Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao)

If you’re dreaming of a day spent sipping exceptional wines, soaking in stunning vineyard views, and exploring charming medieval towns, this Rioja wine tour from Bilbao might just be your perfect escape. Designed for wine lovers and curious travelers alike, this experience promises a relaxed yet enriching journey into Spain’s famed wine region.

We love how this tour combines visits to small, family-run wineries with authentic tastings, a delightful Spanish picnic, and a walk through the picturesque walled town of Laguardia. It’s a well-balanced mix of tasting, learning, and culture — all within a manageable 9-hour window.

However, a potential consideration is the reliance on good weather, as much of the experience involves outdoor vineyard stops and scenic views. Nevertheless, the tour runs rain or shine, which means you should prepare accordingly.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate quality wine, enjoy a slow-paced day of exploration, and want a taste of local life away from packed tourist spots. It’s limited to small groups, making for a more personalized and intimate atmosphere.

Good To Know

• Authentic Boutique Wineries: visit two family-run wineries with unique styles
• Diverse Wine Tastings: sample at least 6 high-quality wines, many rated 90+ points
• Gourmet Picnic: enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch amid vineyard scenery
• Cultural Highlight: explore the medieval walled town of Laguardia
• Expert Guide: learn about wine grading, aging, and production processes
• Comfortable Transportation: travel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle from Bilbao

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transport

The journey begins with a convenient pickup from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The tour uses a spacious, modern van equipped with leather seats, A/C, and automatic transmission—making the roughly 1-hour drive to Rioja comfortable and relaxing. This small-group experience, limited to just seven participants, fosters more interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.

First Winery Visit: Discovering a Family-Run Gem

The first stop is a boutique winery that prides itself on its intimate, artisanal approach. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at wine production. The guides pour your glasses with wines that have often received 90+ points from critics like James Suckling and Tim Atkin.

Expect the guide to explain the different grading categories of Rioja wines—Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—and what makes each one distinct. As one reviewer noted, the guide “did everything to make the tour as pleasant as possible,” sharing fascinating details about aging processes and what influences wine quality.

You’ll taste at least three to four wines paired with local cheeses, cold meats, and nuts, all designed to heighten your appreciation of the regional flavors. The emphasis on boutique wineries means fewer travelers and more authentic, handcrafted wines.

Vineyard Picnic: Savor Spanish Flavors

Next, the tour pauses for a delightful picnic set in a scenic vineyard area. The spread includes a variety of Spanish dishes such as Iberico ham, Spanish omelet, and local cheeses, complemented by bread, nuts, and other traditional products.

Many visitors agree that this is a highlight; as one reviewer put it, “Lunch in the vineyards was just magical.” Sitting outdoors amid the rows of vines, you get a true sense of the region’s farming and food traditions—an experience that elevates wine tasting into a full culture.

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Second Winery: Contrast and Character

The second stop is intentionally chosen for its contrasting style or approach to winemaking. This helps guests appreciate the diversity within Rioja’s boutique scene. Again, expect to sample a handful of wines, many with impressive ratings, and learn about the aging process, vineyard practices, and what makes each winery unique.

The guide’s personalized touches, like showing you the vineyard where certain wines originated, add extra value. One guest remarked, “Our guide customized parts of the trip proactively, and I appreciated how they wanted us to see the vineyard that the wine came from.”

Exploring Laguardia: A Medieval Marvel

After the wineries, you’ll walk through the medieval walled town of Laguardia, known for its narrow streets, ancient walls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. This is a perfect photo stop, and a chance to stretch your legs while absorbing centuries of history.

Reviewers consistently mention that this part of the tour adds a charming, cultural dimension to the day. The town’s picturesque setting makes it clear why it remains one of the most beloved villages in the Rioja Alavesa region.

Return to Bilbao

As the day winds down, your guide will escort you back to Bilbao, dropping you at the original pickup point. The entire experience, from start to finish, spans about nine hours—just enough time to enjoy a full day without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic, family-run wineries give you a glimpse into the heart of Rioja winemaking, often with wines that have earned praise from critics and enthusiasts alike. Many of the wines tasted are rated 90+ points, indicating top-tier quality that’s often hard to access outside of the region’s wine tastings.

The personalized approach of the guides shines through in the reviews, with many highlighting their knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer mentioned that the guide “wanted to show us the vineyard that the wine came from,” which illustrates a commitment to storytelling and connection.

The scenic picnic lunch is another highlight, as it allows you to relax and savor authentic Spanish dishes in a beautiful setting. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s an experience that marries wine, food, and scenery.

The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for more tailored interactions. Plus, the comfortable transportation means you can unwind and enjoy the scenery without hassle.

The Value for Money

Compared to larger, more commercial tours, this one offers a good balance of quality and intimacy. While it might seem pricier than some generic wine tours, the inclusion of at least six high-quality tastings, a gourmet picnic, and guided visits means you’re getting a lot of value.

Guests consistently comment on how much they learned, how beautiful the locations are, and how personable the guides are. One review even highlighted that they felt they received more than what they paid for, citing the “high touch” service and delicious wine and food.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re someone who values authenticity and quality over mass-market tourism. It suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn more about Rioja wines, as well as travelers who want a peaceful day immersed in Spain’s countryside and history.

Because children under 18 are not allowed, it’s best for adults. If you’re after a relaxed, educational experience with stunning scenery and top-notch wines, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Practical Details

• Duration: 9 hours, with flexible start times (check availability)
• Pickup/Drop-off: at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
• Transport: Spacious, air-conditioned van
• Group Size: Limited to 7 participants
• Price: Offers flexible booking, with the option to reserve and pay later
• Languages: Tour conducted in English
• Rain or Shine: The experience takes place regardless of weather, so bring appropriate clothing
• Includes: Transport, guide, tastings, and food

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide specializing in wine, tastings of at least 6 wines, and a traditional Spanish picnic lunch.

How many wineries will I visit?
You’ll visit two family-run, boutique wineries, each offering its own unique style and wines.

Can I choose a different start time?
Start times depend on availability; you should check ahead to see the options for your preferred day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not permitted on this tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor walking and warm layers if the weather requires it.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is operated in English and the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Wineries and indoor spaces will still be visited in case of rain.

How long is the drive?
The drive from Bilbao to Rioja takes about an hour, in a comfortable vehicle.

Can I customize my experience?
While the itinerary is set, guides are known to be proactive and friendly, often tailoring parts of the experience based on guests’ interests.

Final Thoughts

This Rioja Boutique Wine Tour from Bilbao offers the perfect blend of wine, culture, and scenery. It’s ideal for those who appreciate expertly guided tastings in intimate settings, paired with engaging stories about the wines and region. The inclusion of a scenic picnic and a walk through a medieval town transforms a simple wine tasting into a full-day cultural adventure.

While the weather can influence the outdoor portions, the overall experience remains highly rated for its authenticity, quality, and personal touch. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about Spanish wines, this tour provides a comprehensive, enjoyable day that’s well worth the investment.

If you’re looking for a way to explore Rioja beyond the usual tourist spots, this trip offers a thoughtful, in-depth look into one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions—delivered by guides who genuinely care about sharing their passion.

In summary, this tour is best suited for adults who want a relaxed, informative, and scenic day out. It’s perfect for those who value small-group intimacy, high-quality wines, and authentic local experiences. If that sounds like your ideal day, this Rioja wine tour from Bilbao is a fantastic choice.

You can check if your dates are available here: