begins. Whether you choose to drive or take a train, the journey itself is a scenic introduction to the beauty of Spain. In Rioja, celebrated primarily for its exquisite Tempranillo-based red wines, you’ll find a region offering much more than exceptional viticulture. Exploring Rioja, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of culture and history. The landscape is dotted with ancient monasteries and picturesque vineyards, each telling a story of the region’s past and deep-rooted wine traditions. Rioja is where every sip of wine is a taste of its heritage, and every view is a glimpse into the soul of Spanish winemaking. It’s a destination that invites you to taste its renowned wines and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history that make Rioja truly unique.

Explore the region’s wine museums to deepen your understanding of Rioja wines.

September to October for the harvest season.

Fly into Bilbao or Madrid and drive or take a train to Rioja.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Benny Marty

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s renowned wine country, you’ll find yourself in a region celebrated for its wide array of wines, with particular acclaim for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. As you journey through Stellenbosch, the diversity of the wines is matched only by the stunning beauty of the landscapes around you. The region is characterized by rolling vineyards against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, creating a picturesque setting for wine exploration. The distinctive Cape Dutch architecture adds to the region’s allure, with its charming historic estates that dot the countryside. These architectural gems provide a unique backdrop to the wine-tasting experience, blending the region’s rich history with the pleasure of sampling its varied and exquisite wines. In Stellenbosch, every glass of wine reflects the region’s rich viticultural heritage, set in a landscape that captivates and enchants.

Combine wine tasting with a safari for a unique South African experience.

February to April for the harvest season.

Fly into Cape Town and drive to Stellenbosch.

Mendoza, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pav-Pro Photography Ltd

You’ll find Mendoza, the epicenter of Argentina’s wine country, in a region synonymous with the celebrated Malbec grape. This area is not just about exceptional winemaking; it’s a place where the stunning natural environment enhances the entire experience. Situated at the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza provides a dramatic backdrop to your wine-tasting journey. The towering mountains contribute to the region’s unique terroir and offer a range of outdoor adventures. From hiking and mountain biking to simply enjoying the panoramic views, Mendoza combines the pleasures of wine with the thrill of adventure. Here, you can savor some of the world’s best Malbecs while immersing yourself in a landscape that is as bold and robust as the wines it produces.

Visit during the Vendimia Festival to see the region’s wine culture celebrated.

March to May for the grape harvest and autumn colors.

Fly into Mendoza International Airport.

Douro Valley, Portugal

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PIXEL to the PEOPLE

Douro Valley is renowned for its exquisite Port wine; you’ll step into one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. This region is not just about the wine; it’s a visual masterpiece. As you explore, you’ll be captivated by the dramatic terraced vineyards that sweep along the banks of the Douro River. This stunning arrangement of vineyards creates a unique and spectacular landscape, so much so that the area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beauty of the Douro Valley lies in its harmonious blend of natural scenery and centuries-old winemaking tradition. Here, you can indulge in the rich, fortified wines while soaking in the breathtaking views that have shaped the region’s history and contributed to its esteemed reputation in the wine world.

Take a river cruise for stunning views of the terraced vineyards.

September to October for the grape harvest.

Fly into Porto and drive or take a train to the Douro Valley.

Mosel, Germany

Find yourself in an enchanting landscape known for producing some of the world’s finest Riesling wines. This region is characterized by its steep, terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides, creating a striking visual contrast against the quaint, picturesque villages in the valleys. As you meander through the Mosel, the winding river that gives the region its name adds an element of serene beauty, enhancing the area’s overall charm. This setting provides a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for your wine-tasting journey. Here, you can savor the crisp, aromatic Rieslings that the Mosel is celebrated for while taking in the peaceful river views and the quaint beauty of the surrounding villages. The Mosel region offers a wine experience as much about the stunning scenery and rich history as the exceptional wines.

Explore the region by bike along the Mosel River for a unique perspective.

Late spring to early autumn for the best wine-tasting experience.

Fly into Frankfurt and drive or take a train to the Mosel region.

Central Otago, New Zealand

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anna Soelberg

Located in the southern reaches of New Zealand, you’ll enter a realm renowned for producing some of the most distinguished Pinot Noir wines. Central Otago is celebrated for its viticulture and dramatic natural beauty. As you venture through Central Otago, you’ll be surrounded by a landscape of rugged mountains and deep, serene lakes, creating a backdrop that’s as dramatic as it is beautiful. This setting uniquely contrasts the delicate and nuanced Pinot Noir for which the region is known. The experience of wine touring here is enhanced by the stark beauty of the terrain – from the vineyards nestled against the stark, craggy hills to the tranquil shores of the lakes. Central Otago offers a wine-tasting journey that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate, set in a landscape that captures the wild spirit of New Zealand.

Pair your wine tastings with local cheeses for a delightful culinary experience.

March to April for the grape harvest.

Fly into Queenstown and drive to Central Otago.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

Exploring the world’s famous vineyards and wine regions offers more than just wine tasting; it’s a journey into the heart of each region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Each destination on this list promises a unique and memorable wine-tasting experience set against some of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine lover, these destinations will surely enrich your love for wine and travel.

The post The Wine Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Best Vineyards   first appeared on Mechanic Insider .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / RossHelen.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

Pat Sajak shares 6-word message to fans in 'Wheel of Fortune' farewell

“I keep getting offered similar roles”: Gene Hackman Regrets Making One of the Greatest Movies in Hollywood That Was Pivotal in Clint Eastwood Hiring Him

Trump judge alerts lawyers to social-media post from ‘juror’s cousin’ saying a conviction was in the bag

We gave our daughter $20,000 for a wedding, but she used it for a home down payment and paid for her own wedding. Everyone was happy.

Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis suddenly a big problem in Finals

Taylor Swift Backup Dancer Video Goes Viral

Prey 2 With Amber Midthunder Gets Exciting Update

Insurance companies are monitoring homes from the sky, causing headache for some homeowners

Trump lands endorsement of top investor who hosted $12 million San Francisco fundraiser for former president

Harsh Truths: 12 Truths About Electric Vehicles No One Wants To Hear

“I’ve threatened to quit”: Clint Eastwood’s Insecurity With His Acting Became the Very Reason Why He Won His First Oscar

I Conducted An Office Taste Test Of The Most Popular Boxed Brownies, And The Winner Was One We'd Never Even Tried Before

Loyalty at work no longer pays — and it's employers who are to blame

Mark Cuban explains why he makes sure employees get rich whenever he sells a business

The 18 Best High-Waisted Bikinis To Make You Feel Confident and Chic

We're Mechanics. Here Are 10 Things We'd Never Do With Our Own Cars.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Says It Was 'Crushingly Difficult' to Go to 'Very Painful Place' for “Tuesday ”Scenes (Exclusive)

Caitlin Clark addresses latest WNBA drama surrounding her

Low Vitamin D Symptoms: How to Spot a Vitamin D Deficiency

“That guy that plays Worf, God, he stinks”: Michael Dorn Will Never Forget How He Scared the Living Daylights Out of 2 Star Trek Trolls

• Sign in / Join

Username or email

Keep me signed in until I sign out

• Food & Drink

Special Wine Club Offer: Grab yourself a Garnacha

Red Garnacha, or Garnacha Tinta as it’s known in Spanish, is one of the most widely grown red grapes in the world and hugely popular in Spain. At just under 60,000 hectares, it ranks third behind Tempranillo and Bobal.

One of the reasons for its popularity is its hardiness. Garnacha is a late ripening grape – ie, it needs a lot of sun to reach full phenolic ripeness – and is drought resistant, with robust roots that can dig down and find water even in quite dry, stony ground. All of which makes it a robust choice for winemakers working in the kind of hot, dry conditions we’re used to in large parts of Spain.

But it’s not all plain-sailing. In fact, Garnacha’s very robustness means it’s difficult to harvest mechanically and you’ll normally find it growing in the traditional goblet or bush vine style (ie, not on a trellis) and, come harvest time, pickers will be out harvesting the berries by hand.

Once back in the bodega, winemakers have to treat Garnacha carefully as it can have a tendency to oxidise, and lose some of its primary fruit aromas if it comes into contact with too much oxygen. Historically, Garnacha has often been used in blends with other grape varieties. So in Rioja , for example, it was often added to the dominant Tempranillo grape to add a little more body and fruit to the wine. And in Priorat in southern Catalonia, which is one of the world’s most famous Garnacha-producing regions, winemakers traditionally blend it with Carignan, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon to produce slightly fuller, more rounded red wines.

So this month, to celebrate all things Garnacha we’ve put together a mixed case of red wines that really showcases the different styles and profiles that this famous red grape is capable of.

We’re kicking off in the north-east with the wonderful El Camí , a Garnacha/Carignan blend from the Bell Cros winery. Packed with bags of fresh dark fruit like prunes and blueberries, a lingering note of violets and a touch of Mediterranean scrub, it’s the perfect introduction to Montsant , the DO next to famous big brother Priorat that makes some brilliant – and far better value! – red wines.

Inland Catalonia is our next destination, specifically the lesser-known DO of Costers del Segre and Ónra Negre from the brilliant biodynamic winery, Lagravera . A Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a light lick of 500-litre French oak before bottling, the wine is laced through with aromas of ripe plums and blood oranges, with tobacco, menthol and spicy pepper and hints of lavender, thyme and brush. Sumptuous!

A little further up the road in a north-westerly direction and we’re into DO Somantano , HQ to Luis Oliván , one of Spain’s premium ‘terroir hunters’. Luis seeks out old vineyard plots with huge potential, and he’s hit the jackpot with his Las Pilas bottling from just outside the village of Bespén in Huesca .

Medium red in colour, Luis makes just 2,000 bottles per vintage of this silky smooth, 100% Garnacha. A good dollop of whole bunch fermentation – stems and all! – helps lock in freshness, and the wine exudes wonderful aromas of red fruit, blueberries, and scrub herbs against a background of subtle toasted notes from the seven months it spends in 600 litre oak barrels.

Next stop Rioja , for a pair of Garnacha-based wines from historic Haro producer Gómez Cruzado and a relative newcomer to the DO, South African Bryan MacRobert . The Gómez Cruzado Crianza is a 75/25 Tempranillo/Garnacha blend, with 12 months ageing in French and American oak and bursting with fresh cherry and fruits of the forest aromas.

MacRobert’s La Nave takes a slightly different approach, with an equal blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes from three different vineyard plots. This time, the material of choice is concrete rather than wood, which helps all the primary fruit aromas of red cherry, plum and blackcurrant really shine through.

Finally, we finish off our Garnacha tour with a stop in the centre of the country – the Las Moradas de San Martín winery to be precise, in DO Vinos de Madrid . Carefully made under the watchful eye of head winemaker Isabel Galindo – one of Spain’s Garnacha experts – the Senda red wine is a brilliant – and brilliantly affordable – example of what well-made Garnacha from the Gredos mountains west of the capital is capable of. Made with grapes from vines planted between 40 and 85 years ago, and no fining or filtering, Senda is a fresh, fruit-driven red with enticing notes of wild flowers.

Garnacha may be one of Spain’s most popular grapes, but it’s still one that many people are largely unaware of. If you’re one of them, this is a perfect opportunity to pick up a case and taste this exceptional grape in some of its many guises.

So, take a look at our Latest Special Offer  and grab yourself some grand Garnachas, with a special price for Spain in English readers! We also offer  free shipping to mainland Spain . Take a look at the latest offer and get your order in now .

Please click here to see all the current Spain in English Wine Club offers .

Matthew Desoutter is a wine writer and owner of Simply Spanish Wine.

ALSO READ:  Take the Tempranillo Challenge .

ALSO READ: Discover the wines of southern Spain.

ALSO READ: Discover the wines of northern Spain .

ALSO READ: What makes Spanish wine special?

Sign up  for the FREE Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.

Click here for the latest Spain in English Special Wine Club Offer .

Please support  Spain in English with a donation.

Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.

Click here for further details on how to ADVERTISE with us.

Spain asks to join South Africa’s case at UN court accusing Israel of genocide

Recent posts, ‘best restaurant in the world’ is now in barcelona, spanish government proposes new law to improve online safety for children, spanish pm’s wife, begoña gómez, summoned to testify in corruption probe, british embassy: ‘get the tie now’ – ahead of eu’s entry exit system coming into force, special wine club offer: take the tempranillo challenge, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

• 672 Wine Club
• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Gateway Bronco
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Mira Villas
• One&Only
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
• Saratoga Spring Water
• Wynn Las Vegas
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide
• Food & Drink

The 9 Best Rosés to Drink This Summer

Try these outstanding bottles from around the world., mike desimone and jeff jenssen, mike desimone and jeff jenssen's most recent stories, how this rhône winemaker is crafting one of the purest expressions of grenache anywhere, burgundy prices are soaring—here are other excellent wines to drink instead, the inconvenient truth about tuscany’s stellar cabernet franc.

• Share This Article

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

We all have those friends that just won’t drink rosé because it’s not red nor white, so they don’t think it’s a real wine, but let’s face it: Rosé is here to stay. There are all types of social media activations, like Les Nuits en Rosé and Rosé All Day and in N.Y.C. there’s even a sunset boat ride dedicated to these enticing dusk-colored wines. So many people are drinking rosé right now that it has become one of the most popular wine choices as the weather heats up and we’re not ashamed to say that when we need to cool down, rosé is one of our go-to choices. When chilled properly it can be refreshing and even restorative, but since it’s produced from red wine grapes it can have more structure and complexity than white wine.

Sure, a lot of rosé wines can be what our English friends call “cheap and cheery,” but take it from us there are a plethora of very well-made rosé wines that have entered the luxury category. Many of the better ones are aged in wood barrels for additional flavor, complexity, and structure.

There are four ways to make rosé wine from red grapes. They include direct press, saignée , vin gris , and even blending white wine and red wine. Will dig deeper into each of these methods in the FAQ section down below, but without further ado, here are nine rosés you’ll want to be drinking this summer.

Best Rosé Wines From Around the World

Best overall rosé: chateau d’esclans 2021 garrus rosé cotes de provence provence france, best cotes de provence rosé: chateau gassier 2021 946 cotes de provence rosé provence france, best bandol rosé: domaines ott 2022 chateau romassan bandol rosé bandol provence france, best burgundian rosé: domaine charles audoin 2021 marsannay cote de nuits burgundy france.

• Best German Rosé: Meyer-Nakel 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé Ahr Germany

Best Spanish Rosé: Bodegas Muga 2022 Flor de Muga Rosé Rioja Spain

Best portuguese rosé: azores wine company 2022 vulcanico rosé azores portugal, best carneros rosé: robert sinskey 2022 vin gris of pinot noir carneros california, best sonoma rosé: flowers 2022 sonoma coast rose sonoma county california.

Sacha Lichine acquired Chateau d’Esclans in Provence in 2006. The estate is situated just north of St. Tropez and many people may know the chateau as the original home of Whispering Angel rosé wine. While Whispering Angel is a perfectly fine entry offering, Sacha’s Garrus Rosé makes the former pale in comparison. If it weren’t for the pink color, Garrus 2021 could fool you into thinking you’re drinking a fine white Burgundy. It has aromas of white peach, apricot puree, and caramelized pineapple and flavors of pear, apple, candied orange peel, and luscious crème brulée with a bright acid finish. 

Buy Now: $140

The number 946 refers to the height (in meters) of the Sainte Victoire Mountain that overlooks the vineyards in which the grapes for this amazing wine are grown. This rosé is a favorite of sommelier and beverage directors in the south of France, and it can often be found on wine lists at fine restaurants in Paris. It is pale pink with aromas of grapefruit pith, dried coconut, and red raspberry. Well-structured with balanced acidity, this delightful wine has flavors of red plum, white peach, and a touch of vanilla in the finish. 

Buy Now: $66

Marcel Ott left Alsace in 1896 and purchased an estate in Provence that was well-priced because phylloxera had previously devastated the vines. He immediately began replanting and making fine wines and more than century later his legacy is carried on by Jean-Francois Ott who continues his family’s tradition to make some of Bandol’s best known and most respected wines. Brilliant pink colored in the glass, this delightful wine has aromas of freesia, apple blossom, and grapefruit. It is medium bodied, silky, and complex in the mouth with flavors of cranberry, Fuji apple, and tangerine.

Buy Now: $59

The idea of a rosé from Burgundy goes against the grain of what so many Burgundy lovers believe—that wines from the region should be only white or red and never pink. However, Marsannay is the exception to the rule; appellation village rosé is allowed to be made here. Charles Audoin and his son Cyril represent the fourth and fifth generations of Burgundians who successfully continue to create delicious rosé wines. Their 2021 Marsannay rosé is pale pink in color with aromas of red raspberry, lemon zest, and freesia. It is medium bodied with pronounced minerality and zesty acidity supporting flavors of rose water, red plum, and strawberry. 

Buy Now: $40

Best German Rosé: Meyer-Näkel 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé Ahr Germany

Werner Näkel is well known for its wines produced in South Africa, as well as those produced from steep sloping vineyards in Germany. Now in the fourth generation, the winery is run by two sisters who in addition to this rosé also make excellent red wines from Pinot Noir. It is pale pink with aromas of honeysuckle, rose water, and red raspberry. Lively acidity in the mid palate reveals flavors of red plum, strawberry, and rose hips tea. There is excellent minerality and a lingering note of chalk in the finish.

Buy Now: $36

The Muga family started their family winery in 1932 and in 1968 they moved to their current location in at the old train station in Haro. The family understands wine tourism as well as making fine wines and visitors to the winery can sign up for a Segway tour or float above the vineyards in a hot air balloon while enjoying a glass of this delightful rosé. It is made from Garnacha, which tends to impart a much darker color, but the winemakers here know how to tame Spanish grapes. Pale pink in the glass, it invites you in with aromas of lemon zest, pink grapefruit, and freshly picked cherries. Nicely balanced in the mid palate, it has flavors of peach, apricot, and red raspberry.

Buy Now: $38

This Portuguese rosé comes from one of the volcanic Azore Islands located in the center of the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago was first colonized in the 1400s and today it is home to fewer than 250,000 people. In 2014, winemaker Antonio Macanita co-founded Azores Wine Company in Pico, just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. He makes many quality wines using indigenous grapes, but his rosé is one of our favorites. It is medium pink with aromas of freshly picked strawberry, red raspberry, and Valencia orange. There’s a marked sensation of salinity on first sip with additional flavors of red cassis and freshly ground black pepper. 

Robert Sinskey Winery was one of the pioneers of regenerative and sustainable farming long before it became fashionable. Their vineyards have been farmed with organic and biodynamic principles since 1991, and today carry the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification. Winemaker Jeff Virnig has been there for decades and continues to make excellent wines. We both agree that his vin gris is one of the best that either of us has ever tasted. It is pale salmon pink and has aromas of mango, white peach, and candied orange peel. It has balanced acidity and flavors of strawberry, crushed rose petals, and dried lavender. 

Buy Now: $39

Walt and Joan Flowers started growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast over 25 years ago and their highest vineyards are perched on mountain ridges that rise to elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to just under 1,900 feet. Less than two miles from the Pacific Ocean, their vineyards are cooled by nighttime breezes. Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé is salmon pink colored with aromas of citrus zest, red raspberry, and jasmine that lead to flavors of strawberry, rose hip tea, and red plum. There’s great acidity and minerality in the mid palate and a touch of salinity in the finish. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences among rosé wines from various regions?

Rosé wines can be made from just about any red wine grape. Many of the California rosés are made from Pinot Noir, but in Navarra, Spain they’re made primarily from Garnacha. In France they can be made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre and the Italians like to use Sangiovese grapes among others. There are basically four techniques to make a rosé wine. The first and easiest is to blend white wine and red wine together, but this is generally not allowed in most wine regions. The second is to make a vin gris which literally translates “gray wine,” by allowing a very limited maceration time, which refers to the wine’s actual contact with the skins. The third method involves just a very light pressing of the grapes and then a very short maceration time. Many of the most famous light pink wines made in Provence utilize this method. The fourth technique is the saignée method (French for bleeding) which involves crushing red grapes and bleeding off some of the lighter pale juice to make a rosé wine. A secondary effect of this method is that it will render the remaining red juice darker and thus making a more concentrated red wine. 

How should you drink rosé?

We like to drink rosé out off a large, deep-bowled, Bordeaux style glass because it offers the best conditions for aromas to be released and appreciated. It also allows the wine the necessary space to open and show off its flavors. Rosé should be served at a temperature between 45° and 50° F and if you store your bottles in a temperature-controlled cooler or cellar, they should be further chilled in the refrigerator or an ice bucket for about 20 minutes.

How did we choose the rosé wine on this list?

We factored in several elements when making our choices, and the most important is taste, but how a wine actually tastes involves a variety of impressions, including flavor, texture, tannins, acidity, and finish. We also considered ability to age and a combination of rarity and accessibility: We sought out wines that are made in relatively small quantities but at the same time are available to purchase without having to join a winery club or allocation list. The majority were tasted blind in comparative tastings with similar wines. One or two of these may have been enjoyed on the back of a friend’s yacht but we can neither confirm nor deny the validity of this statement. 

Why should you trust us?

Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report ’s wine editors, have been writing about wine for two decades, have visited wine regions and wineries around the world, have tasted wine with the people who make it and they like rosé. Last year they tasted over 6,000 wines and are on target to sample more than 7,000 in 2024. They are judges for the internationally renowned Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition, and their work has appeared in Wine Spectator , Forbes , Wine Enthusiast , Huffington Post, Saveur , and books published by Oxford University Press. They have been featured for their expertise in wine on The Today Show , The Martha Stewart Show , CNN, CBS, Fox, WGN, WPIX and NBC. Known as the World Wine Guys, they are the authors of six wine books which have received various accolades and awards including “Best Wine Book in the World” from Gourmand International. In addition to articles like this, they also write The Oeno Files, Robb Report ’s weekly wine newsletter.

Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts. They have been featured guests on the Today Show, The Martha…

Read More On:

This 53-Year-Old Bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Could Fetch $200,000 at Auction

A Week of Auto Tradition

AUG 14 - 19 Behind-the-scenes access to a remarkable week honoring automotive brilliance.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Wine

7 Stellar Red Wines That Taste Great When They’re Chilled

5 New Napa Valley Wine Destinations to Visit This Summer

More from our brands, ‘fake heiress’ anna delvey talks about what’s next, ua’s plank has four years to double stock price—and $325m to gain, alex gibney and sebastian junger weigh in on doc world controversy about death of afghan man that appeared in natgeo’s ‘retrograde’, christie’s hit with class-action lawsuit over client data after cyberattack shuts down website, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.