Private tour Bilbao to La Rioja A day of Winery Tours and Tasting

Discover the Private Bilbao to La Rioja Wine Tour for True Connoisseurs

This private tour from Bilbao to La Rioja offers an expertly curated experience for wine enthusiasts seeking a personalized journey through Spain’s most iconic wine region. For $286.60 per person, travelers enjoy an 8 to 9-hour day that includes visits to two distinctive wineries, sampling eight different wines, and exploring the historic village of Laguardia. The tour features pick-up service, group discounts, and mobile tickets, making planning straightforward.

While designed for most travelers, the tour’s pace, involving walking and standing at wineries and Laguardia’s attractions, suits those comfortable with moderate physical activity. The personalized nature and careful selection of wineries supported by guides with strong relationships in the region ensure an intimate experience. This tour truly shines for those eager to understand Spanish wine traditions while enjoying breathtaking scenery and authentic local hospitality.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience with no other groups involved
• Visit two different wineries in La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa, each offering unique styles
• Taste 8 wines across the two wineries, with food pairings at each stop
• Includes a tour of Laguardia, a medieval village with a castle and caves
• Flexible lunch options available after the tours, with no fixed menu
• Convenient pickup service from Bilbao and most travelers can participate

Departure and Meeting Arrangements in Bilbao

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am in Bilbao, with pickup offered from specified locations. This flexibility helps streamline the day, avoiding the hassle of navigating public transport. Since it’s a private activity, only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed and tailored experience. The service animals are permitted, and confirmation of booking is immediate, providing reassurance for planning.

Exploring La Rioja: Wineries and Their Unique Charm

During the day, you will visit two wineries—one in La Rioja and one in Rioja Alavesa. Each winery boasts a distinct character and winemaking style, allowing for a diverse tasting experience. The admission tickets are included, and snacks or food pairings are provided at each stop, enhancing the tasting journey. Sampling 8 different wines means plenty of opportunities to discover new favorites, from Crianza to Gran Reserva.

The guides are praised for their personal relationships with the wineries, which translates into more engaging and comfortable tours. These relationships often lead to better access and more genuine tastings, elevating the experience beyond standard visits.

The Charm of Laguardia: Castle, Caves, and Medieval Streets

A highlight of this tour is the visit to Laguardia, a medieval village with a castle tower and caves. The private tour of these historic sites lasts about one hour, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the architecture and history. The village’s narrow streets and centuries-old buildings make for memorable photos and a taste of traditional Spanish life.

This stop offers a break from wine tasting, enriching the day with cultural insights and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The guide’s storytelling brings the town’s history to life, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.

What’s Included: A Well-Prepared Tasting Experience

The tour package includes visits and tours of two wineries, with eight wine tastings overall. You also receive food pairings or snacks at each winery, complementing the wines and enhancing the tasting experience. A tour of Laguardia rounds out the day with cultural exploration.

Bottled water is provided throughout the day, keeping guests refreshed. While lunch is not included, there are restaurant reservations available, with the freedom to choose dishes rather than opting for a preset menu. This flexibility appeals to those with specific dietary preferences or simply wanting a more relaxed, personalized meal.

Comfort and Accessibility of the Tour

Designed for most travelers, the tour involves some walking at wineries and within Laguardia. Because it’s a private experience, it can be adjusted slightly to suit individual needs, making it suitable for those who enjoy a moderate pace. The pickup service reduces logistical concerns, and most participants find the day manageable and comfortable.

The Value of a Private Wine Tour in La Rioja

At $286.60 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized attention and exclusive access to two boutique wineries. Several reviews highlight the cost-effectiveness, noting they spent less than other tours for similar experiences, plus the chance to buy wines directly from the wineries with the guide’s assistance.

The guided visits and professional explanations also add educational value, making the day as informative as it is enjoyable.

The Guide Experience: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Reviews consistently praise the guides for being professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They provide contextual stories about wine production, regional history, and the specific wineries visited. Guests appreciate how guides foster a welcoming atmosphere, helping them feel comfortable asking questions and engaging directly with the winemakers.

The guides’ personal relationships with wineries often translate into enhanced tours and more generous tastings, which many find to be a major highlight.

Flexibility and Booking: Planning Your Day

This private tour can be booked 46 days in advance on average, giving ample time to plan ahead. The full cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind. Additional lunch options can be arranged post-tour, giving travelers flexibility to customize their day.

Why This Tour Stands Out from Other Wine Experiences

Unlike larger group tours, this private experience ensures intimacy and customization. The careful selection of wineries—including boutique vineyards—provides a distinctive tasting journey. The inclusion of Laguardia’s historic sites makes it more than just a wine tour, adding cultural depth.

On top of that, reviews highlight how the guides’ expertise and personal touch create a warm, informative environment. The value for money and excellent logistics make this tour an attractive option for those seeking a comprehensive, relaxed day in La Rioja.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Personalized Wine Journey

This private Bilbao to La Rioja wine tour offers a focused, well-organized day that balances wine tasting, cultural exploration, and scenic views. It appeals especially to wine lovers who want a personalized experience with expert guides and authentic winery visits.

While lunch is not included, the flexibility to choose a preferred restaurant after the tours adds to its appeal. The excellent reviews, highlighting knowledgeable guides, beautiful wineries, and affordable prices, reinforce its value.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate exclusive access and want to understand Spanish wines while enjoying the charm of Laguardia. It suits travelers seeking a balanced day of education, tasting, and cultural discovery in Spain’s premier wine region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, with the tour involving some walking and standing, making it suitable for most physically able individuals.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers visits and tours of two wineries, eight wine tastings, food pairings at each winery, a tour of Laguardia, and bottled water.

Can I customize the lunch?
Yes, the tour offers a reservaion at a restaurant where you can choose dishes freely; no fixed menu is enforced.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book around 46 days in advance, ensuring availability and planning flexibility.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on this private tour.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours before the start time; late cancellations are non-refundable.