Private La Rioja Day: Visit 2 Premium Wineries with lunch.

Our review explores a highly-rated Private La Rioja Day tour, promising an authentic taste of Spain’s renowned wine region. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and carefully curated experiences suggest it offers exceptional value for wine lovers and cultural explorers alike.

What truly stands out are the expert guides who bring the stories of La Rioja to life, the stunning vineyard scenery that feels like a postcard, and the chance to sample eight carefully selected wines. The inclusion of a light pintxos lunch in a charming medieval village adds an authentic Basque twist, making the day feel complete.

One possible consideration? The full 8-hour duration may be a long day for some, especially if you’re prone to travel fatigue. However, if you enjoy deep dives into wine, history, and local culture, this will likely be a highlight. This tour suits travelers craving an immersive, comfortably private experience with expert insights and plenty of tasting.

Good To Know

• Exclusive access to two premium wineries for diverse tastings
• Expert guides who enhance understanding of wine and regional culture
• Eight wines paired with a light pintxos lunch in Laguardia
• Beautiful scenery of La Rioja’s vineyards and medieval village
• Private transportation from Bilbao ensures comfort and convenience
• Well-reviewed experience with consistent 5-star ratings and enthusiastic feedback

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring La Rioja: An Overview

This private tour is designed for those who want to go beyond the typical wine tasting. It combines visits to two distinctive wineries, each offering different styles and atmospheres, with a scenic drive through the La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa regions. The day is thoughtfully structured to include enough time at each stop to truly appreciate the wines and the history behind them.

Starting in Bilbao, your journey takes you into Spain’s most famous wine-producing areas. La Rioja isn’t just about wine—it’s about the landscapes, the towns, and the centuries of tradition that shape every bottle. The tour’s focus on premium wineries guarantees tastings of high-quality wines, which reviewers have described as “delicious” and “spectacular,” often paired with insightful commentary from guides.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure

The tour begins with private pickup from your Bilbao accommodation, which is a real perk, especially when compared to group shuttles or public transport. This private transportation allows for a relaxed start and a personalized experience. Expect your guide to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories about the region.

First Winery Visit: Rioja Alavesa

The first stop is in Rioja Alavesa, an area celebrated for its elegant wines and historic wineries. Depending on the winery, you might explore the vineyard grounds, learn about traditional versus modern winemaking techniques, and sample a variety of wines. One reviewer noted that the guide “told us a lot about the wine region and surroundings,” adding depth to the tasting experience.

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Second Winery Visit: La Rioja

The next stop takes you into the heart of La Rioja itself, where a different winery awaits. Here, you’ll learn about the unique styles of wines produced, and taste some exceptional vintages. Visitors have praised the delicious wines and the extensive explanations provided, which help make each sip meaningful.

Scenic Drive & Sightseeing in Laguardia

After sampling at the wineries, the group heads to Laguardia, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and historic charm. The guided sightseeing tour lasts about an hour, giving you time to walk, take photos, and soak in the old-world atmosphere. Many reviews mention the spectacular scenery and the feeling of stepping back in time.

Pintxos Lunch in a Medieval Village

No visit to Basque Country is complete without sampling its world-famous pintxos. The included light lunch provides a casual, flavorful experience in Laguardia’s cozy restaurants, with wine pairings enhancing the flavors. Reviewers love the authenticity of this meal, describing it as a perfect complement to the tasting sessions.

Return to Bilbao

After a fulfilling day, the tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Bilbao, often filled with lively conversations about wine and regional culture, thanks to guides like Adrià and María, who reviewers mention as passionate and attentive.

What Makes This Tour Worth It?

Authentic Wineries with Unique Charm

The tour’s emphasis on two different wineries means you get a broad taste of what La Rioja offers. Whether it’s a family-owned estate or a larger, historic vineyard, each location provides insights into the region’s winemaking diversity.

Expert and Passionate Guides

Multiple reviews highlight guides like María and Adrià for their knowledge, warmth, and eagerness to share stories that bring the wines and region to life. This personal touch elevates the experience from a simple tasting to a cultural journey.

Quality Wine & Food Pairings

Sampling eight wines with food pairings allows you to really appreciate the nuances of each vintage. Reviewers have specifically enjoyed the delicious wines and the well-organized tastings, which often include explanations of wine types, aging processes, and regional characteristics.

Beautiful, Cultural Setting

The combination of scenic vineyard landscapes and the historic town of Laguardia makes this more than just a wine tour. It’s an opportunity to see a part of Spain that few visitors explore, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to walk through narrow medieval streets.

Flexible and Private

The private group aspect means your experience is tailored, more relaxed, and devoid of the typical hustle of larger tours. Plus, pickup from your Bilbao accommodation adds convenience and comfort.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At $352 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including transportation, guided visits, eight wine tastings, and a lunch. When you consider the quality of the wineries visited, the personalized attention, and the scenic stops, this price reflects good value—especially compared to larger, less personalized tours.

The inclusion of a light pintxos lunch in a medieval village enriches the experience, allowing for authentic regional flavors without the hassle of planning or reservations. Reviewers repeatedly mention the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides, which add to the overall worth.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Weather considerations: The tour involves outdoor visits and walking through Laguardia. It’s wise to check the forecast and bring an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is forecasted.
• Duration: Expect an 8-hour day, so plan your energy levels and perhaps wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
• Language options: Guides speak English, Basque, and Spanish, so communicate your preference when booking.
• Tips: While not included, tipping your guide for their expertise and friendly service is customary if you’re pleased with the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore La Rioja’s diversity, culture lovers interested in medieval villages, and luxury travelers seeking a private, personalized day out. It’s equally suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who appreciates good food, scenic landscapes, and expert guidance.

If you’re after a relaxed day full of tasting, learning, and beautiful sights, this tour hits all the right notes. However, if you prefer a more active or fast-paced schedule, you might find the full 8 hours a bit long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Yes, guides provide explanations about the wines and region, making it accessible for those new to wine tasting.

Are the wineries traditional or modern?
Both wineries are different and offer a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, providing a well-rounded experience.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation from your Bilbao accommodation is included, ensuring comfort and ease.

How long do we spend at each winery?
Each winery visit lasts about 1.5 hours, allowing enough time for tasting and learning.

What is the lunch like?
The lunch is a casual light pintxos meal, served in Laguardia’s medieval setting, with wine pairings included.

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

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
Guides speak Basque and Spanish, in addition to English, so you can specify your preferred language when booking.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable shoes, rain gear if needed, and a good appetite for wine and regional flavors.

The Private La Rioja Day tour offers a fantastic blend of wine, scenery, and culture. Its personalized approach, coupled with high-quality wineries and a charming medieval setting, makes it a standout experience in Northern Spain. Perfect for those who want a relaxed, well-structured day with expert guides and authentic tastings, this tour delivers value and memorable moments.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful itinerary, the stunning landscapes, and the stories behind each glass. If you’re looking for a taste of La Rioja’s best, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: