The architectural Rioja small group wine tour from Bilbao offers a unique fusion of wine and design. Guests will explore the renowned wine region, exploring two iconic wineries known for their exceptional vino and striking architectural features. From the sweeping curves of Ysios to the bold titanium-clad facade of Marques de Riscal, the tour promises a captivating blend of flavors and aesthetics. Complementing the winery visits is a lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia, allowing participants to savor the local cuisine and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. With an intimate group size, this tour provides an engaging and personalized experience for wine enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
Key Points

- This small-group tour from Bilbao visits two renowned Rioja wineries with unique architectural designs and includes guided tours and wine tastings.
- The tour also includes a lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia, providing an opportunity to experience the local cuisine and culture.
- The maximum group size is 7 travelers, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience.
- Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is allowed for a full refund, but last-minute cancellations are not accepted.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and steps, and a minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to run.
Tour Overview

The small-group Architectural Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao takes visitors to two renowned wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, both of which are architectural gems.
Participants will enjoy guided tours and wine tastings at these impressive, cutting-edge facilities.
The tour also includes lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia, allowing guests to savor traditional Rioja cuisine and wines in a picturesque setting.
This small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, provides an intimate and immersive exploration of Rioja’s rich winemaking heritage and innovative architecture.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or architecture aficionado, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to discover the Rioja region.
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Itinerary

This tour starts at the iconic Puppy sculpture in front of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, providing a convenient meeting point for participants.
From there, the group will embark on a journey through the stunning Rioja wine region, visiting two architectural gems – the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries.
Along the way, guests will enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and a delightful lunch in the charming medieval village of Laguardia.
At the end of the day, the tour returns to the original meeting point, allowing travelers to easily continue their exploration of the vibrant city of Bilbao.
Inclusions

Bottled water, a delectable lunch (tapas/traditional fare with wine), and engaging wine tastings are all included in this Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour from Bilbao.
Plus, a professional guide leads the group, providing insight and expertise throughout the winery visits.
This tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing participants to:
- Discover the architectural wonders of the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries.
- Indulge in the rich flavors of Rioja’s renowned wines.
- Explore the medieval village of Laguardia and enjoy the local culture.
With these inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the Rioja region’s architectural and oenological delights, making this tour a must-do for wine enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t refunded.
Plus, changes less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted. This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.
However, last-minute cancellations aren’t permitted, as they can disrupt the tour logistics and impact other participants. The tour operator give you a seamless experience, so they require advance notice to accommodate any changes.
Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation for the tour is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the winery visits and medieval village require navigating uneven terrain and steps. Participants should be aware of these accessibility limitations when booking the experience.
The tour has some key requirements:
- A minimum number of travelers is needed for the experience to run; if this isn’t met, the tour may be canceled.
- The group size is capped at 7 travelers, ensuring a small and intimate experience.
- The tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy, a reputable provider of culinary and wine-focused experiences in the region.
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Group Size and Operator

This small-group Architectural Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao caps the group size at 7 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
The tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy, a reputable provider of culinary and wine-focused experiences in the region.
With a maximum of 7 participants, the tour can provide personalized attention and a more immersive exploration of the Rioja wine country.
Northern Spain Gastronomy’s expertise in the local wine scene and deep connections with the wineries visited allow for exclusive access and insights that larger tours may not offer.
The small group size also allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to the needs and interests of the travelers.
Bilbao Meeting Point

The tour starts at the iconic Puppy sculpture in front of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao’s city center, providing a convenient and recognizable meeting point for participants.
From this vibrant location, the group embarks on their Architectural Rioja wine adventure, exploring the renowned wineries and medieval villages of the Rioja region.
The Puppy sculpture, a whimsical 43-foot-tall topiary dog, serves as an easy-to-find landmark for the beginning of the tour.
Situated in the heart of Bilbao, the meeting point is:
- Centrally located and accessible for tour participants.
- Adjacent to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a architectural marvel.
- Close to public transportation options for travelers.
This convenient starting point sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the Rioja region’s rich wine heritage and stunning architectural wonders.
Architectural Winery Visits

Two of the highlights of the Architectural Rioja Wine Tour are the visits to the iconic Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, both renowned for their striking architectural designs.
The Marques de Riscal winery, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, features a unique, eye-catching exterior that blends contemporary and traditional elements. Guests will marvel at the winery’s curved stainless steel and titanium panels that create a captivating visual contrast against the surrounding countryside.
The Ysios winery, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, boasts an equally impressive modern design with its undulating wooden roof and asymmetrical shape.
Both wineries offer guided tours, allowing visitors to delve deeper into their architectural marvels while also enjoying tastings of the region’s renowned wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour for Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, the tour can likely be customized for dietary restrictions. The company provides lunch, so they should be able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice. Guests should inquire about this when booking the tour.
Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Wineries?
The tour can likely be extended to include additional wineries, but this would need to be coordinated with the tour operator in advance. Additional costs and logistics may be involved to accommodate any customizations beyond the standard itinerary.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is fixed regardless of age or student status. However, the tour still provides excellent value with included tastings, lunch, and knowledgeable guides.
Can the Tour Be Rescheduled in Case of Bad Weather?
The tour can be rescheduled in case of bad weather, but this must be done at least 24 hours before the start time. Any cancellations or changes less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted.
What Language Options Are Available for the Guided Tours?
The tour offers guided tours in both English and Spanish, allowing visitors to select the language that best suits their needs and preference. The professional guides provide insightful commentary on the architectural wonders and regional wines during the experience.
Recap
This architectural Rioja wine tour from Bilbao offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the region’s renowned wines and awe-inspiring wineries.
Guests will explore two iconic wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, while savoring the local cuisine in the medieval village of Laguardia.
With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich architectural and oenological heritage of Rioja.
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