Semi-Private Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao

Discover the charm of Spain’s celebrated Rioja wine region with this semi-private tour departing from Bilbao. Priced at $355.48 per person, the tour spans 8 to 9 hours and includes visits to three distinguished wineries, a renowned hotel designed by Frank Gehry, and a delicious sampling of local foods. The group size is limited to seven travelers, ensuring an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides. With round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle and full insurance coverage, this tour offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to explore Rioja’s finest. Booking typically occurs 93 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among those seeking a comprehensive wine adventure.

While this tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts and those eager to learn about Rioja’s winemaking, it might be less suitable for travelers seeking a more flexible or less structured experience, as the schedule is well-paced and involved.

Key Points

• Visit three premium wineries including an underground cellar and boutique family estates
• Sample 9-10 top-tier wines along with olive oil, chorizo, bread, and cheese
• See the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal and take photos of this architectural highlight
• Enjoy a traditional lunch or pintxos in the medieval town of Laguardia
• Transportation, guide, and all tastings included in the $355.48 price
• Tour groups are small, capped at 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience

Exclusive Visit to a Subterranean Rioja Winery

The tour begins with a visit to a remarkable underground winery beneath a centuries-old village in the Ebro Valley. This special winery features a 1-hour guided tour where premium wines, only available to visitors, are tasted during three separate samplings. The underground setting offers a glimpse into traditional wine cellaring techniques, making it a standout stop for those interested in wine production.

This free admission stop is unique for its subterranean environment, offering a different perspective from surface wineries. The highlight is the exclusive access to high-quality wines that cannot be sampled elsewhere. Visitors typically appreciate the rich atmosphere and the chance to observe authentic wine-aging caves.

Tasting at Boutique Family-Run Wineries in Samaniego

Next, the itinerary takes guests to boutique wineries in Samaniego, where family ownership shines through every aspect of the tasting experience. Here, the focus is on premium wines produced from old vines, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.

Visitors also get to sample limited-quantity olive oil alongside fresh bread, cheese, and chorizo, adding a sensory dimension to the wine tastings. These stops are appreciated for their personalized approach and the enthusiasm of the owners, who often share stories about their families and traditions. The 1 hour 30 minutes spent at these wineries offers a relaxed pace to savor the flavors and learn about different winemaking styles.

La Rioja Village of Laguardia and Its Historic Charm

After the winery visits, the tour moves to the 10th-century village of Laguardia for a lunch break. Guests can choose between dining at a local restaurant or enjoying pintxos and tapas at a traditional bar, depending on preferences.

Following lunch, a leisurely walk through the medieval streets provides photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the historic architecture. From the town, stunning views of the Ebro Valley are visible, making this stop a highlight for scenery lovers. The 2-hour stop allows ample time for sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine.

Viewing the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal

The tour’s architectural highlight is a quick visit to the famous Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry. The 10-minute stop offers guests photo opportunities of this iconic, avant-garde building set amidst the vineyards.

Guests also walk through the vineyard areas surrounding the hotel, gaining a sense of the expansive wine estate. The hotel’s distinctive titanium panels and innovative design make it a must-see photo spot for travelers interested in modern architecture and wine tourism.

Sampling Wines and Local Delicacies Across Three Esteemed Wineries

Throughout the day, guests enjoy 9 to 10 tastings of top-tier wines from three different wineries. These wines are carefully selected to showcase the best of Rioja’s offerings, often including reserve wines and limited editions.

Along With wine, the tour emphasizes local foods—olive oil, chorizo, cheese, and fresh bread—which enhance the tasting experience. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making each tasting engaging and informative.

Seamless Transportation and Expert Guides

All transportation is arranged by luxury vehicle, with round-trip transfer included, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The tour is led by a fully insured, licensed, multilingual guide, who shares insights into Rioja’s wine culture, local history, and architecture.

Meeting points are conveniently located at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Bilbao, with the tour starting promptly at 8:30 am. The group size remains small, capped at 7 travelers, which fosters a more personal and engaging experience.

Flexible Schedule with Lunch in Laguardia

The lunch or pintxos break in Laguardia offers a relaxed atmosphere, with options to enjoy a local restaurant or casual tapas bar. This stop not only provides a culinary break but also a chance to stroll through the medieval streets and take panoramic photos of the surrounding Ebro Valley.

The 2-hour period allows enough time for both dining and sightseeing, making it a balanced part of the day’s itinerary. Visitors often remark on the charming ambiance of Laguardia and the stunning views from this historic town.

Visiting a Modern Architectural Landmark

The Hotel Marques de Riscal’s visit is brief but impactful. Guests walk through the vineyards and admire Gehry’s innovative design, which has become a symbol of luxury wine tourism. The quick photo stop is perfect for capturing the modern curves against a rustic vineyard backdrop.

This stop complements the traditional winery visits, combining architecture and landscape in a way that appeals to fans of both design and wine.

Small Group, Personalized Experience

With a maximum of 7 travelers, this tour guarantees a personalized and comfortable experience. The small groups foster more interaction with the guide, who shares detailed stories and answers questions thoroughly.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeability and friendliness of guides like Irene, Olaia, and Zach, whose enthusiasm makes the day more engaging. The small group size also means less waiting and more time to enjoy each stop.

The Overall Value of the Rioja Wine Tour

At $355.48 per person, the tour covers transport, all tastings, local delicacies, and expert guidance. The inclusion of three diverse wineries, a historic town, and an architectural marvel makes it a well-rounded experience.

While some may find the price high, the quality of visits, small group intimacy, and premium wines justify the cost for wine lovers and those seeking an immersive Rioja experience. The full-day itinerary offers a good balance of tasting, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Final Thoughts on the Rioja from Bilbao Experience

This semi-private Rioja tour stands out with its well-curated stops, expert guides, and small group size. The combination of underground cellars, boutique wineries, and iconic architecture creates a comprehensive wine journey in Rioja.

The flexibility of the stops, the attention to detail in tastings, and the beautiful scenery make this tour particularly appealing. It’s suited for those who want a high-quality, personal experience that combines wine tasting with cultural discovery.

While the price may be a consideration, the in-depth visits, delicious local foods, and stunning views make it a worthwhile choice for serious wine enthusiasts or visitors eager to explore Rioja’s best. This tour offers a balanced blend of tradition, modernity, and scenic beauty for a memorable day away from Bilbao.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $355.48 fee covers transportation, round-trip transfer, guiding, and 9-10 wine tastings, along with olive oil, chorizo, bread, and cheese at the winery visits.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Bilbao in the evening.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, but there is a lunch or pintxos stop in Laguardia, where guests can choose their preferred dining option.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include a subterranean winery in Haro, boutique family wineries in Samaniego, the medieval town of Laguardia for lunch and sightseeing, and the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal for photos and vineyard walks.

Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by multi-lingual guides praised for their knowledgeability and friendly approach. Notable guides include Irene, Olaia, and Zach.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 7 travelers, ensuring an intimate, personalized experience.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from Bilbao is included, with the meeting point at the Radisson Collection Hotel.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small group format, visit to an underground winery, and the architectural visit to Gehry’s hotel are unique features that set this experience apart for those seeking depth and quality in Rioja wine touring.