Private tour Bilbao to La Rioja A day of Winery Tours and Tasting

A Closer Look at the Private Bilbao to La Rioja Winery Tour

If you’re eyeing a wine-focused day trip from Bilbao, this private tour to La Rioja promises a blend of historic vineyards, stunning scenery, and insider tastings. It’s a well-rounded experience tailored for those who appreciate authentic wine traditions and a touch of cultural exploration. The fact that it scores a perfect 5.0 rating from nine reviews speaks volumes about its quality and the memorable moments it delivers.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the personalized attention, the variety of wineries visited, and the inclusion of cultural stops like Laguardia. On the flip side, some travelers might find the day slightly packed, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace or longer vineyard visits.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers seeking a genuine, educational journey, those curious about Spanish winemaking, and anyone wanting a private, hassle-free day exploring the scenic wine regions close to Bilbao. If you value expert guides, beautiful landscapes, and tasting multiple wines—this tour hits all those marks.

Good To Know

• Private and personalized: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored experience.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides have personal relationships with wineries, enriching the visit.
• Two distinct wine regions: Visits include one winery in La Rioja and another in Rioja Alavesa.
• Cultural highlights: A tour of Laguardia’s medieval village, caves, and castle tower adds a historic touch.
• Tastings and food pairings: Enjoy up to 8 wine tastings and snacks at each vineyard.
• Flexible options: Lunch can be included or tailored to your preference, enhancing the day.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off bright and early at 8:30 am, with pickup arranged from Bilbao, setting the tone for a seamless day. The first stop is a winery in La Rioja, where you’ll spend roughly 90 minutes exploring the estate, learning about traditional winemaking, and sampling some of their best offerings. The reviews highlight how guides often have strong relationships with these establishments, leading to more engaging and intimate tours. One reviewer specifically appreciated how their guide’s connections resulted in “excellent tours and tasting experiences,” making the visit feel like a VIP experience rather than a standard tasting room.

Next, the group heads to Rioja Alavesa for another winery visit, also about 90 minutes. Here, you’ll witness different winemaking techniques, taste a variety of wines—ranging from Crianza to Gran Reserva—and enjoy food pairings that elevate each sip. The inclusion of snacks and food pairings at each stop is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you stay energized and enhance the wine flavors.

The Cultural Stop in Laguardia

The itinerary also includes a visit to the charming medieval village of Laguardia. With a dedicated hour, you’ll tour the castle tower, explore caves, and wander through narrow streets lined with traditional architecture. Reviewers cherish this part, describing Laguardia as “impressive” and “full of history,” making it a perfect complement to the wine-focused day. The guide takes you through the town’s historic sites, often sharing lesser-known stories that add depth to your visit.

The Wines and Tastings

Participants typically enjoy eight wine tastings across two wineries, with the opportunity to sample a diverse selection. Reviewers frequently mention how the guides’ knowledge adds context, making each tasting more meaningful. One guest noted, “I didn’t know much about Spanish wines before, but now I’m hooked,” reflecting how approachable and educational the experience can be.

The Logistics and Value

The duration of the tour spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, so it’s a full day but not overwhelming. The price point of $286.60 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the private aspect, multiple wine tastings, cultural stops, and the personalized guide service—this is quite good value. Many reviewers appreciated that they could purchase additional wines, helped along by the guide’s local connections, making it not just a tasting but also an opportunity to bring home some bottles.

Transportation and Comfort

Though not explicitly detailed, the tour includes pickup from Bilbao, which saves you the hassle of organizing transport. The private nature means your group travels together comfortably, and timing is well managed to ensure you visit both wineries and Laguardia without feeling rushed.

The Reviewers’ Perspective

Multiple reviewers praised the guides, often mentioning how knowledgeable and personable they are. One reviewer specifically appreciated the “full understanding of the region’s history and present-day wine scene,” highlighting how the guides help deepen your appreciation for the wines and their background. Guests also noted the flexibility of the tour, with some opting for lunch in Laguardia instead of a fixed menu, allowing for a more personalized culinary experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want more than just tasting; they crave stories, context, and authentic experiences. It’s also suited for couples, small groups, or friends looking for a private day out that combines wine, culture, and scenic views. If you enjoy learning about local traditions and prefer curated, intimate experiences over crowded tours, this is a strong choice.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer vineyard visits, this tour might feel a bit brisk. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their day and enjoy a rundown of La Rioja’s wine scene in a single outing.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 8 to 9 hours
• Start Time: 8:30 am
• Price: $286.60 per person
• Inclusions: Private visits to 2 wineries, tastings (up to 8 wines), food pairings, cultural tour of Laguardia, bottled water
• Excluded: Lunch (but options are flexible—either booked separately or included upon request)
• Meeting Point: Pickup from Bilbao
• Availability: Most travelers can participate; confirmation is immediate, and service animals are allowed
• Booking: On average, booked 46 days in advance, reflecting its popularity

FAQ

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing you flexibility if plans change.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included by default, but you can opt for a reservation at a selected restaurant or choose to bring your own meal. The tour also offers a flexible lunch option after booking.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit two wineries—one in La Rioja and another in Rioja Alavesa—each offering a tour and tasting experience.

Are the tastings at each winery free?
Yes, tastings are included as part of the tour, with up to 8 wines sampled across both wineries.

What is Laguardia like?
Laguardia is a picturesque medieval village with narrow streets, historic caves, and a castle tower, offering a charming cultural stop during the day.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Absolutely, guides can help you arrange purchases, and many guests end up buying bottles to take home, enjoying the personal connections made at each winery.

Is this a group or private experience?
This tour is exclusively private, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a personalized, intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Bilbao to La Rioja wine tour packs a lot into a single day, making it ideal for travelers eager to explore the region’s wineries and cultural sites in a comfortable, tailored setting. The combination of knowledgeable guides, well-chosen wineries, and the scenic charm of Laguardia ensures a memorable experience that balances education, indulgence, and sightseeing.

If you’re serious about wine, enjoy cultural stories, and value a private, hassle-free itinerary, this tour offers genuine value. The reviews underscore its quality, especially highlighting the guides’ expertise and the authentic feel of the visits. For those looking to deepen their appreciation for Spanish wines while soaking in beautiful landscapes and historic sites, this trip is a fantastic choice.

In summary, this tour stands out for its personalized approach, diverse wine tastings, and cultural highlights. It’s best suited for wine lovers, curious explorers, and small groups seeking a meaningful day out in La Rioja’s stunning scenery—and at a price that reflects its exclusive, high-quality nature.