From San Sebastian: Rioja Wine Tour

The Rioja wine region is a must-visit destination for oenophiles and cultural enthusiasts alike. From San Sebastian, travelers can embark on a comprehensive private tour that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, historic wineries, and charming medieval villages. With hotel pickup and drop-off, tastings of acclaimed Rioja wines, and the opportunity to take in the art, culture, and rich history of the area, this one-day experience offers a well-rounded introduction to the Basque Country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply seeking to explore a new destination, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the unique character of the Rioja Alavesa.

Key Points

• This one-day private group tour departs from San Sebastian and explores the Basque Mountains and Rioja Alavesa wine region.
• The tour includes visits to historical wineries, tastings of acclaimed Rioja wines, and exploration of charming medieval villages along the St. James route.
• Guests can expect private group transportation, an expert guide, sightseeing stops, food, drinks, and wine tastings.
• The tour is priced from $763.29 per group of up to 8 participants and offers a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
• The Rioja Alavesa region showcases a rich tapestry of history, culture, and world-renowned vintages, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

Tour Overview

Tour Overview

The Rioja wine tour offers a one-day private group experience, departing from San Sebastian and exploring the Basque Mountains.

Highlights include crossing the stunning Basque terrain, visiting historical wineries, and tasting wines at 3 or more renowned vineyards. Guests will also enjoy a traditional countryside lunch at a local restaurant and have the chance to explore historical sites in the region.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an expert local guide, and all necessary food, drinks, and wine tastings.

Priced from $763.29 per group up to 8 participants, this tour can be booked now with a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Tour

Crossing the stunning Basque Mountains, the tour takes guests through the captivating Rioja Alavesa wine region, home to some of the best wineries in the area.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore historical vineyards founded in the 1850s, where they can discover the art, culture, and rich history of the region while tasting high-quality Rioja wines produced using traditional methods.

Plus, the tour includes visits to charming medieval villages along the St. James route, providing a glimpse into the area’s vibrant heritage.

From crossing the breathtaking mountains to immersing in the region’s rich winemaking legacy, this Rioja wine tour offers an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Rioja wine tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private group transportation, and an expert guide to lead the way through the region’s highlights.

Visitors can expect sightseeing stops, food, drinks, and wine tastings throughout the day.

The tour is priced from $763.29 per group of up to 8 participants, making it an affordable option for small groups.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, which provides flexibility.

The tour also offers a generous cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.

Cancellation Policy

The Rioja wine tour offers a generous cancellation policy, allowing guests to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility ensures travellers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t be penalized for last-minute changes.

Whether it’s due to unforeseen circumstances or a change in plans, the tour operator understands the importance of providing a hassle-free booking experience. Guests can rest assured that their investment is protected, making it easier to commit to this exceptional wine country adventure.

With this generous cancellation policy, travellers can focus on anticipating the upcoming tour without worrying about nonrefundable costs.

Exploring Rioja Alavesa

Rioja Alavesa, the acclaimed wine region at the heart of the Rioja wine country, beckons oenophiles with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and world-renowned vintages.

Winding through this picturesque landscape, the tour explores medieval villages along the historic St. James route, offering glimpses into the area’s storied past.

Visitors will tour traditional wineries, some dating back to the 1850s, and discover the art of Rioja wine production, with its focus on quality and respect for time-honored techniques.

Tastings of the region’s acclaimed red, white, and rosé wines provide an opportunity to savor the fruits of the vintners’ labor, leaving participants with an enhanced appreciation for the rich diversity of Spain’s premier wine destination.

Medieval Villages on St. James Route

Along the historic St. James route, medieval villages dot the landscape of Rioja Alavesa, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past. These centuries-old towns, such as Laguardia and Labraza, feature well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint plazas that transport you back in time. Visitors can wander through the charming streets, discovering hidden churches, monasteries, and historic landmarks.

Village	Highlights
Laguardia	Walled medieval town, 13th-century Church of Santa María de los Reyes
Labraza	One of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain", historic fortified walls
Elciego	Home to the iconic Marqués de Riscal winery designed by Frank Gehry

Exploring these medieval villages along the Camino de Santiago provides a truly immersive cultural experience in Rioja Alavesa.

Art, Culture, and History of the Region

From San Sebastian: Rioja Wine Tour

Beyond the captivating medieval villages, the Rioja Alavesa region offers a rich tapestry of art, culture, and history that deeply immerses visitors.

From the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Marqués de Riscal winery to the historic Basilica of San Millán de la Cogolla, this renowned wine country seamlessly blends centuries-old traditions with modern architectural marvels.

Explore the region’s world-class museums, browse local artisan workshops, and learn about the vibrant cultural events that celebrate Rioja’s heritage.

Whether you’re admiring the bold, contemporary lines of a winery or uncovering the stories behind ancient monasteries, the art, culture, and history of Rioja Alavesa promise an unforgettable experience.

Traditional Wineries and Rioja Wines

Within the storied Rioja Alavesa region, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the traditional wineries that have stood the test of time. Established as early as the 1850s, these historic estates seamlessly blend time-honored winemaking methods with modern innovations, producing the world-renowned Rioja wines that have made this Spanish wine region famous.

On the Rioja wine tour, guests have the chance to step inside these legendary cellars, learn about the centuries-old techniques used to craft the region’s renowned red, white, and rosé wines, and enjoy tastings that showcase the unique terroir and character of each winery.

It’s a chance to take in the rich viticultural heritage that defines the Rioja Alavesa.

Recap

The Rioja wine tour from San Sebastian offers a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Basque Mountains and the renowned Rioja Alavesa wine region.

Visitors can enjoy visits to historical wineries, tastings of acclaimed wines, and the opportunity to discover the art, culture, and rich history of the area, including charming medieval villages along the St. James route.

This private group tour provides a flexible cancellation policy and the ability to reserve and pay later.