Rioja Wine Tour: wineries and Laguardia from Bilbao

About this tour

This eight-hour excursion from Bilbao takes you into La Rioja's wine country with stops at two contrasting bodegas—one traditional, one modern—to see how Rioja's winemaking has evolved. Your guide walks you through barrel rooms and leads tastings that reveal the region's characteristic flavours. The afternoon centres on Laguardia, a walled medieval town perched above vineyards, where you'll wander narrow cobbled lanes, explore subterranean cellars, and eat pintxos paired with local wines. Suitable for curious drinkers of all levels, from complete novices to enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Two wineries showcasing traditional and contemporary production techniques
• Guided tastings identifying Rioja's signature red-fruit and spice notes
• Walk through barrel cellars stacked with ageing wine
• Medieval Laguardia town with panoramic vineyard vistas
• Pintxos lunch with wine pairings in town centre
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Bilbao (standard option)
• Vegetarian and gluten-free menu choices available

What to expect

You'll depart Bilbao mid-morning in an air-conditioned vehicle and arrive at the first bodega within an hour. Expect a leisurely walk through production areas, then settle for a structured tasting where the guide teaches you to spot flavour profiles. You'll repeat the process at the second winery, comparing their approaches. After a short drive to Laguardia, you have time to explore the town independently—its narrow streets, rampart views, and cave-like underground cellars carved into the hillside are genuinely atmospheric. Lunch happens at a pintxos bar where local wines complement the small plates. The whole day moves at a relaxed pace, with no rushing.

Good to know

Dress for variable weather; the tour operates rain or shine. Hotel collection applies to the standard option only; bilingual group tours exclude pickup. Under-18s cannot taste alcohol but are welcome. Minimum group size is two adults; you'll be notified two days ahead if numbers fall short. Children's car seats are arranged three days before departure.