If you’re seeking a comprehensive Rioja wine tour starting from Bilbao, this Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch offers an engaging day of wine tasting, striking architecture, and local cuisine. Priced at $326.38 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for those eager to explore the region’s best wineries in one day. With full winery tours at Marques de Riscal and Ysios, plus visits to historic towns like Laguardia and Labastida, this experience combines cultural exploration with wine indulgence. The tour operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with the option to customize pick-up and drop-off locations when booked through the official website.

Though the group size is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience, note that tours at Marques de Riscal are conducted in English, even though guides speak Spanish. This tour is perfect for wine lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in tasting some of the region’s finest wines paired with local bites. A highlight is the full tour of the renowned Marques de Riscal winery, often considered the second best in the world, and the iconic Ysios building, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Key Points

Full winery tour at Marques de Riscal, rated as the second best winery worldwide, with tastings of 3 premium wines
Visit to Ysios winery, famed for its stunning architecture by Santiago Calatrava, with tastings of 2 premium wines
Includes a three-course Rioja lunch with vegetarian options, desserts, and local wines
Stops at historic towns like Laguardia and Labastida, offering charming scenery and photo opportunities
Convenient pick-up and drop-off options in Bilbao, with flexible arrangements if booked through the official website
Small group size (max 8) ensures a personalized, intimate experience

Exploring the Rioja Wine Route from Bilbao

This tour begins with a scenic hour and a half drive from Bilbao to the heart of Rioja wine country, providing spectacular views along the way. The first stop is Marques de Riscal, a truly iconic winery praised as the best winery in the world. Here, a full winery tour guides visitors through the historic cellars and modern facilities, culminating in a tasting of three of their finest wines paired with local snacks. The blend of historical and contemporary architecture emphasizes the winery’s reputation as a must-see destination.

The experience continues at Ysios winery, celebrated for its striking building designed by Santiago Calatrava. Visitors have the chance to tour the building and sample two premium wines alongside cheese, serrano ham, and cold meats. The architectural design of Ysios makes it one of the most recognizable structures in the region, adding a visual highlight to the tasting experience.

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Discovering Laguardia’s Medieval Charm

Following the wine tastings, the tour takes a 30-minute stop in Laguardia, a medieval walled town known for its cobbled streets and historic atmosphere. This visit offers an opportunity to capture photographs of the ancient walls and charming town squares. It’s a brief, free stop but adds a layer of cultural depth to the day.

Authentic Rioja Cuisine in Labastida

The highlight for many is the three-course lunch in Labastida or nearby towns, included in the tour price. This meal offers a taste of regional cuisine, with options for vegetarians, and features wine and dessert to complement the dishes. The lunch is designed to be comfortable and delicious, giving guests a chance to relax and enjoy the flavors of Rioja.

Scenic Return to Bilbao via Alava Province

The return drive from Labastida to Bilbao takes about an hour and a half, offering more picturesque views of the Basque countryside. This segment provides a relaxed finish to a day filled with wine, architecture, and regional culture.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour starts at the Bertiz Cafe Bakery in Bilbao at 8:30 am, with a mobile ticket issued upon booking. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, fostering an intimate environment. The tour includes full winery visits, tastings, a local snack platter, and the three-course lunch. Not included are gratuities, which are optional but appreciated.

Guests can be picked up or dropped off in different cities, such as San Sebastian or Rioja, but only when booking through the official website. For those staying in Bilbao, pickup and drop-off are only available within the city.

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Considerations and Tips

While most travelers find the tasting experiences and architecture impressive, an important note from a review mentions a confusion with the pickup location, leading to some concern. It’s advisable to confirm pickup details directly with the provider. The tours at Marques de Riscal are conducted in English, though guides speak Spanish, so non-English speakers should be aware.

The free cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind. The weather-dependent nature of outdoor visits means cancellations for poor weather are possible, with rescheduling or refunds provided.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This full-day Rioja experience provides more than just wine tastings; it combines cultural exploration, stunning architecture, and regional cuisine, all within a small-group setting. The full winery tours at Marques de Riscal and Ysios are the highlights, showcasing world-class wines and design. The inclusion of a traditional Rioja lunch further enhances the value.

While the cost may seem high, the comprehensive itinerary, personalized service, and access to iconic wineries make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting to delve deeply into Rioja’s wine and culture.

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Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao

5.0

(18)

100% 5-star

“Great day. Great experience. Only small quibble was the morning pickup arrangement. The driver changed the location from the one advertised, but n…”

— WardJ W, Apr 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes full visits at Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, tastings of 3 and 2 premium wines, local snacks, a three-course Rioja lunch, and visits to Laguardia and Labastida.

Are the winery visits conducted in English?
Yes, marques de Riscal tours are in English, while guides at Ysios speak Spanish.

Can I book a tour on a different day?
Yes, the tour runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you need a different date, contact the provider.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8, ensuring a more personal experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bertiz Cafe Bakery in Bilbao at 8:30 am and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through wineries and towns. No specific gear is required.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for the three-course lunch.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour, with free cancellation.

Are there any additional costs?
Gratuities are not included but are optional and appreciated.

Can I be picked up in a different city?
Yes, but only if booked through the official website and arranged in advance.

Is this tour accessible for everyone?
Most travelers can participate; specific accessibility details are not provided but consider walking through towns and wineries.

This Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour offers a well-rounded day of wine, sightseeing, and regional flavors, making it an excellent choice for wine aficionados and cultural explorers alike.