La Rioja in Spain isn’t just about pretty vineyards and wine bottles; it’s a place where you can really dive into the local wine culture, explore historic towns, and enjoy authentic food. What makes La Rioja special is its blend of world-class wine production with charming small towns and family-run wineries. We especially love the Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour for its personalized experience and the chance to visit medieval towns, or the Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao, which offers an intimate glimpse into boutique wineries. Whether you’re a serious connoisseur or just curious about Spanish wine, La Rioja delivers a full flavor of what this region has to offer.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights nine fantastic tours, including private tastings, guided winery visits, farm tours, and even a sensory experience. These options range from a full-day private wine tour to intimate visits at family wineries and cultural tastings. Each experience is tailored to different interests and budgets, offering insight into La Rioja’s winemaking traditions and local cuisine. Read on to find the perfect match for your trip.
1. Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour
At number 1, this full-day private wine tasting tour combines visits to two intriguing cellars with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. It’s ideal if you want a comprehensive, personalized experience that balances wine, food, and culture. Your guide will take you behind the scenes of two wineries renowned for their quality, letting you explore the winemaking process and sample top-tier Rioja wines. The day also includes visits to medieval towns, adding a historical touch.
What sets this tour apart is the attention to detail and the tailored approach. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, Daniel, who shared local insights and helped plan future trips like a pro. The lunches are authentic, with regional dishes that complement the wines perfectly. Priced at $447 per person, it’s an investment in an immersive, hassle-free experience that’s rated 5/5 based on 11 reviews.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a private, in-depth tour that combines wine, food, and history in a single day.
2. Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao
For around $255, the Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao offers an intimate look at some of the region’s best boutique wineries, rated 4.8/5. This tour is highly rated as the #1 operator in Bilbao, emphasizing a semi-private group experience that caters to your needs.
During this 8-hour journey, you’ll visit carefully selected wineries with 9-10 tastings in total, enjoying architecture, scenery, and the nuances of each cellar. The guide is flexible and attentive, making the experience feel personal and engaging. Reviews highlight the quality of the visits, some mentioning the cellar tours and tastings as unforgettable, despite a few minor issues with acoustics at one site.
This tour is suited for those who want to explore multiple wineries without the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace. It’s a good choice for wine enthusiasts who appreciate boutique wineries and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Bottom Line: An excellent, intimate way to taste a variety of wines from small producers with a knowledgeable guide.
3. Discover La Rioja: Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting
This short, 1.5-hour tour offers a quick but insightful visit to a winery located between Logroño and Saragozza. For just $32, you’ll learn the secrets of winemaking from a sommelier, who will introduce you to two local red wines and some regional snacks.
What makes this experience special is its focused approach—perfect for travelers passing through or those who want a taste of La Rioja without a full-day commitment. The guide shares engaging insights about the wine production process, making it accessible even if you’re new to wine tasting.
While brief, this tour is highly rated with three reviews, and travelers love the opportunity to sample local wines in a relaxed setting. It’s a good option if your schedule is tight or if you prefer a casual, educational experience.
Bottom Line: An affordable, quick introduction to Rioja wines with a friendly guide and local snacks.
4. Rioja: Wine tasting and sampling at the Martínez Alesanco family winery
At number 4, this experience offers a personal visit to a family-owned winery just 10 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Yuso and Suso monasteries. The Martínez Alesanco winery provides a tasting of four wines paired with local “kilometer zero” appetizers, all in a warm, family atmosphere.
Rated 5/5 by two reviewers, the highlights include seeing the authentic process of wine production and learning about the family’s dedication to quality and tradition. The tour is intimate and allows for plenty of interaction, making it ideal for those seeking a genuine connection to the region’s viticulture. Visitors note the hospitality and love for wine that shine through.
Priced at $21 per person for 1.5 hours, this is an outstanding value for those wanting to experience La Rioja’s family wineries without the crowds. The experience is in Spanish, so some language skills can enhance the visit, but the warmth and authenticity speak for themselves.
Bottom Line: A heartfelt, small-scale family winery experience that pairs wine with local culture.
5. La Rioja: Winery Tour and 4-Course Meal with Wine Pairing
For about $150 (roughly), this winery tour combined with a four-course meal is a wonderful way to indulge in La Rioja’s rich culinary and viticultural traditions. Led by a family member at Bodegas Bohedal, this experience includes a guided tour, wine tasting, and a regional meal with wine pairings.
Guests particularly enjoy the personal touch—Leire, the daughter of the owners, guides the tour, making it feel like visiting friends. The meal, cooked by the owner’s mother, complements the wines beautifully. The total experience lasts around 2 hours, and reviewers emphasize its high quality and friendly atmosphere.
This tour is suitable for those wanting a relaxed, full experience that combines education, tasting, and regional cuisine in a single outing. The value is excellent considering the comprehensive nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: A delightful combination of winery tour, personal storytelling, and a traditional meal.
6. La Rioja: Jamon Iberico Farm Tour and Tasting with Wine
For $146 per person, this 3-hour farm tour of Jamón Ibérico offers a delicious insight into Spain’s renowned ham production. You’ll walk through a farm where pigs grow freely, tour the facility, and enjoy a tasting of ham and wines, including visits to a farm with pure Spanish horses.
While rated 4/5 by three reviewers, the tour excels at giving a clear understanding of the pig’s life cycle and the craftsmanship behind Jamón Ibérico. The tasting includes generous servings of ham and pork products, making it a tasty, hands-on experience. It’s ideal for food lovers who want a break from wine and are interested in Spain’s culinary staples.
The tour’s logistics are straightforward, and the farm setting provides a relaxed environment to learn about traditional ham production and animal welfare.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Spain’s iconic ham and farm life, with a generous tasting to round out the experience.
7. La Rioja: Bodegas Altanza
At just $28 per person, Bodegas Altanza offers a short but lively winery visit rated 4.4/5. Its appeal lies in providing a mix of wine tasting and exploring a unique Rioja winery that goes beyond just tasting.
The tour includes a visit to the facilities, wine tastings, and an emphasis on wine tourism—meaning you get a deeper sense of the region’s winemaking methods and styles. Perfect if you’re pressed for time but want to see what makes La Rioja wines special.
Guests appreciate the friendly staff and the chance to taste a variety of wines in a modern setting. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an affordable, engaging experience without sacrificing quality.
Bottom Line: An accessible introduction to Rioja wines, great for those on a budget or with limited time.
$28 per person
8. La Rioja: Sensory Experience With Wine Tasting
A two-hour journey into the sensory world of wine—this experience challenges your senses and deepens your appreciation for wine. You’ll visit a Centenary Winery for a tasting that stimulates sight, smell, taste, and touch.
Participants “Dare To Feel” while exploring textures, aromas, and flavors, making it ideal for curious travelers interested in more than just drinking wine. The focus is on perception and emotion, providing a different perspective on La Rioja’s wines.
Rated highly for its engaging and hands-on approach, this experience suits those eager to learn about wine from a sensory angle or to enjoy a unique and memorable activity.
Bottom Line: A creative, interactive way to deepen your understanding of wine’s complexities.
9. Rioja: Wine Tour with a Winery Owner
For a truly special experience, this 7-hour tour includes visiting three wineries, including La Bodega del Tesoro, owned by the tour’s host. It features tastings of wines from different styles, a visit to their historic winery, and a lunch inside a traditional wooden winepress.
Rated 5/5 by reviewers, it offers an exclusive inside look at the winemaking process from the owner’s perspective. The itinerary includes scenic vineyard views, multiple tastings, and personalized attention that makes it stand out. The experience is perfect for wine lovers wanting a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes tour.
This experience is best suited for travelers with a full day to dedicate to learning about Rioja wines in an intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking an authentic, in-depth experience with a personal touch from a local winery owner.
How to Choose
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, available time, and what specifically interests you—whether it’s private tastings (Tour 1), boutique wineries (Tour 2), or culinary experiences (Tour 5). For a quick introduction, the Guided Winery Tour is affordable and easy. For a more exclusive, in-depth journey, the Wine Tour with a Winery Owner offers a personalized experience.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and time. Most tours are suited for different levels of fitness and interest—some are full-day adventures, while others fit into a short afternoon.
Final Thoughts
La Rioja offers a range of tours and experiences that cater to wine lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike. If you’re seeking an immersive full-day private experience, the Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour is hard to beat. For those pressed for time, the Guided Winery Tour provides a quick, meaningful taste of Rioja wines. Travelers interested in food and local traditions will love the Jamon Iberico farm tour.
Whatever your style, La Rioja’s wine scene is more than just drinking; it’s about connecting with the land, the people, and the stories behind every bottle. Book early, plan your preferences, and enjoy a trip filled with flavor and authenticity.