From Bilbao: La Rioja a journey to the vineyards & tradition

Exploring La Rioja from Bilbao: A Journey Through Vineyards & Tradition

When we think of Spain’s famous wine region, La Rioja often springs to mind—full of sun-drenched vineyards, centuries-old wineries, and picturesque towns. This 9-hour tour takes you from Bilbao into the heart of La Rioja, where you’ll visit two distinctive wineries, walk through the medieval walled village of Laguardia, and sample authentic regional wines and snacks.

What we especially liked about this experience is how it combines educational wine tastings with cultural sightseeing. The first highlight is the visit to a traditional winery, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking methods passed down through generations—not just tasting, but understanding the process. Second, walking through Laguardia’s narrow, cobbled streets offers a real sense of stepping back in time, with its ancient architecture and underground cellars.

One possible consideration is the timing—the tour involves a fair amount of travel, so if you’re looking for a very relaxed, less structured day, this might feel a bit busy. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for visitors with mobility issues or those who prefer a more flexible, unstructured experience. But for those eager to combine wine, history, and scenic views in a single day, it offers excellent value and authentic charm.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Spanish culture beyond Madrid or Barcelona. If you enjoy guided experiences that blend education with leisure, this is a great way to spend a day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic wineries: Visit two carefully selected, traditional wineries with unique charm and character.
• Cultural immersion: Explore the medieval village of Laguardia, with its ancient architecture and underground cellars.
• Tastings and snacks: Enjoy wine tastings paired with regional local snacks and appetizers.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From sightseeing to wine education, the tour offers a well-rounded experience.
• Expert guide: A bilingual guide helps make the experience informative and engaging.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, entry tickets, and tastings, making it a convenient all-in-one day trip.

A Detailed Look at the La Rioja Tour from Bilbao

Starting Point and Transportation

We meet outside the Meliá Bilbao hotel at around 9:20 AM, with an alternative meeting point at the Sercotel Coliseo nearby. The transport is by minivan or bus, depending on the group size, and the journey to La Rioja takes approximately 75 minutes. The ride itself is quite comfortable, and it’s a good chance to get a first glimpse of the Basque Country’s scenic landscapes.

The transportation is included in the tour, which adds significant value, eliminating the hassle of arranging your own travel. The group sizes tend to be small-to-medium, making it easier to engage with the guide and fellow travelers alike.

First Stop: La Rioja Alavesa Vineyards

The first highlight is a visit to a traditional winery in La Rioja Alavesa, a subregion famed for its small-scale, high-quality production. This isn’t a glossy, commercial operation; it’s a place full of character and history. Here, you’re invited to see the winemaking process in action, from grape crush to aging, often with passionate local staff explaining every step.

The wine tasting here is more than just a sip; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the nuances of Rioja wines. You’ll sample some of their best offerings directly from the barrel or bottle, and the guide might offer insights into what makes their wines special.

Many reviews praise this stop for its authenticity. One traveler wrote, “It’s clear that these wineries are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the flavor of the wines.”

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Transition to Laguardia: Medieval Charm and Underground Cellars

From the vineyards, we head to the medieval walled town of Laguardia, approximately 40 minutes away. This is the highlight of the cultural side of the tour. Walking the narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with impressive architecture, coats of arms, and ancient doorways telling stories of centuries past.

The town’s underground cellars are a unique feature—more than 300 traditional wineries carve their cellars beneath the streets. We visit one of these, guided through the tunnels that store and age the region’s renowned wines. This underground world offers a fascinating look at traditional winemaking and how the environment plays a crucial role in creating the region’s distinctive flavors.

One reviewer noted, “Walking through the underground cellars was like traveling back hundreds of years, surrounded by the scent of aging wine and history.” You’ll also have the chance to learn about Laguardia’s winemaking traditions—a genuine glimpse into local craftsmanship.

Lunch and Free Time

After the guided tour, you’ll have about two hours of free time to explore, browse local shops, or enjoy a casual lunch in the charming village. While lunch isn’t included, many find that Laguardia offers delightful options for regional tapas or small eateries, perfect for experiencing local flavors.

Return Journey and Reflection

The return trip takes about 1.5 hours, which is a good time to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or review the highlights of your day. Many reviews mention that the scenic drive back through Basque Country’s green hills offers a lovely end to the experience.

Practical Details and Why It Matters

The price of this tour reflects a focus on quality and convenience—transportation, wine tastings, and entry fees are included. You’re paying for a well-organized day that maximizes your time and minimizes planning stress.

The guided aspect enriches the experience, especially if you’re interested in learning about winemaking techniques and regional history. The bilingual guide ensures that both English and Spanish speakers are well taken care of, which is particularly helpful given the complexity of the sites visited.

While the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, the walking involved is moderate—mainly strolling through Laguardia’s streets and underground cellars. The timing is well-structured, but it does mean you need to be punctual to avoid missing the bus.

The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared with comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your passport for identification. The focus on authentic experiences and local culture makes it especially appealing for those craving a genuine taste of La Rioja, rather than a commercialized tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast, eager to taste some of Spain’s best and learn about traditional winemaking, this tour offers a compelling mix of education and enjoyment. History buffs will appreciate the medieval architecture and underground cellars, while those seeking a scenic escape from Bilbao will find the landscape stunning.

However, if you prefer more leisure and less structured sightseeing, or have mobility concerns, this tour might be less ideal. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours, culture, and gastronomic experiences.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation by minivan or bus, depending on group size, making it easy to travel comfortably between sites.

Can I join from either meeting point? Yes, you can choose either the Meliá Bilbao or the Sercotel Coliseo meeting point—just arrive on time at your preferred location.

What is the duration of the tour? The whole experience lasts about 9 hours, including travel times, sightseeing, and tastings.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of options available in Laguardia, and you have about two hours free to explore and dine.

Are children allowed? Children under 5 are not suitable for this tour, mainly due to walking distances and the nature of tastings. Child rates apply only when sharing with two adults.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues? Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves walking through historic streets and underground cellars.

What should I bring? Remember to bring your passport, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothes. Also, note that pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, food, and glass objects are not allowed on the transport.

Final Thoughts

This From Bilbao to La Rioja tour offers a well-crafted balance of wine education, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty. It’s a fantastic choice for those eager to understand Spain’s winemaking traditions while soaking in the atmosphere of a medieval village. The combination of small-group visits, expert guides, and authentic regional flavors makes it a practical and immersive day trip.

For travelers who crave a guided, informative experience that combines gastronomy, history, and beautiful scenery, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s especially suited for those who value quality over quantity, and who want to take home not just wine, but stories of a region steeped in tradition.

Experience Provider

DESTINATION CONSULTANT SL offers this tour, ensuring a reliable and professionally organized outing, with strong customer reviews highlighting its authenticity and value.

Sources: GetYourGuide

You can check availability for your dates here: