Yécora (Álava): Guided tour of Bodega Solar de Ibalonja and municipal ice house.

Explore the Charm of Yécora’s Solar de Ibalonja Winery and Historic Ice House

This 1.5-hour guided tour offers an authentic look into Rioja Alavesa’s wine heritage at the Solar de Ibalonja, a family winery located in the village of Yécora, just 10 minutes from Logroño. The tour combines a visit to the winery with a chance to taste both young and aged wines, mainly crafted from Tempranillo grapes. A key highlight is the opportunity to experience the municipal ice house, a 17th-century underground space used historically for storing snow and preserving food.

This experience is ideal for those curious about regional wine production, local history, and heritage sites. While the tour is relatively short, it offers a deep dive into traditional techniques and regional character, making it a worthwhile visit for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Keep in mind that the guide operates in Spanish, and the tour runs on a flexible schedule with full cancellation rights if plans change.

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Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick but meaningful visit
• Location: Solar de Ibalonja winery and Yécora village, Rioja Alavesa
• Visit includes: Wine tasting of young and aged wines, mainly Tempranillo
• Special feature: Tour of the 17th-century municipal ice house of cultural significance
• Guide language: Conducted in Spanish
• Booking flexibility: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

The Family Winery in the Heart of Rioja Alavesa

Solar de Ibalonja is a family-run winery located in the charming village of Yécora, an area renowned for quality Rioja wines. The winery’s intimate setting emphasizes traditional methods and regional character, mainly producing Tempranillo wines known for their full body and intense fruity aromas. The location in Rioja Alavesa situates visitors close to Logroño, making it easy to include in a broader wine or cultural itinerary.

This tour provides insights into family winemaking traditions and allows visitors to observe the winemaking process firsthand. The small size of the winery contributes to a personalized experience, where the owners share their passion and expertise.

Discovering the Historic Municipal Ice House

A standout element of the tour is the visit to the municipal ice house, a 17th-century underground structure that once stored snow under ice and straw to preserve food through the seasons. The impressive space, almost ten meters high, remains a rare example of heritage architecture of its type in La Rioja.

Today, this heritage site serves as a cultural landmark and adds a unique historical dimension to the tour. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenious methods used centuries ago to preserve food naturally, providing a tangible link to traditional life in the region.

Wine Tasting in a 17th-Century Underground Space

The highlight of the tour is the wine tasting session held inside the old ice house. Surrounded by stone walls and historic ambiance, the tasting features young wines and aged varieties mainly crafted from Tempranillo grapes, recognized for their region-specific profile with great body and ripe fruit aromas.

This unusual setting enhances the sensory experience, allowing participants to enjoy the wines in a space where history and tradition are palpable. The winery owners take pride in explaining the characteristics of each wine, making it accessible for those new to Rioja wines or seasoned connoisseurs alike.

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Logistics and Meeting Details

This guided tour begins at Bodegas Ibañez Vazquez in front of the warehouse at the coordinates 42.569480895996094, -2.4703028202056885. The group size is small, fostering a personalized experience. The tour includes a comprehensive visit to the winery and the historic ice house, with the guide providing detailed commentary in Spanish.

Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if cancellations are made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour duration is set at 1.5 hours, making it manageable for those with limited time or as part of a broader day trip.

The Authentic Experience of Rioja Alavesa

This tour offers more than just wine tasting; it combines local heritage, family traditions, and historical architecture into a cohesive experience. Visitors can expect to learn about the region’s winemaking techniques, appreciate the cultural importance of the municipal ice house, and taste wines that exemplify Rioja Alavesa’s character.

The setting in Yécora enhances the sense of authenticity, away from larger commercial wineries. The focus on traditional methods and the heritage site makes this a distinctive stop for anyone interested in regional history and wine culture.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This guided experience suits wine enthusiasts seeking insight into local production and heritage sites. It is also perfect for history lovers, especially those curious about historic food preservation methods. The short duration makes it suitable for visitors with limited time in the area, and the small group size offers an intimate, engaging atmosphere.

However, since the tour is conducted in Spanish, non-Spanish speakers should consider this when booking. The informative guides and unique setting provide a memorable glimpse into Rioja Alavesa’s tradition without the need for advanced wine knowledge.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Rioja Experience in Yécora

The guided tour of Solar de Ibalonja offers a compact yet immersive look into family winemaking and local heritage. The highlight remains the wine tasting in the historic ice house, a rare and charming venue that brings history into the present.

While the duration is brief, the quality of the wines and the personal stories shared by the owners make it a worthwhile visit, especially for those interested in regional culture. The flexible booking options and full cancellation policy add convenience for travelers planning their trip.

This tour suits wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting to experience the authentic character of Rioja Alavesa in a traditional setting. Expect warm hospitality, heritage insights, and delicious wines in a genuinely local environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
The tour is conducted in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might need a translator or additional support to fully enjoy the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour begin?
It starts in front of Bodegas Ibañez Vazquez at the coordinates 42.569480895996094, -2.4703028202056885.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

What is included in the wine tasting?
Participants taste young and aged wines, mainly Tempranillo, celebrated for their full body and ripe fruit aromas.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour features a small group, promoting a personalized experience.

Is the ice house accessible?
Yes, visitors explore the 17th-century underground ice house, a heritage site open during the tour.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of wine tasting with a visit to a heritage ice house offers a distinctive look at Rioja Alavesa’s traditions.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made online, with options to reserve now and pay later.

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