Rioja – All Wine Tours https://allwinetours.com Book Your Next Wine Tour Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:38:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://allwinetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-Logo-AWT-small-32x32.png Rioja – All Wine Tours https://allwinetours.com 32 32 Where Do You Fly Into For Rioja? https://allwinetours.com/where-do-you-fly-into-for-rioja/ https://allwinetours.com/where-do-you-fly-into-for-rioja/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 09:52:12 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=37854

If you’re planning a trip to the Rioja wine region in Spain, the nearest airports are Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Logroño-Agoncillo Airport (RJL) and San Sebastián Airport (EAS).

From Bilbao Airport to Rioja

Bilbao Airport is the larger of the three airports and is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the heart of the Rioja wine region. 

It is an international airport with direct flights from major cities in Europe, such as London, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, as well as other destinations around the world. KLM, Air France, Delta and United are just some of the major airlines operating flights to Bilbao.

The airport is also served by a number of European low cost airlines – Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Eurowings, Volotea to name a few.  

From Bilbao airport, you can rent a car and head to Logroño, Haro or directly to one of the Rioja wineries.  I have put the best Rioja wineries open for visits on the map.

Check out some local car rental deals here or find a private transfer.

If you are staying in Bilbao, there are a number of Rioja wine tours with pick up and drop off in Bilbao area like this highly-rated Architectural Wine Tour from Bilbao to Rioja.

From Logroño Airport to Rioja

Logroño-Agoncillo Airport is a smaller regional airport and is located about 25 minutes away from the center of Logroño, the capital of La Rioja province of Spain. 

Being a smaller It offers direct flights from several Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona by Iberia Air, and also welcomes private jets.

As you are in the capital of La Rioja, you can start exploring the wineries as soon as you arrive.  Several wineries are located in or near the city of Logroño, within a short taxi ride.

To get to wineries in Rioja Alavesa such as Bodegas Marques de Riscal or Ysios, and the Haro Barrio de la Estaction you will need to rent a car or hope on a wine tour departing from Logroño.

From San Sebastián Airport to Rioja

Views on Rioja Vineyards from Laguardia

San Sebastián Airport, also known as San Sebastián-Donostia Airport or Fuenterrabía Airport is located in the town of Hondarribia, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of San Sebastián in the Basque Country.

While San Sebastián Airport is relatively small, it offers both domestic and international flights. Some airlines that operate at this airport include Air Europa, Iberia, Vueling and Volotea. Domestic flights from San Sebastián Airport typically connect with cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga while international flights often serve destinations in France and other European countries.

See my article on How to Get From San Sebastian to Rioja Wine Region.  I hope it will help you with your planning.

One of my favourite views on Rioja wine country from San Vicente de la Soncierra

Compare flights to Bilbao, Logroño or San Sebastian at Aviasales. 

Another idea would be to fly to Madrid and hire a private transfer or rent a car to drive to the Rioja region.  The highways are great and mostly free.

In any case, Rioja is a fantastic destination. You will enjoy your trip to Rioja and the wines.  I am writing about visiting Rioja and its wine country in my Blog where you will find other tips on visiting wineries of Rioja.  

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The Best Wineries Near San Sebastian, Spain https://allwinetours.com/the-10-best-wineries-near-san-sebastian-spain/ https://allwinetours.com/the-10-best-wineries-near-san-sebastian-spain/#respond Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:35:47 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=37277

San Sebastián is a city in the Basque Country, Spain, located on the Bay of Biscay. It is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and excellent cuisine. 

The region surrounding San Sebastián is also home to several wineries that produce high-quality Txakoli wines. 

The Txakoli wine region is the closest to San Sebastian.  Drive along the cost or through mountaneous roads to discover the gems of Basque wine making.  You can combine discovering the town of Getaria and its beaches with visiting a local winery – both within an easy 30 minutes drive from San Sebastian.

The Rioja wine region is approximately 2 hours away.  See my articles about visiting the Rioja wine region here.  

What kind of wine is Txakoli?

Txakoli is a wine from the Basque Country region It is known for its distinctive flavor and acidic character, which makes it a good pairing with fish dishes. 

Txakoli is traditionally made in spritzy, effervescent style, excellent for summer refreshment. 

However, recently another more elaborated style Txakoli wines gains popularity. Wines  aged on lees for prolonged periods of time, wines aged in concrete, in oak or acacia barrels, or blended with Chardonnay or Riesling have been well-accepted by consumers and critics alike.  Innovations in Txakoli winemaking have attracted international interest.

The most famous Txakoli is white, and is made from the Hondarribi zuri grape variety. Red and rosé Txakoli are also produced, although they are less common.  Some Txakoli wineries make white and rose sparkling wines.

 

Map of wineries near San Sebastian

Best wineries to visit near San Sebastian

Txakoli is produced in three designated regions: Getaria, Bizkaia, and Araba. 

I love visiting Getaria vineyards located just next to the sea for their stunning views.  Their wines are greatly influenced by saline-tinged sea breezes which give mineral and almost salty taste to the wines. 

You can visit working Txakoli wineries and take part in tastings.  Enjoy wine pairings with local products like Idiazabal cheese, Bermeo anchovies, tuna or Gernika peppers.

It is common for winemakers in the Txakoli region to come from long-standing family traditions, although there are also many newer wineries in the area.

Gaintza

Four generations of the Lazkano family have produced and distributed txakoli near Getaria on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. The Gaintza cellar was set up in 1923. Today, the vineyards and cellar are still looked after by a small family team.

The family also run a small B&B situated amongst the grapevines of Getaria.

Wine Tours

Winery visits are by appointment. Tuesday to Saturday except holidays at 11:30 am

After a guided tour you will be offered a tasting 3 Txakoli wines paired with 3 pintxos. Make sure you to taste Aitako, a highly rated wine which spends 12 months on its lees in stainless steel tank, with an additional 6 months in bottle before release and 10% Chardonnay in the blend.

Txomin Etxaniz

Txomin Etxaniz is the largest family-owned Txakoli winery with 60 hectares of land near the fishermen village of Getaria.

The views are stunning, and the Txakoli is very good! We left buying a handful of bottles and I cannot wait to drink them!

Wine Tours

Visit Txomin Etxaniz winery to discover vineyards and state-of-the-art production process and to taste txakoli wine paired with anchovies and white tuna from Getaria.

The estate is open for visits from Monday to Saturday, with the exception of public holidays. Please book in advance online. Visits start at 11 and 11:30 am and last 1.5 hours.

Ameztoi

The Ameztoi winery is producing Txakoli near Getaria since 1820. The Ameztoi family lands are composed of 51 hectares of vineyards on the top of a hill with unforgettable views of the Cantabrian sea.

Five generations of winemakers have been producing wine at the estate.

Wine Tours

The winery is open to the public. You can join one of the guided tours. Choose between tours with tasting of the three special Txakolis: the fresh 9·6, the elegant Primus and the exclusive Kirkilla, or the same combined with a tasting of anchovies and tuna from Getaria. There is a beautiful tasting room with a terrace.

Opening hours:
From January 1 to June 21 and from September 15 to December 31
Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm

From June 22 to September 14
Monday to Friday from 11 am to 7 pm
Weekends and holidays from 11 am to 3 pm

The winery houses 4 fully equipped cozy rooms with stunning views of the sea and the vineyard.

Talai Berri

Talai Berriy is a winery located in the Basque Country in the municipality of Getaria and is known for producing high quality white wines made from the native grape varieties of the region, such as Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza. The winery was founded in the early 1980s by the Fontelles family. Talai Berri has a vineyard of 12 hectares.

Wine Tours

Fridays and Saturdays 11 am, except holidays by reservation
Price 18 euros/person

Visits for families with kids:
Wednesday 11 am, except holidays by reservation
Price 18 euros/person, children 9 euros

During the visit to the Talai Berri txakoli winery, one of the 5th generation of the family’s winemakers will welcome you for a visit visit and tasting of Talai Berri txakoli and Eusko Label quality products, such as Ibarra chillies, Idiazabal DO cheese, white tuna and Basatxerri sausage. You can also taste and buy the exclusive Hondarrabi Zuri TTANTTA vinegars and the vermouths MARI ZURI and MARI GORRI.

Bodega K5

Bodega K5 is situated in Aia, at an elevation of 300 meters above sea level. The bodega has stunning views of the Mouse of Getaria and the Orio fishing port.

Karlos Arguiñago started by producing a small number of bottles for personal use at his small vineyard. Eventrually, through hard work, he expanded the vineyard in 2005. In 2010, they built a new cellar and the first vintage of Bodega K5 was born.

Today, K5 and KPilota wines are produced on a 15 hectare plot from 100% Hondarrabi Zuri vines.

Wine Tours

Visits are held Tuesday through Saturday.
On Saturdays, a minimum group of 4 adults is required.
Visit times: 11:30 am for the Standard Visit and 11:00 am for the Premium Visit.

Standard visit
Includes vineyard visit, winery tour, manufacturing process explanation and the tasting of two wines (KPilota and K5) with local products from the area.

Premium visit
Premium visit with vertical tasting: Includes vineyard visit, winery tour, manufacturing process explanation and the tasting of KPilota and three different vintages of K5 with local products from the area.

Helicopter + tasting
Enjoy the magnificent views of San Sebastián from the air and land at the K5 winery of the Arguiñano family to enjoy an exclusive tour of the vineyard and the winery.

Includes KPilota tasting and vertical tasting of 2 K5 vintages with local products. After having enjoyed the K5 winery for 1h 30min, we will make the return passing through Orio to see the views of Zarautz, Getaria in the background and return along the coast to Akelarre.

Hiruzta

The name Hiruzta comes from HIRUren UZTA, a three-person harvest. The Rekalde family, a father and his two sons, Asensio, Txarli and Angel Rekalde opened a winery at one of the most beautiful locations in the Basque Country, Hondarribia in 2011.

Today, on the 17 hectares of vineyards the estate produces white, rose and red Txakoli as well as sparkling wines made from traditional grapes.

Hiruzta winery is also a home to a winery and a restaurant, a special place to enjoy quality Basque cuisine. The Asador Sutan serves local and seasonal foods taken directly to the grill and paired with Txakoli wine.

Wine Tours

The winery offers guided tours, wine and food pairings as well as just a tasting. You can also discover Txakoli by the glass or by the bottle on a terrace with views of the vineyard at the foot of the Jaizkibel mountain.

GUIDES TOUR AND TASTING
From Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays at 12 pm and 1 pm.

WINE & GASTRONOMY EXPERIENCE
Tasting of txakoli wines: Hiruzta, Hiruzta Berezia and Hiruzta Rosé paired with local foods.
From Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays at 12 pm and 1 pm.

‘DISCOVER HIRUZTA’ TASTING
Commented Tasting of Hiruzta, Hiruzta Berezia and Hiruzta Rosé txakoli wines.
From Wednesday to Saturday between 3 pm and 5:30 pm

Rezabal

Txakoli Rezabal is a family winery located in Zarautz with a vineyard area of 24 hectares. The estate features the latest technology, using most traditional methods.

Two native varieties Hondarrabi-Zuri and Hondarrabi-beltza are cultivated. Today the winery produces white and rose txakoli as well as a delicious sparkling wine.

Wine Tours

By appointment.
Wine pairing with pinxtos is available on request.

Bodega Hika

Hika Txakolina is a recently created winery. With only 7 hectares of vineyards, it produces modern, and elegant white and rose txakoli and sparkling wines.

This modern winery located near the city of Donostia-San Sebastián has a spacious building, beautiful gardens and an onsite gastronomic restaurant.

Wine Tours

Appointment required.

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How to Get from Barcelona to Rioja? https://allwinetours.com/how-to-get-from-barcelona-to-rioja/ https://allwinetours.com/how-to-get-from-barcelona-to-rioja/#respond Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:33:27 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=37239

There are several ways to get from Barcelona to the Rioja region including by car, train, or bus. 

If you choose public transportation options you will need to search for Logroño, which is the capital of the province of La Rioja, as your destination.

Once at Logroño, you can either rely on taxis, private drivers, to take you around the wine country or join, on the wine tours.

Related:  Is the Rioja Region Worth Visiting?

  1. Train from Barcelona to Rioja

The Renfe Alvia trains leave Barcelona Sants at 8:45 am and reach Logroño in approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes. 

You can book your train tickets at Rail Europe or Renfe websites, or visit a ticket office or use a ticket machine at a railway station. 

Tickets run for approximately 30 euros one way.

2. Bus from Barcelona to Rioja

Several bus companies operate services between Barcelona and La Rioja. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.

The Alsa bus runs from Barcelona Estación Nord to Logrono 3 times per day.

Tickets run for approximately 20  to 40 euros one way.

3. Car from Barcelona to Rioja

You can rent a car in Barcelona or Barcelona airport or use a private transfer.

The drive from Barcelona to Logroño takes approximately 4.5 hours.  The fastest route is via Zaragoza on AP-2/AP-68.

Most destinations in the Rioja wine country are within 30 minutes or less from Logroño.

See my other tips on visiting wineries in Spain in my Blog.

You may also find useful:  Best Wineries to Visit Near Barcelona.

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Is the Rioja Wine Region Worth Visiting? https://allwinetours.com/is-the-rioja-wine-region-worth-visiting/ https://allwinetours.com/is-the-rioja-wine-region-worth-visiting/#respond Fri, 30 Dec 2022 10:47:23 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=37208

The Rioja wine region is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in wine, or if you simply want to experience the beauty and culture of this region of Spain.

Rioja is a wine region (Rioja DOC) located in northern Spain in the provinces of La Rioja, Navarra, and parts of the Basque Country and Castilla y León. It is known for producing high-quality red wines made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes.  Rioja also makes white wines, which are less famous than its full-bodied reds.

The region is home to many wineries and vineyards with rich wine-making history and traditions.  At the same time, many wineries have stunning cellars which are modern architectural masterpieces.

However, it is not only the wineries, that make a trip to Rioja worthwhile.  The region is also home to beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and cultural attractions.  The gastronomic scene and the hospitality are amazing in Rioja.  

 

These are my top 5 reasons to visit the Rioja region:

1. Excellent wines

Wine tasting at Bodegas Roda in the Rioja wine region

Rioja wines are highly prized by wine lovers and are considered some of the best in Spain.

Rioja wines are known for their depth of flavor and complexity, with notes of cherry, plum, and spice. They can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including cured meats, roast meats, grilled vegetables, and hard cheeses.

Tempranillo grape is the most widely used variety.  Red wines are aged in oak barrels and later in bottles until they are ready to be drunk.  

While Rioja is primarily known for its red wines, the region also produces white wines made from a variety of grapes, including Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, and Tempranillo Blanco. These white wines tend to be medium- to full-bodied with flavors of citrus, green apples, and tropical fruit. They can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with seafood, poultry, and grilled vegetables.

In addition to traditional white wines, Rioja also produces sparkling wines, including Cava, as well as sweet dessert wines made from air-dried grapes.

You can find more information about Rioja winery visits in my winery catalog here.

Some ideas for Rioja wine tours can be found here.

2 Breathtaking scenery

Views on Ebro from San Vicente de la Soncierra

The region is situated in the heart of the Ebro Valley and is surrounded by the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, and the Iberian System. This diverse and varied landscape provides ideal conditions for growing grapes and producing high-quality wines.

In the Rioja region, you can find rolling hills covered with vineyards, magnificent mountains, charming villages with narrow streets and traditional houses, and beautiful countryside landscapes. 

If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, the Rioja region is a great destination for hiking, biking, and picnicking in the countryside. 

Sierra Cantabria views from Bodegas Baigorri in Rioja Alavesa

3. Amazing hospitality

An inviting terrace at Bodegas Campo Viejo near Logrono, La Rioja

he Rioja wine region in Spain is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, and visitors can expect to receive excellent service while traveling in the region. 

The pours are generous and there are always Jamon and Manchego cheese to accompany your wine.   

The region is home to a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to charming bed and breakfasts and holiday apartments. Many of the hotels in the region are located in or near the wineries, and they often offer wine-themed packages and experiences for guests.

 

 

In addition to the hotels, the region is also home to many restaurants that serve traditional Spanish cuisine and local Rioja wines. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, including world-famous pintxos.  

Logroño is a fun place to go out for a bar-hopping tour.  Logroño is known for its tapas culture, and there are many bars and restaurants in the city that serve tapas, which are small plates of food traditionally served with drinks at bars in Spain. 

Calle Laurel in Logroño is the best place to experience this part of Spanish gastronomic culture.

4. Culture and history

San Asensio Rioja
A church in San Asensio

In addition to the stunning landscapes, the Rioja region is also home to several historical and cultural attractions, including medieval castles, churches, and monasteries.  

The region has a long and rich history dating back to the Romans, and it has been inhabited by a variety of different cultures over the centuries, including the Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. Many towns have a well-preserved medieval center, surrounded by walls and towers, with narrow streets and charming squares.

Laguardia, Briones, Elciego, and San Vicente de Sonicerro are just some of my favorite villages to visit in the Rioja region. 

5. Winery architecture

Bodegas Ysios Rioja
Bodegas Ysios Rioja in Rioja Alavesa

Many of the wineries in the Rioja region are located in charming villages or in the countryside, and they often feature traditional Spanish architecture with red tile roofs, white stucco walls, and arched windows and doors. Some of the wineries are housed in historic buildings, such as castles or mansions, that have been converted into modern winemaking facilities.

Other wineries in the region feature more modern architectural styles, with sleek, contemporary design elements and state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Many of the newer wineries in the region have been designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, with features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting.

Marques de Riscal is located in the town of Elciego, in the province of Álava, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The winery hotel is housed in a building that was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.

Bodegas Ysios nearby in Laguardia is an example of modern architecture, which was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The building is clad in stone and glass, and it is shaped like a wave, with a series of undulating roofs that follow the contours of the hillside behind it.

Visit these and other architecturally interesting wineries on this Wine and Architecture tour.

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From San Sebastian to Rioja Wine Region https://allwinetours.com/from-san-sebastian-to-rioja-wine-region/ https://allwinetours.com/from-san-sebastian-to-rioja-wine-region/#respond Wed, 28 Dec 2022 22:36:02 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=37099

The Rioja wine region, located in the north of Spain, is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts visiting San Sebastian/Donostia. Known for its world-class red wines made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes, the region offers a range of wine-tasting experiences, from traditional bodegas to modern wineries. In addition to the delicious wines, the region is also home to stunning landscapes, rich history, architectural masterpieces and delicious local cuisine, making it a perfect day-trip destination.

Another great option for wine lovers visiting San Sebastian/Donostia is the Txakoli wine region known for its crisp, refreshing white wines made from the Hondarribi Zuri grape variety, which are often served as an aperitif or paired with seafood. 

From San-Sebastian to Rioja by Car

Bodegas Ysios Rioja

It takes approximately 1.45 minutes to reach Rioja wine country from San Sebastian.  Logroño is 167 km (104 miles) away while Haro is 143 km (89 miles).  The road from San Sebastian and Rioja vineyards lies through mountains and planes with breathtaking views. I found the drive on AP-15 to be particularly scenic.

You can head directly to the wineries or select a destination such as Haro, Logroño, or Laguardia and explore the areas nearby.  

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja province and the largest city.  My personal favorite towns in the Rioja wine region are Laguardia and San Vicente de Soncierra.

There will be tolls to pay on the highways in the Basque country.  Tolls are automatic and accept cards and cash.

 

From San-Sebastian to Rioja by Bus

The bus from San Sebastian to Logroño takes AP-15 and the trip takes 2 hours and 15 mins.

Private company La Estellesa runs buses at 12:45 pm and 7:30 pm with 3 stops. One-way tickets are 17.95 euros per person.

Phone:  +34 948 326 509
atencionalcliente@laestellesa.com

If you are calling a phone number in Spain from the United States, you would dial 011 + 34 + 948 326 509.

Once in Logroño, take a quick taxi ride to wineries nearby.  I have listed some options of wineries near Longroño in this article:

Rioja Wineries to Visit Near Logroño

 

From San-Sebastian to Rioja by Train

Trains operate regularly between San Sebastian and Logroño, with a stopover at Miranda del Ebro.

The train ride will take at least 3 hours depending on the connection. 

Buy separate tickets for each leg of your trip on the official renfe.es website.

 

Rioja Wine Tours from San Sebastian

Bodegas Vina Real Rioja

Private wine tours would pick you up at your hotel and arrange two or three winery visits and lunch in Rioja wine country.

This is the easiest way to visit Rioja wineries.

For more tips on visiting wineries in the Rioja region, see my Blog.

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Where to Stay at a Vineyard in Rioja, Spain? https://allwinetours.com/stay-at-vineyard-rioja/ https://allwinetours.com/stay-at-vineyard-rioja/#respond Mon, 14 Mar 2022 06:52:13 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=32589

I often travel to the Rioja wine region visiting wineries. 

Here is my personal list of the best Rioja wine country hotels.  Some are located at the wineries, others are in small historic Riojan winemaking villages. 

 

During my stay at Marques de Riscal in October

Hotel Marqués de Riscal is located near the calm village of Elciego in Rioja’s Álava province.

The hotel is a part of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine.  The original bodega was built in 1860. In 1883, the building was extended to include a Bordeaux-style cellar known as El Palomar where these days the premium wines of Marqués de Riscal are made.

The avant-garde style building of Hotel Marqués de Riscal designed by the renowned architect Frank O. Gehry is dominating the skyline.  The hotel is stylish and has large comfortable rooms. On the premises, there is a Vinothérapie Spa, an indoor pool, a hammam, a Finnish sauna, and a fitness centre.  There are also two restaurants and a wine bar with views on the ancient village of Elciego and the mountains of Sierra Cantabria.

Do not miss the chance to visit the winemaking facilities of Marqués de Riscal.  My favorite part is the impressive collection of old vintages. I found that room to be very impressive.

Winery visit at Marqués de Riscal.
View from the restaurant of Hotel Eguren Ugarte

Hotel Eguren Ugarte is part of Bodegas Eguren Ugarte in the Rioja Alavesa region.

Located between Laguardia and Haro in the footsteps of Sierra Cantabria, Eguren Ugarte is in the heart of Rioja wine country. This is my favorite part of Rioja Alavesa – the views of vineyards and mountains are fantastic and so are the wines.

There are 21 rooms at Hotel Eguren Ugarte. I found the rooms very comfortable and reasonably priced.  

If you like the idea of staying at a working winery, this hotel would be the right choice.

Bodegas Eguren Ugarte is a family-owned winery. They produce a great variety of high-quality Rioja wines which you can taste at the restaurant. The winery owner is often on-site to welcome the guests. 

I recommend making restaurant reservations in advance, especially for lunches on weekends.

Views on the Ebro river from Palacio Tondon

Palacio Tondon is on the banks of the calm River Ebro in a small village of Briñas, only about 20 minutes walk from Haro. 

I was visiting wineries in Haro, but I preferred staying at Briñas as it is quiet and authentic, and walking to Haro by a road along the river and then through the famous vineyards of Roda. If you are looking to explore some of the Haro Train Station District Wineries, definitely consider Palacio Tondon.

Hotel Palacio Tondon is in the 16th-century palace, refurbished with an ultra-modern and stylish interior.

I enjoyed a charming historic building in a quaint village and a very spacious and comfortable room with river views. 

There is a restaurant on-premises for hotel guests. You will find another local restaurant just around the corner. I had my best Riojan meal at Restaurante Bodegon de Ayala in Briñas.

Photo is a courtesy of Booking.com

Located in Villabuena de Álava, the village of winemakers, Hotel Viura is excellent as a base for exploring the Rioja wine country.  Did you know that Viura is a name of a local grape varieity?

Hotel Viura is special. The astonishing modern architecture of the hotel makes it look more like a sculpture than a building. The building is embedded into a rock next to a traditional village church.

Rooms are large and modern and chic. Concrete walls are decorated with attractive details made of wood.

There are a lovely rooftop terrace, an excellent restaurant, and a bar at Hotel Viura. 

Photo is a courtesy of Booking.com

Real Casona de las Amas is not a winery hotel, but quite a unique experience in Rioja wine country.  The hotel gives you a feeling of a Spanish castle.  The building is a 17th-century palace, with traditional decor and six large comfortable rooms.  

Hotel Real Casona de las Amas also has a beautiful deep salted-water pool.  

If you are looking for a relaxing atmosphere or a romantic getaway, pick this hotel to stay on the Rioja wine route.  

The hotel is only 7 km from the spectacular Rioja Alta Golf Course in Cirueña.

Photo is a courtesy of Booking.com

Finca los Arandinos is a winery with a hotel and a spa.  Here, you will have a unique chance to stay at a working Riojan bodega.

Art, modernity, design and views of endless vineyards will surround you. The decor of the 14 rooms was created by a famous Spanish designer David Delfín and an architect Javier Arizcuren.

Local restaurant Tierra serves Riojan cuisine paired with wines pressed from grapes grown outside the hotel.  

 

Palacio de Samaniego is a new hotel of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage in the small village of Samaniego in Rioja Alavesa, about 10 km west of the town of Laguardia.  

The village is surrounded by vineyards and has some of the best views of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range which rises north of Samaniego.

The 18th-century palace was transformed into a luxury hotel which offers nine rooms and suites, a French-Basque restaurant, a terraced garden and a swimming pool. 

Finally, not a luxury hotel in the middle of vineyards, but several apartments in a wine theme in Cenicero, an authentic winemaking town halfway between Haro and Logrono.  The town is home to popular Bodegas Marques de Caceres. 

Rioja Valley Apartments was a highlight of my stay. The apartments are modern and very nicely furnished.

Very caring owners, Soraya and her daughter, make you a gift of Rioja wine and bring a basket of amazing local products for breakfast.  

Check out Rioja Valley Apartments if you need a comfortable and affordable stay in Rioja wine country.  You can choose between apartments with a view of mountains or a ground-floor apartment with a huge patio (recommended).  

Check out the rave reviews! 

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Rioja Wineries to Visit Near Logrono, Spain https://allwinetours.com/rioja-wineries-to-visit-near-logrono/ Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:59:19 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=21868

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja province in Spain. 

The town boasts excellent tapas bars and the widest choice of Rioja wines in the world.

I didn’t find the Rioja wine country to be enormous.  Most wineries in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa wine regions are within 45 minutes drive from the city of Logroño.  

If you are up for a short wine tour during your stay in Logroño, check out my suggestions of wineries below, or join an organized Rioja wine tour.

There are also a few bodegas just in and around Logroño.

Here is the list of the best wineries that you can easily visit on a short taxi ride from the center of Logroño.  You will need an appointment to visit wineries.  Book ahead and go!

Marques de Murrieta is known as the oldest winery in Rioja.

In 1852, upon his return from France, Marques Luciano built the Ygay Castle to resemble a Bordeaux chateau and started making wines in French style.

Since 1983, the estate is owned by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family originating from Galicia. Vicente Cebrián-Sagarriga undertook meticulous restorations of the Ygay Castle and reopened it for guests in 2014.

A visit to Marques de Murrieta winery is definitely a treat. Today, the winery offers one of the best luxury experiences in Rioja, featuring not only top wines but also high-end gastronomic experiences.

During my visit I got to see a museum devoted to the story of Marques Luciano including the actual deed of purchase of the estate. 

You will see how wine was made here in the past. Old winery equipment is carefully restored and you can even see it in action.

Wines of Marques de Murrieta have been rated very highly, including 100 points by Robert Parker, Wine of the Year 2020 by Tim Atkin. Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 was the top 29th Wine of 2019 by James Suckling with 99 points.

The winery is located only 5 kilometers from the center of Logroño, making it for a quick and easy wine tour if you are staying in Logrono or exploring Rioja without a car.

This modern winery built in 2001, is a one-of-a-kind production facility in Rioja.  Based on the principles of sustainable development, Campo Viejo is a traditional winery with an innovative approach.

The winery is open for visits every day of the week.

A typical visit includes a guided tour and a tasting of 3 to 5 wines.

There is also a wine bar open at the bodega, where you can enjoy Campo Viejo with a view of the vineyards.

Bodegas Franco Españolas is located in the city of Logroño. 

The winery was founded by French winemakers in 1890.

Besides wine tastings, the estate offers visiting the hundred-years old cellars where the best vintages are kept. The oldest bottle is dated 1898! 

At Bodegas Franco Españolas you will also find a permanent exhibition of vintage photographs.

Another winery easy to reach from the center of Logroño is Bodegas Olarra.

The winery uses modern techniques, combining them with the Rioja traditional winemaking. 

Wines come from 1,200 hectares of vineyards.

You will be impressed with the ultra-modern Y-shaped wine cellar that contains 25,000 Bordeaux-style casks.

Besides a basic guided tour of the bodega with a tasting of two wines accompanied by a snack, the winery offers you an education tour with an introduction to the art of wine tasting.

Viña Ijalba, founded in 1991, is focusing on ecological wines using traditional techniques of la Rioja.

The philosophy of the winery is based on growing vines on poor soils, limiting production, recuperating historic Rioja grape varieties, and using sustainable agriculture. 

Viña Ijalba is the first bodega in the world to produce wines exclusively of Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanco, Graciano, and Maturana Tinta.

Viña Ijalba offers several interesting visits. You will learn about organic winegrowing techniques, see a natural museum of native varieties of vines in a small vineyard right by the bodega, visit the fermentation vats and the barrel room. The visit ends with a wine-tasting and typical Riojan tapas.

Also, enjoy lunch on a terrace, hop on a bike tour of Rioja vineyards, go kayaking, or simply enjoy a tasting of wines. The tasting program is also available without guided winery visits.

The winery is close to Logroño. It is easy to reach, just make an appointment and go.

See my blog for more tips on visiting Rioja and the vineyards.

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Map of Rioja Wineries Open for Visits https://allwinetours.com/map-of-rioja-wineries-open-for-visitors/ Sat, 15 May 2021 07:29:45 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=20054

I have put the best wine estates in Rioja on the map so you can easily plan your Rioja wine tour.  

To find Rioja wineries offering lunches, accommodation, organic wines or famous for their architecture use the filter button above the map.  Click on a winery name to get more details on visit options, wines and history.

See my article on How to Visit Wineries in Rioja for more helpful tips.

 

 

Remírez de Ganuza
Rioja Alavesa
Bodegas Olarra
Rioja Alta
Gomez Cruzado
Rioja Alta
Bodegas Lecea
Rioja Alta
Campo Viejo
Rioja Alta
Vivanco
Rioja Alta
Buy wine
CVNE
Rioja Alta
Buy wine
Roda
Rioja Alta
La Rioja Alta
Rioja Alta
Buy wine
Muga
Rioja Alta
Buy wine
Buy wine
Vina Real
Rioja Alavesa
Ysios
Rioja Alavesa
Marques de Riscal
Rioja Alavesa
Buy wine
Eguren Ugarte
Rioja Alavesa
Baigorri
Rioja Alavesa
Artadi
Rioja Alavesa
Buy wine

 

If you are staying in Bilbao or San Sebastian, a trip to the Rioja wine region is a great idea.  

The drive to Rioja will take you approximately 1.5 hours by a very scenic route.

Also, I find the drive from Logrono to Haro, two main towns in the Rioja wine region has amazing views. 

Compare local car rental rates at Rentalcars. 

Bodegas Ysios in Rioja Alavesa

These wine tours offer tours to Rioja from San Sebastian:

Rioja wine tours from Bilbao:

Where to Stay in Rioja?

Logroño can be a good base to explore Rioja wine country, however, try to find a hotel away from busy bar streets.   

Haro is where the  famous Train Station District wineries are located.

You can stay in small towns between Haro and Logrono.  My favourite towns are  Laguardia, Briones, San Asensio and Cenicero.

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Top Wineries to Visit in Rioja: A Tour of Bodegas Roda https://allwinetours.com/top-wineries-to-visit-in-rioja-a-tour-of-bodegas-roda-haro/ Sat, 24 Apr 2021 11:49:19 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=18171

Where does Bodegas Roda name come from?

In 1987, Mario Rotllant and Carmen Daurella arrived in La Rioja to start a bodega with a new word in winemaking.  The name RODA combined the two last names of the founders.

How to get to Bodegas Roda?

 

Bodegas Roda, extremely successful today, stands in the Haro Train Station District, next to the historic wineries of Rioja built in the 19th century.   You can get here on foot from the center of Haro in approximately 10-15 minutes, or take a short taxi ride. 

Bodegas Roda is approximately 35 minutes away from Logrono by N-232.

You cannot miss Bodegas Roda in Haro, its sign dominates the Train Station District.  Roda is the first winery that you see entering Haro Train Station District from the highway.

Address: Bodegas Roda, Av. Vizcaya, 5, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

 

The Perdigon vineyard of Bodegas Roda is just outside Haro.  You can see it if you walk along the river Ebro in the direction of Brinas. The Perdigon plot will be on your right side.  Spectacular views all around.

Why to visit Bodegas Roda?

Even though Bodegas Roda is located just next to the historic wineries of Haro, it follows a very different philosophy in everything from the architecture of its building to the approach to winemaking and the style of its wines. 

At Bodegas Roda, the winemakers follow the so-called Bordeaux chateau method, in the sense of using only grapes from the estate-owned parcels to produce wine. Harvesting is done by hand and different vintages are never mixed.

My impression of Bodegas Roda is that it is very similar to a Bordeaux winery just very large. Of course, there are major differences, but this vat room alone made me feel a bit like in the Medoc.

Here, vinification is done in temperature-controlled French oak vats and aging is completed in French oak barrels.

Barrels, hundreds of barrels are everywhere and they are familiarly painted red in the middle. 

A French oak barrel is made of 200-year-old tree, of which only 30% can be used for barrel making.  Barrels are made by hand and then used only for a couple of vintages.  With a cost of a barrel at around 1,000 euros, imagine, the investment and work that goes into only one of these cellars.  But Bodegas Roda has three.

Impressive "Calados"

Besides this impressive modern cellar, you will visit a couple of very unusual ones.

The winery looks very modern on the outside, but it stands on top of “calado”, an underground cellar built in the 19th century.  “Calados” are often found in this area.  

In the past, they were used as cool spaces to keep crops, food and wine. Today, at Bodegas Roda, the underground space is turned into an aging cellar where the wine spends between 6 months and several years.

The top wines of the estate are held in “calados” which have been extended to create a huge underground aging cellar for premium Roda wines (below). 

These cellars are dark and moist creating ideal temperatures for the aging of Rioja wines.

My guide opens the door at the end of the historic calados, and we are on the banks of the river Ebro. This looks like a great spot for tastings and picnics with the views and the river breeze.  

If you are looking for a private tour at Bodegas Roda, look into the Ebro Balcony option.  It includes a tasting of four wines paired with tortilla (Spanish omelet), jamon, salads, and other Riojan delicacies. 

Our tasting was organized in the modern side of the winery, on a terrace with a view of vineyards, Haro on the hill and by a fish pond – another amazing outdoor tasting room.

What kind of wines are made at Bodegas Roda?

Bodegas Roda produces 4 red wines:  Sela, a young wine, two reserva wines, Roda and Roda I as well as a collection gem Cirsion. 

Every year Bodegas Roda sends several people to search for the best old vines in the region which can then be made into Cirsion. They do not find good enough grapes each year, so Cirsion is only made in good years. We tasted 2017 – cherry and violet dominate the palate. Cirsion is a young wine that spends only 8 months aging in new French barrels.  The wine is fruity, fresh, yet has an impressive body and pleasant tannins.  

Besides wines, Bodegas Roda offers tasting of two premium olive oil brands that the owners produce on the island of Majorca.

How to visit Bodegas Roda?

Book your visit to Bodegas Roda online or call them directly to arrange your private tour and tasting.

Happy tasting in Rioja!  Find your Rioja wine tour here.

Where to stay near Bodegas Roda?

The closest town is Haro.  You can pick your Haro stays here.

Alternatively, you can stay in smaller neighboring towns, or in Logrono.

I stayed at Brinas from where I could walk to Roda through an easy road by the side of the Ebro river and the most praised vineyards in Rioja.

See my blog for more great wineries to visit in Rioja and other tips on visiting Rioja vineyards.

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Best Rioja Wineries to Visit in Haro https://allwinetours.com/top-wineries-to-visit-in-haro-la-rioja/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 16:47:22 +0000 https://allwinetours.com/?p=17355

Haro is one of the best spots to stop at if you are looking to visit top wineries in Rioja.  The town is the capital of Rioja wine country. Everything in this small city seems to be about wine production, wineries, and wine shops all around, a moment to a winemaker and even murals.

Haro gained its importance in the 19th century. When France was struck by phylloxera and lost almost all of its vineyards, the Rioja wine growers stood up and became the main providers of wine material for French wineries.  The Haro Train Station was used to ship wines to Bilbao and Santander, the port cities on the Bay of Biscay.  Wine would arrive at these ports by train and then be shipped to Bordeaux by the sea where it would be aged and bottled as French wine.   

This was the reason for the bodegas moving their production close to the train station.

Today, El Barrio de la Estacion de Haro, is the best place for Rioja wine tasting.

For my Rioja wine tour, I stayed in the nearby village of Briones, which is a quick drive from Haro, the capital of the Rioja wine country.  If you are staying in Logrono, Haro is about 30 minutes away by car on a most picturesque road (N-232).

A drive to Haro from San Sebastian or Bilbao will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Wineries in the Haro Train Station District are accessible by foot from the center of Haro and are within 5 minute walks between each other.  See my map of the Rioja wineries for more details.

It is highly recommended to book your visits in advance. Some wineries have group English language tours only at certain times of the day, usually in the morning.

If you only have one day to visit wineries in Haro, I suggest joining a guided tour at one winery and hopping around the area for tastings at several other bodegas.

Also, consider organized Rioja wine tours from Bilbao and San Sebastian. Private tours would pick you up from anywhere in La Rioja or the Basque Country.

Click on winery information boxes to learn more about wine tours and book your visits.

Founded in 1980, the winery is located in the Haro Train Station District.

In my opinion, a visit to La Rioja Alta offers one of the best experiences in the Rioja region. 

You get to see thousands of barrels and millions of aging Rioja bottles and taste their world-famous Reserva wines. The cellars are beautifully renovated and the grounds are lush.

The winery is one of the few in the region with own cooperage, which you will see on your tour.

Wine tours include a guided tasting of 4 wines including two Gran Reserva. At the winery, you can also taste and buy excellent Albarino white wines from a sister winery Galicia.

There is a beautiful wine bar at the bodega if you like to taste more wines.

CVNE, which stands for Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana, or the Wine Company of the Northern Spain, was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest historic wineries in the region.

The fifth generation of the family still runs the winery.

At CVNE, you can taste the widest range of wines. The well-known Cune brand produces a regular range of red Rioja wines, as well as a dry white, rose and semisweet wine.  

CVNE’s top wine Imperial, first made in 1920, uses only grapes from the company’s best vineyards. 

Among other wines, CVNE produces an organic label in young Rioja style.

Bodegas Roda is the most modern and the most Bordeaux-style winery in the Haro Train Station District.

Built in the 1980s right over the 19th century “calado”, the winery impresses you with its modern installations as well as its vast underground cellars.

Bodegas Roda offer guided tours, extended tastings, comparison of Rioja wines with Ribera del Duero wines, tasting of virgin olive oil, and even lunch with wine and local specialties on the terrace overlooking the Ebro river.

The winery owners’ passion for photography led to creating a photo exhibition inside the winery.

If you are up only for a wine tasting, taste innovative Roda wines by the glass at the wine bar.

On a nice day, I would suggest opting for a horse-carriage ride and a tasting in the vineyards.  

You may find more photos and information on visiting Bodegas Roda in my article.

Bodegas Ramon Bilbao is located on the other side of the town of Haro, a few minutes drive from the Haro Train Station District.

In 2020, Ramón Bilbao was named among 50 Most Admired Wine Brands in the World by the Drinks International magazine.

Visit Bodegas Ramon Bilbao to taste excellent wines, to pair them with chocolates and to learn the tasting techniques.

Bodegas Muga Rioja Spain

Bodegas Muga is a family winery founded by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño in 1932. It remains one of the most traditional in Rioja.

For example, the fining process where sediment is removed from wine at the end of aging, is still done at Muga in a traditional way using fresh egg whites stirred into a barrel.  

At Bodegas Muga, you will also be able to see a traditional cooperage.  

Muga offers guided tours and tastings, winery visits on a segway and even a hot air balloon flight over the vineyards of Rioja Alta on a sunrise.

Bodegas Muga has a tasting bar inside the reception hall as well as a separate relaxing garden space. Highly recommended!  

I arrived to Muga after a few other tastings of Rioja tempranillo. A refreshing glass of Muga Cava with jamon was the best to end the memorable day in Haro.

My hosts told me that lunch can be pre-ordered for groups. You get to dine inside the winery in one of the nicely decorated private rooms.

Bodegas Muga Rioja Spain
Bodegas Muga Rioja Spain
Bodegas Gomez Cruzado Rioja Spain

You will find Gómez Cruzado, a  boutique winery, the smallest among the Train Station District bodegas, just next door to Bodegas La Rioja Alta. 

The goal of the young team at the bodega is to produce Rioja fine wines.

The winery is open every day of the week.  

This is an excellent place for tasting red and white wines coming from various areas of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.  Either taste by the glass in a cozy courtyard, or have a guided flight tasting of 5 wines.

Guided visits are available in Spanish or English by prior appointment and last 1.5 hours.

See my blog for more tips on visiting Rioja vineyards.

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