Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

Taking a closely curated look at Rioja’s most striking wineries and architectural marvels, the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour from Bilbao offers an engaging day for lovers of wine, design, and Spanish culture. Priced at $284.46 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour promises visits to Marques de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry and Ysios by Santiago Calatrava, along with a tapas lunch in Laguardia and a walk through its medieval streets.

This experience is ideal for those who want a blend of modern architecture and locally crafted Rioja wines. The small-group nature ensures plenty of personal attention from guides, though note the winery visits will join a larger group, which can mean some shared experiences. The tour receives a high rating of 5.0/5 from 114 reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction and consistent praise for guides, scenery, and wine quality.

Key Points

• Expert-led visits to Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, both architectural landmarks.
• Wine tastings at each winery, including three wines at Marques de Riscal and two wines at Ysios or Javier San Pedro.
• Visit to the medieval village of Laguardia, offering charming streets and underground cellars.
• Included lunch in Laguardia features tapas and local wine.
• Tour duration is about 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am from Bilbao.
• Small group size (up to 7 travelers), with larger groups joining at winery visits.

The Start Point and Schedule for a Full Day of Rioja

The tour departs from Islares Restaurant, located at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 65 bis, Bilbao, at 8:30 am. It begins with a guided tour of Bodegas Marques de Riscal, a famous winery designed by Frank Gehry, renowned for its innovative architecture and excellent wines. Expect to taste three different wines during the visit, making this a highlight for both architecture enthusiasts and wine lovers.

The day continues in Laguardia, a well-preserved medieval village. The first stop here is the Ysios winery, designed by Santiago Calatrava, with its roof mimicking the Sierra Cantabria mountain range—a clever architectural feature that also helps create the Rioja microclimate. If Ysios isn’t open, the group visits Javier San Pedro winery instead. At either location, a guided tasting with two remarkable wines and an aperitif—typically Iberian ham—is included.

The tour then offers a lunch break with local tapas and wine, allowing participants to enjoy traditional flavors amid the scenic backdrop of Laguardia. The final stop involves a walk through Laguardia’s walled, medieval streets, featuring underground cellars and a chance to appreciate the village’s beauty and history firsthand.

Exploring Marques de Riscal — The Architectural Icon

The Marques de Riscal winery is the first major stop, inviting a guided visit to one of Rioja’s most famous architectural landmarks. Designed by Frank Gehry, this building is instantly recognizable for its curving titanium roof and innovative design. Beyond its visual impact, the winery produces a variety of delicious Rioja wines, with three sampled during the visit.

Visitors enjoy learning about the winemaking process and the history of the estate, all while surrounded by Gehry’s distinctive architecture. The wine tasting here lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and the admission fee is included in the tour price. This stop appeals equally to architecture lovers and wine connoisseurs.

Ysios Winery: Santiago Calatrava’s Architectural Masterpiece

Next, the tour takes you to Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The winery’s structure features a roof that resembles the Sierra Cantabria mountain range, which is both aesthetic and functional, helping to shape the Rioja microclimate. The visit includes a tutored tasting of two wines, accompanied by an aperitif such as Iberian ham.

If Ysios isn’t open, the group visits the Javier San Pedro winery located nearby. Either way, the focus remains on remarkable architecture paired with quality wine, offering a visually inspiring experience that complements the tasting.

Lunch in Laguardia: Traditional Tapas and Local Wines

The tour offers a relaxed, authentic lunch in Laguardia, a beautiful old town famous for its walled streets and underground cellars. The lunch includes simple tapas and local wines, providing a delicious taste of regional cuisine. It’s an opportunity to unwind, chat about the morning’s sights, and enjoy Laguardia’s charming atmosphere.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the food and wine, emphasizing that the lunch complements the overall experience. The 1.5-hour stop is paced well enough to enjoy the scenic town without feeling rushed.

Exploring Laguardia’s Medieval Charm

After lunch, the group embarks on a walk through Laguardia, renowned as one of the most picturesque villages in La Rioja. The walled city features underground cellars and wineries, which are integral to Rioja’s wine tradition. The walk lasts about an hour, during which visitors can admire the stone buildings, narrow streets, and historic atmosphere.

This part of the tour appeals especially to those interested in history, architecture, and local culture. It’s an ideal way to see a living snapshot of Rioja’s heritage while enjoying the scenic views.

Logistics, Group Size, and Comfort

The tour starts at 8:30 am, with transportation provided by a comfortable, clean van. The group size is limited to 7 travelers, but note that the winery visits are shared with a larger group, allowing for a more intimate experience during the coach portions. The meeting point is centrally located in Bilbao, making it convenient for most travelers.

Included in the tour are bottled water, professional guides, and all entrance fees. The tour’s pacing is well-balanced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the sights, tastings, and meals without feeling rushed.

The Experience of the Guides and Overall Atmosphere

Reviews consistently praise the guides, especially Marina and Jon, for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to share interesting insights about both the wines and local architecture. The guides excel at explaining the significance of each building and bringing regional history to life.

Participants note that the tour maintains a lively and friendly atmosphere, with ample opportunity to ask questions and learn in an informal setting. The small-group format adds to the personalized feel, making the day more engaging.

Value and Overall Impression

At $284.46 per person, the tour offers excellent value given the premium wineries visited, architectural highlights, and included meals and tastings. The high ratings and numerous positive reviews reflect consistent satisfaction.

While the wine and architecture are top-tier, potential participants should be aware that the winery visits are shared with larger groups, which could influence the intimacy during some parts. The guides’ expertise and the scenic stops make this a well-rounded day out for those keen on culture, design, and wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?
Yes, lunch with tapas and wine is included as part of the tour, providing a local dining experience in Laguardia.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am from Bilbao and returning around the same time in the evening.

Are the winery visits suitable for all ages?
The tour is designed for most travelers, but wine tastings are adult-oriented, and participants should be comfortable with walking and some standing.

What are the main architectural features I will see?
You will visit Marques de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry, and Ysios, by Santiago Calatrava—both famous for their innovative, eye-catching structures.

Is the tour suitable for someone interested in history?
Absolutely. The walk through Laguardia’s medieval streets and visits to underground cellars provide a rich historical context alongside architectural and culinary highlights.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 42 days in advance, but early reservations are advisable to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

This Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour from Bilbao combines modern architectural masterpieces with world-class Rioja wines and authentic regional culture. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting an immersive, visually stunning, and flavorful day in Spain’s famed wine region.