From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings

If you’re craving a full-day experience that combines scenic drives, historic towns, and world-class wines, this La Rioja Wineries Day Trip from Bilbao is an excellent choice. Departing from Bilbao’s central meeting point, you’ll spend around nine hours exploring two distinguished wineries, walking through medieval streets, and tasting some of Spain’s finest Rioja wines. Led by knowledgeable guides like Stephan, this tour offers a balanced mix of education, scenery, and authentic taste experiences.

What makes this trip particularly appealing are the guided tours of both a century-old winery in Haro and a small traditional cellar in Laguardia. Plus, passing by the iconic Marqués de Riscal building adds a modern architectural touch to the day. The chance to learn about wine-making processes, enjoy guided tastings, and explore charming towns packed with history makes this tour worthwhile.

However, keep in mind that it’s a fairly full schedule—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have limited mobility, this might not suit you. Also, since the tour doesn’t include lunch, you’ll want to plan for some cash and a little time to enjoy local eateries during your free period. This experience is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers wanting a taste of local culture, and anyone comfortable with a busy day on the move.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit two carefully selected wineries, including a historic one and a traditional family-run cellar.
• Guided Tours & Tastings: Benefit from expert-guided visits and tastings, including insights into Rioja wine production.
• Charming Towns: Walk through Haro and Laguardia, two towns steeped in medieval charm and local character.
• Modern & Traditional: Contrast between the modern Marqués de Riscal building and traditional wine cellars.
• Flexible Day: Includes free time, offering a chance to explore towns or buy local wines and souvenirs.
• Educational & Enjoyable: Suitable for those interested in wine, history, and regional culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What to Expect

Starting from Bilbao’s city center at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 65, the trip begins early with a comfortable bus ride into the heart of La Rioja. The tour runs about nine hours, blending winery visits, walking tours, tastings, and free time. A guide—such as Stephan, who reviewers praise for his knowledge and humor—leads the way, making the experience both informative and fun.

First Stop: Haro and CVNE Winery

The first highlight is the guided tour of CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), a winery with over a century of history. Here, you’ll learn about the wine-making process firsthand, walking through historic cellars and tasting multiple wines, including some pre-bottling samples. Reviewers often mention how top-notch the wines are, with one describing them as “top-notch,” and appreciating the in-depth knowledge provided during the tour.

Following the winery visit, you’ll stroll through Haro’s historic center, especially the lively Plaza de la Paz. The town’s architecture and street life provide a scenic backdrop to your exploration, giving insight into the region’s rich wine culture. Several reviewers mentioned how enjoyable and well-paced the walking tour was, noting Stephan’s engaging commentary.

Second Stop: Laguardia and a Traditional Winery

Next, the tour takes you to Laguardia, a town dating back to medieval times. Here, we wander narrow streets that seem to hold stories of centuries past. The highlight is a guided visit to a small, family-owned winery set in 14th-century tunnels—a truly atmospheric setting. You’ll get to see the wine-making process from a more personal perspective, tasting wines in different stages of fermentation and understanding the craft behind Rioja wines.

Many visitors rave about the intimate experience, noting how the winemaker’s stories make the tasting even more special. One reviewer highlighted the opportunity to compare wines—from pre-bottling to finished products—as particularly memorable.

Free Time and Architectural Highlights

After the winery, you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time for lunch, shopping, or simply wandering about. You might find charming cafes or tapas bars where cash payment is necessary, so bringing some euros is a good idea.

On your return, you’ll pass through Elciego to see the Marqués de Riscal hotel, an avant-garde masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Many travelers find it fascinating to see how this modern structure contrasts with the historic towns visited earlier.

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The Ride and Logistics

Transportation is smooth and comfortable, with a bus that allows for some scenic views along the way. The schedule is well-structured, with stops in Haro and Laguardia that give ample time for sightseeing and tasting without feeling rushed. One common theme from reviews is appreciation for the organization’s efficiency—important when covering so much ground in one day.

The tour costs include pickups at the meeting point and all guide-led visits and tastings. Lunch isn’t included, which allows you to choose a local spot that suits your taste and budget. Many reviews mention the value, considering the visits, tastings, and transport all included, making it a surprisingly good deal for wine enthusiasts.

The Authenticity and Quality of the Experience

What truly sets this tour apart is the combination of professional guiding, authentic winery visits, and charming towns. Reviewers consistently mention how knowledgeable and personable guides like Stephan enhance the experience, making complex wine topics accessible and fun. Their insights into wine production, coupled with tastings paired with local snacks (like cheese and charcuterie), deepen your understanding of Rioja’s offerings.

Many travelers say they left with a newfound appreciation for Rioja wines, some even claiming they’ve become connoisseurs or collectors after the day. The opportunity to buy bottles directly from wineries at a variety of price points also appeals to those looking for souvenirs or a taste of the region at home.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While most reviews highlight the positive aspects, some mention the busy schedule and the extensive driving—about 1.5 hours between stops. If you prefer a slower pace or are sensitive to long bus rides, this might not be ideal. Plus, since the tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility, be prepared for some walking on uneven streets and in cellar tunnels.

Another consideration: power outages during a visit in one review illustrate that unexpected events can affect the experience—though this also shows the tour’s flexibility and the guide’s ability to adapt.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This journey is best suited for wine lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers eager to understand Rioja wines and regional culture. It’s also great for those who enjoy guided walks, scenic drives, and visiting charming, historic towns. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and don’t mind some bus travel, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive taste of La Rioja.

If you’re looking to combine wine tasting, historic town exploration, and scenic countryside in one full day from Bilbao, this tour hits all those marks. The small-group feel, led by engaging guides like Stephan, ensures you’ll get personal insights and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The inclusion of visits to both a historic winery and a traditional cellar offers a well-rounded perspective—something that more commercial or one-dimensional tours often lack.

The opportunity to walk through medieval streets, explore unique wine cellars, and taste regional wines that are praised for their quality makes this experience memorable. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic, educational, and flavorful experiences without the hassle of planning each detail.

While it’s a full day with some bus travel involved, the effort is rewarded with a deeper understanding of Rioja’s wine culture, gorgeous scenery, and charming towns. If you’re eager to learn, taste, and explore—this trip is worth the investment.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes for walking, and some cash for lunch or purchases. The tour involves walking through towns and cellar tunnels, so comfortable footwear is key.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues due to walking in historic towns and cellar visits that involve uneven surfaces.

How long is the bus ride?
The journey includes about 1 hour from Bilbao to Haro, then shorter drives between towns, with a total return trip of around 1.5 hours.

Are the wine tastings extensive?
Yes, you’ll enjoy guided tastings at both wineries, including different wines—some being in production stages—and the opportunity to buy bottles afterward.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Absolutely. Both wineries offer bottles for sale, catering to all budgets and preferences.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in Laguardia to explore local eateries and enjoy regional tapas or pinchos.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guiding is available in both English and Spanish, with most reviews mentioning the English guides, like Stephan.

What if it rains?
The tour will take place rain or shine. Be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat, especially when walking around towns or in cellar tunnels.

In sum, this full-day Rioja experience from Bilbao offers a well-balanced blend of culture, scenery, and exceptional wines—perfect for those wanting to deepen their appreciation for Spain’s foremost wine region while enjoying the scenic beauty of La Rioja’s towns and vineyards. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about the region, this trip provides a thorough, enjoyable introduction at a sensible cost.

You can check availability for your dates here: