From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings

Exploring La Rioja from Bilbao: A Deep Dive into the Winery Day Trip

Traveling from Bilbao to La Rioja for a full-day wine adventure offers a fantastic way to see this renowned region’s vineyards, historic towns, and striking architecture. As a long-time fan of wine excursions, I’ve looked into the experience, and what stands out is the well-rounded mix of guided winery visits, cultural walks, and the opportunity to taste some of Spain’s best wines.

Most notably, I love that this tour includes visits to two distinct wineries—CVNE in Haro, a centuries-old hotel steeped in tradition, and a small, family-owned winery in Laguardia, offering a more intimate look at traditional wine-making. The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach seem to be a highlight, with reviews praising Stephen (or Stefan) for his informative and humorous commentary.

A minor consideration: the full-day nature means a fair amount of bus travel, and the itinerary is packed. For those with mobility issues or looking for a more leisurely pace, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t recommended for people with limited mobility, and there’s no hotel pickup—just the designated meeting point. Still, for lovers of wine, history, and scenic towns, the value far outweighs these small inconveniences.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic experiences: Visits to both a historic, large-scale winery and a small, family-run cellar.
• Scenic towns: Haro and Laguardia are beautiful, medieval towns with charming streets perfect for exploring.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Stephen, make the stories behind the wines come alive.
• Taste testing: Multiple tastings include comparisons—like wines during fermentation and finished bottles, plus paired cheese and charcuterie.
• Architectural highlight: The modern building of Marqués de Riscal offers a striking contrast to the historic wineries.
• Practical details: Pickup at Bilbao’s Guggenheim, the tour runs roughly 9 hours, and includes transportation, guide, and tastings, with lunch on your own.

Starting at Bilbao: The Convenience of the Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 65, right next to Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. This central location is easy to find if you’re staying in Bilbao, and it sets the tone for a day that balances structured visits with free time. The bus ride to La Rioja takes about an hour, giving you a chance to relax and catch glimpses of the Basque Country’s countryside.

From the start, the transportation is included, which is a big plus—no worries about navigating or parking, especially since you’ll be moving through scenic rural areas. The guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for a diverse group.

Haro: The Heart of Rioja Wine Culture

The first major stop is Haro, the capital of Rioja wine. Here, a guided tour of CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), a historic winery with over a century of tradition, awaits. Visitors are taken through the cellars and told stories about how Rioja wines are made, which adds a layer of appreciation to the tasting experience. Many reviews mention how this part of the tour is “super interesting,” with some describing the wines as “top-notch.”

The guided walk through Haro’s Plaza de la Paz offers a glimpse of the town’s medieval charm, with reviews praising the informative and lively commentary. One traveler remarked, “Big thanks to our guide, Stephen, who was with us the whole way. He’s the best!” The mix of history, local vibe, and tasting makes this segment a highlight.

The tasting at CVNE is included, and reviews emphasize the quality of wines—some even mention tasting wines during fermentation, which provides a rare behind-the-scenes perspective. This part of the trip is especially valuable for those wanting to understand the elaboration process and enjoy some excellent wines paired with local snacks.

Laguardia: A Medieval Town with a Modern Twist

Next, the tour visits Laguardia, a medieval gem with narrow streets and ancient buildings. A guided walk highlights its history, with some reviews mentioning the 14th-century tunnels beneath the town where wine is still made. The visit to a small, family-owned winery offers an authentic look at traditional wine production. Here, you might find yourself trying the wine at different stages of fermentation—a real treat for fans wanting a more personal understanding of winemaking.

You’ll have around 1.5 hours of free time to wander and perhaps enjoy some local Pinxtos or buy wine bottles as souvenirs. Many reviewers praise Laguardia for its beauty and the chance to explore its charming streets at your own pace.

The Architectural and Cultural Finale: Marqués de Riscal

On the way back to Bilbao, passing through Elciego, you get a quick view of the Marqués de Riscal hotel, an icon of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. While the visit doesn’t include a tour of the building itself, many find it a striking sight and a great photo stop. It’s a contemporary contrast to the historic wineries, symbolizing La Rioja’s blend of tradition and innovation.

Logistics and Value: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 9 hours, with plenty of time spent in each location. The cost includes transportation, a guide, and the tastings at both wineries. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge are often praised—one review calls Stephen “the best,” and many mention how he makes the experience both fun and educational.

Lunch isn’t included, which some see as an opportunity to explore local eateries at Laguardia. The tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility, mainly because of walking around towns and uneven streets, and it takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

The experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of the wineries visited and the insider knowledge shared. You get a true taste of Rioja’s culture, landscape, and, of course, its wines—something that many reviews describe as “flying by” because the day is so engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love wine, history, and charming towns, this is a perfect day-trip option. It suits travelers who enjoy guided experiences but still want some free time to explore on their own. It’s especially appealing if you’re curious about wine production or want to see a blend of traditional and modern architecture.

On the other hand, if you have mobility limitations, you might want to consider a more relaxed or less structured alternative, as walking around some towns and wineries can be demanding. Also, if you’re after a leisurely, slow-paced day, this tour’s packed schedule might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

This La Rioja winery day trip from Bilbao offers a well-balanced mix of wine tasting, cultural exploration, and stunning scenery. The visits to both a large, historic winery and a small, family-run operation provide a comprehensive picture of Rioja’s winemaking tradition. The guides, especially Stephen, seem to elevate the experience with their knowledge and humor, making the day both fun and educational.

For anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Spanish wine, this tour delivers excellent value. The blend of tastings, scenic towns, and architectural sights makes it a memorable way to spend a day exploring the Rioja region—whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler wanting to add some delicious stories to your journey.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting from Bilbao and including visits, tastings, and free time.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, a professional guide, a guided tour and tasting at CVNE winery, and a visit and tasting at a small Laguardia winery are included.

Is lunch covered?
No, lunch isn’t included, so you can choose to explore local restaurants in Laguardia or bring snacks.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around towns and wineries. Also, bring your passport or ID.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to walking and uneven streets.

What is the best time of year to go?
Check availability, but the tour runs rain or shine, and timing might influence your experience with outdoor walks and town exploration.

Can I buy wine bottles during the tour?
Yes, both stops sell wines at a range of prices, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for most travelers.