From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour

Key Points

• Discover modern and historic Rioja architecture with tours of Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries
• Taste a variety of Rioja wines, including white, Crianza, and Reserva styles
• Explore the medieval village of LaGuardia, walking through its cobblestone streets
• Enjoy a traditional Riojano lunch with three pintxos paired with local wine
• Small group experience limited to 7 participants for a more personalized trip
• Comfortable transportation and expert guide make the day seamless and informative

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Starts at Bilbao’s Guggenheim Taxi Rank

This 8-hour tour departs from Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum taxi rank, located at Alameda Mazarredo, 66. The tour begins with a comfortable ride to Rioja, where the focus is on both modern architecture and traditional wine tasting. The group size is limited to just 7 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience, guided by an English-speaking expert. The cost is $278 per person, with flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Visiting the Iconic Marques de Riscal Winery by Frank Gehry

The highlight of the day is the visit to Marques de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry. This building’s titanium, stainless steel, wood, and sandstone structure is recognized worldwide for its stunning modern architecture. Inside, visitors taste the white wine, Crianza red, and the award-winning Rioja Reserva. The visit showcases both the architectural marvel and the rich winemaking tradition of Rioja.

Exploring Ysios Winery and Its Architectural Features

Next, the tour takes you to Ysios Winery, which features a roof designed to resemble the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. This structure offers spectacular photo opportunities and a chance to observe innovative architectural design. Depending on availability, the group might visit Ysios or an alternative winery. The visit emphasizes the aesthetic and functional aspects of wine cellars in Rioja.

Optional Visit to Smaller Boutique Wineries

In case Riscal and Ysios are fully booked, the guide provides an alternative experience at smaller boutique wineries. These visits tend to offer a more personalized tasting experience, often with better care and attention. This substitution ensures that everyone receives quality wine tastings even during busy periods, with up to 20 people in the group at the wineries.

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Walk Through LaGuardia’s Medieval Streets

A key part of the tour is a walk through LaGuardia, a medieval town with cobbled streets and historic charm. The visit offers a glimpse into traditional Rioja life, with the opportunity to appreciate the medieval architecture and local atmosphere. This stop adds a historic contrast to the modern winery visits and is appreciated for its authentic charm.

Tasting a Traditional Riojano Lunch with Pintxos and Rioja

The meal features three pintxos — small, flavorful tapas-style dishes typical of the Basque and Riojan regions. These are paired with Rioja wines, including local reds. The lunch provides a delicious break amid the wine tasting and sightseeing, highlighting local flavors and culinary traditions.

Transportation and Guide Expertise

All transportation during the tour is included, making logistics straightforward. The live guide ensures you understand the history, architecture, and wine-making process, adding depth to each stop. The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach are consistently praised, with some reviews highlighting their impeccable English and willingness to accommodate.

Practical Considerations and What’s Not Included

This tour does not include pickup and drop-off from Bilbao, so participants should plan to meet at the designated Guggenheim taxi rank. The visit to wineries may involve groups of up to 20 people, though the overall tour remains a small group experience. The entire activity is 8 hours long, making it suitable for those who want a full, immersive day in Rioja.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this from Bilbao experience stand out is the combination of modern architectural marvels with traditional wine tasting and a historic village walk. The visit to Frank Gehry’s Marques de Riscal is particularly notable for its visual impact. The tour’s flexibility—offering alternative winery visits when needed—adds to its reliability and personalized feel.

A Final Word on the Experience

This tour is well-suited for wine lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and those interested in Rioja’s cultural heritage. The small group size and expert guide help create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. Pricing at $278 reflects the inclusion of wineries, tastings, transportation, and lunch.

While not including transportation from Bilbao, the meeting point is conveniently located at the Guggenheim Museum. The experience promises to deliver stunning architecture, excellent wines, and a taste of local Riojan life—making it a worthwhile choice for a full-day exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can check availability, and booking is flexible with the reserve now, pay later feature.

Are wine tastings included?
Yes, the tour includes guided tastings of multiple Rioja wines at both wineries, plus a flight guide tasting of four wines if Riscal or Ysios are fully booked.

Is there any physical requirement for the walk through LaGuardia?
The walk involves cobblestone streets in LaGuardia, but it is typically manageable for most people.

What is the size of the group?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a small-group experience with personalized attention.

Does the tour include transportation?
Transportation during the day is included, but pickup and drop-off from Bilbao are not part of the package.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and a camera for photos of the architecture are recommended.

This from Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour combines modern design, traditional wine culture, and historic charm into a well-rounded day perfect for those eager to explore Rioja in depth.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby