From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings

Traveling from Bilbao to La Rioja for a day of wine tasting and cultural exploration sounds like a perfect escape—if you love wine, history, and scenic countryside, this tour hits all the right notes. With a solid 4.6/5 rating from 72 reviews, it’s clear many find this experience both enjoyable and worth the value.

What makes this trip stand out? First, you’ll visit two of the region’s top wineries, including the historic CVNE in Haro, which has been producing wine for over a century. Second, the tour offers guided walks through charming medieval towns, giving you a taste of local life alongside your wine indulgence. Lastly, the opportunity to learn about Rioja wine production firsthand—from traditional cellars to modern architectural marvels—adds a rich layer of understanding to your tasting experience.

One possible concern? The itinerary can be quite busy, with a lot of driving and tight scheduling, especially if unexpected delays happen. It’s a full day, and not all stops have long visits, so if you’re craving a leisurely exploration, this might feel a little rushed.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers eager to explore La Rioja’s vineyards, history buffs interested in medieval towns, and travelers who appreciate guided experiences that combine culture, scenery, and wine tasting in one package.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes transportation, guided tours, and wine tastings at two wineries.
• Cultural Stops: Visits to Haro’s historic center and Laguardia’s medieval streets add charm.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Stephan often receive praise for making the day informative and fun.
• Taste the Best: Enjoy high-quality Rioja wines, including unique experiences like tasting wines during fermentation.
• Architectural Highlights: Pass by the Marqués de Riscal building, a modern icon in wine architecture.
• Limited Flexibility: Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly, and the day can feel quite structured.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Journey to La Rioja

The tour begins at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 65, a central Bilbao meeting point near the Guggenheim Museum. From there, it’s about an hour on the coach heading east into the La Rioja wine region. The comfortable bus rides give you a chance to enjoy the rolling vineyards and scenic countryside—perfect for snapping photos or relaxing before the day’s adventures.

Haro: The Heart of Rioja Wine

Your first stop is Haro, the capital of Rioja wine. Here, you’ll join a guided tour of CVNE, a winery with over a century of history. Guests have praised the “guided tour including wine tasting,” which lets you peek into centuries-old cellars and learn about the elaboration process of Rioja wine. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a journey through the region’s winemaking traditions, from grape to glass.

Multiple reviewers highlight the quality of the wines. As one noted, “the wine was top-notch,” and the guided experience made the tasting even more meaningful. Visitors often appreciate the chance to taste wines during fermentation, which offers a rare glimpse into the production process—something only small, family-owned wineries like this provide.

Haro’s Plaza de la Paz is just a short walk away. The guided walking tour of the town’s historic center reveals its medieval charm, cobbled streets, and lively atmosphere. Despite some reviews mentioning the challenge of power cuts affecting wine tastings, guides like Stephan adapted quickly, recommending alternative local spots for drinks and food.

Laguardia: Medieval Charm and Small-Scale Wineries

Next, the journey takes you to Laguardia, a picture-perfect medieval town. Walking its narrow, winding streets transports you back in time. The visit includes a guided tour of a small, traditional winery housed in ancient tunnels from the 14th century. Guests have described this part as “learning about the wine-making process from a more familiar perspective,” which adds authenticity and intimacy to the experience.

During the visit, you’ll taste wines in various stages of fermentation—offering a fascinating comparison between pre-bottled and finished wines. Many reviewers mention this as a highlights, with one noting, “they let us try a wine in the middle of fermentation, pre-bottling.”

Laguardia also offers free time—often around 1.5 hours—so you can explore local shops, enjoy tapas, or simply soak in the medieval ambiance. Some comments point out that stores tend to close in the afternoons, so plan your time accordingly.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Architectural and Cultural Highlights

On the way back, the coach passes through Elciego to see the Marqués de Riscal building designed by Frank Gehry. This modern masterpiece of architecture is a must-see for architecture lovers and a striking contrast to the historic towns you’ve visited earlier. While not everyone spends long here, it’s an iconic photo stop and a symbol of La Rioja’s innovative spirit.

The Return and Practicalities

The full-day experience wraps up with a 1.5-hour coach ride back to Bilbao. The pickup and drop-off are included, with the meeting point conveniently located near the Guggenheim Museum.

Lunch is not included, so you might want to bring cash or cards for food or additional wine purchases at the stops. Some reviews mention that guides like Stephan offer excellent restaurant tips, which can be invaluable given the limited time.

What Travelers Say

Based on reviews, many guests leave feeling they’ve gained more than just wine knowledge. Several mention the guides’ expertise and friendliness. Stephan, the guide, gets frequent praise for his engaging storytelling and ability to keep the group on schedule—even when unexpected issues like power outages arose.

Guests also appreciate the quality of wines, especially small, family-run wineries producing limited bottles, and the chance to compare different wines during fermentation. The scenic towns of Haro and Laguardia are consistently described as charming, with some reviewers noting their medieval character as a highlight.

However, the busy schedule and travel time mean the day can feel rushed, especially if you’re a slow walker or like to linger long at each spot. The lack of included lunch might be a downside if you’re hungry, but it also offers flexibility to choose where and what to eat.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking through historic streets and winery tours.
• Bring ID or passport for wine tastings, as establishments may request it.
• Cash might be handy for small purchases or tips, especially if card machines are down.
• Plan for rain or shine, as the tour runs in all weather conditions.
• Reserve early—the tour is popular, and availability varies.
• Consider dietary restrictions—most winery visits are casual, but check if any food or wine options need special attention.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits anyone who has a genuine interest in wine, history, and beautiful towns. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, informative day out that combines cultural sightseeing with tastings of some of Spain’s best wines. If you’re looking for a relaxing, educational experience without the worry of driving, this tour offers excellent value.

It’s not ideal if you have mobility issues, as some walking is involved, and the timetable is tight. Also, if you prefer a leisurely pace with long stops, be aware that this is a structured day.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation from and back to Bilbao, starting at a convenient meeting point near the Guggenheim Museum.

Are lunch and extra drinks included? No, lunch is not included, but there’s free time for you to explore local eateries or buy snacks.

How long is the overall tour? The experience lasts approximately 9 hours, including driving, sightseeing, and tastings.

Can I customize the visit? Not directly; the itinerary is fixed, but guides often recommend local dining options during free time.

Is the tour suitable for children? Since it involves wine tastings and some walking, it’s better suited for adults or older teens.

What happens if it rains? The tour runs rain or shine, so expect to enjoy the experience regardless of weather—just bring appropriate clothing.

Final Thoughts

This From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings offers a well-rounded, engaging taste of Spain’s premier wine region. With knowledgeable guides, carefully selected wineries, and charming towns, it delivers a memorable day for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

While the schedule is full and some stops are brief, the opportunity to taste high-quality Rioja wines and explore historic towns makes it a worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a guided, hassle-free way to experience La Rioja’s famous vineyards without the need to organize transport or tours independently.

For anyone eager to learn about wine, see stunning architecture, and walk through medieval streets—all in one day—this trip captures the essence of Rioja in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.

You can check if your dates are available here: