From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour

From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour – A Deep Dive into Spain’s Wine and Design

If you’ve ever wanted to see what makes the Rioja region special—not just through its wines but also its stunning modern architecture—this tour offers a compelling mix. For around $278 per person, you spend a full day exploring two renowned wineries, marveling at Frank Gehry’s titanium masterpiece at Marques de Riscal and the sleek, Sierra-Cantabria-inspired roof at Ysios. Plus, you get to wander the narrow, cobbled streets of the medieval town of LaGuardia and enjoy a traditional Riojano lunch.

One of the best parts? The small group size (limited to 7 participants) keeps things intimate and personalized, and the guides’ knowledge shines through in every comment, making the experience both fun and educational. We especially appreciated how the guide, Marina, went beyond the typical, offering options when some wineries were fully booked, including visits to boutique vineyards.

A potential consideration: the visit depends on winery availability, so if those are booked out, you might find yourself enjoying an alternative tasting experience at Javier San Pedro Winery, which still offers fantastic views and similar wine styles. It’s worth noting that transportation is included, but the pickup and drop-off from Bilbao aren’t, so you’ll need to plan your own transportation to the meeting point.

This tour best suits travelers who appreciate design and architecture, love authentic wine experiences, and want a taste of local culture without the hassle of planning. If you enjoy small-group outings, personalized guides, and a mix of sightseeing with wine tasting, this trip hits all those marks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Incredible architecture at Marques de Riscal and Ysios, designed by famous architects.
• Authentic Rioja wine tasting and guided visits to top wineries.
• Walk through LaGuardia, a well-preserved medieval village.
• Delicious traditional lunch with pintxos or tapas and local Rioja wine.
• Small group size for a more personal experience.
• Flexible options if wineries are fully booked, with upgraded tastings.

A Closer Look at the Experience

This 8-hour excursion is a taste of the Rioja region’s best—its modern architecture, centuries-old towns, and world-class wines—without the hassle of organizing everything yourself. It begins in Bilbao, with a meeting point conveniently in front of the Guggenheim Museum, a landmark in its own right. From there, a comfortable vehicle whisks you through the Basque countryside toward your first stop: the Marques de Riscal winery.

The Marques de Riscal

This building is a showstopper. Designed by Frank Gehry, it looks like a sculpture rather than a traditional winery. Its titanium, stainless steel, and sandstone exterior shimmer under the sun, making it one of the most photographed wineries in the world. Inside, you’ll find a seamless blend of modern design and functional space, perfect for appreciating the art of winemaking.

The guided tour here includes tasting their white wine, Crianza red, and Rioja Reserva, which have garnered international praise. One reviewer noted that the guide, Marina, was “impeccable in her English and knowledgeable about the region and wines,” adding value to the experience.

Ysios Winery

Next, the sleek, wave-like roof of Ysios makes it just as visually impressive as Riscal. The structure, inspired to resemble the Sierra Cantabria, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The interior tour includes a tasting of their wines, but if those are booked, you might be taken to Javier San Pedro Winery instead, which offers similar style and views.

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LaGuardia: A Medieval Treasure

After the wineries, you’ll step into LaGuardia, a medieval town where time seems to stand still. Cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and a quiet charm make this stop stand out. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, where you can soak in the centuries-old architecture and imagine life in bygone eras. Several reviews raved about how Marina “went out of her way” to make the visit memorable, sharing local tips and stories.

Lunch: Pintxos and Rioja

The meal is a highlight—three traditional pintxos (small bites) paired with Rioja wine. This authentic tapas-style lunch allows you to taste the local flavors in a relaxed setting. Many travelers appreciated this casual, flavorful meal as a true taste of regional cuisine.

What We Loved

The combination of modern architecture and traditional wine culture makes this tour stand out. Seeing Gehry’s shimmering structures and then walking through LaGuardia’s medieval streets offers a perfect contrast that gives you a richer sense of the region’s diversity.

The personalized guidance is another highlight. Marina’s leadership and flexibility—especially when wineries fill up—make the day smooth and enjoyable, allowing us to focus on the sights and flavors.

A Note on Value

While $278 might seem steep, it covers transportation, guided visits, tastings, and a quality lunch. Visiting two iconic wineries plus a charming town gives a well-rounded experience that would be tough to replicate independently, especially considering the logistics involved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re drawn to architecture, wine, and history, this trip is a perfect fit. It’s also ideal if you prefer small groups and guided insights over solo travel. Those seeking a relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and authentic tastings will especially enjoy it. If you’re not a big fan of structured tours or prefer self-led exploration, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This Rioja and architecture tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances visual delights, tasting pleasures, and cultural insights. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the innovative design of the wineries, the centuries-old charm of LaGuardia, and the complex flavors of Rioja wines.

For travelers who love design and history, enjoy small-group experiences, and want a taste of authentic local cuisine, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s a highly recommended way to spend a day outside Bilbao, blending modern art with ancient tradition in a very approachable format.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from Bilbao is not included, but the tour meeting point is easy to find in front of the Guggenheim Museum.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

What if the wineries are fully booked?
If Riscal or Ysios are unavailable, you’ll be taken to Javier San Pedro Winery for a flight guide tasting of 4 wines with stunning mountain views.

Is there a guide with us the entire day?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide accompanies you, sharing insights and answering questions.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, you’ll enjoy 3 pintxos with Rioja wine, offering a genuine taste of local cuisine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of wines are tasted?
The tour includes Rioja-style wines—white, Crianza reds, and Reservas—selected for their quality and regional significance.

Is this tour suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely. The guide explains wine styles and tasting notes, making it accessible for all levels.

Are there any restrictions or special requirements?
Not mentioned explicitly, but comfortable footwear is recommended for walking through towns and wineries.

In the end, this tour is a well-rounded introduction to Rioja’s best features: striking architecture, delicious wine, and charming old towns. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone seeking an authentic taste of Spain’s northern regions, this day trip offers plenty to enjoy—and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: