A Sip-By-Sip Tour of 3 Boutique Rioja Family Wineries (Private Tour With Lunch)

Set out on a private, sip-by-sip tour of three family-owned Rioja wineries, exploring the renowned Alta and Alavesa vineyards. Journey through the region’s acclaimed viticulture, savoring high-scoring wines and delightful Riojano tapas. Your knowledgeable guide leads you on an immersive experience, revealing the traditions and flavors that make Rioja one of Spain’s premier wine destinations. With round-trip transfers, tastings, and lunch included, this tour offers an insider’s look into the captivating world of Rioja’s family-owned estates. Learn more about the enchanting experiences awaiting you.

Key Points

• Explore three family-owned wineries in the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa regions, known for their exceptional traditional and high-altitude Tempranillo wines.
• Enjoy a private, customized tour with round-trip transfers from Bilbao, including all fees, taxes, lunch, and at least 10 wine tastings.
• Discover the history and winemaking practices of the Rioja region, renowned for its 80+ year old vines and high-scoring wines.
• Savor a culinary experience with 3 Riojano tapas expertly paired with local wines, showcasing the region’s gastronomy.
• Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who enhances the tour with charm and insider insights, based on positive guest reviews.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a private exploration of three family-owned wineries near Bilbao, Spain, providing Rioja lovers with an ideal opportunity to enjoy the region’s renowned wine culture.

Customized to suit your preferences, the tour includes round-trip transfers from your Bilbao hotel and features all fees, taxes, lunch, and wine tastings.

Discover the traditional Rioja Alta wines of Haro, the high-altitude Rioja Alavesa vineyards of Samaniego, and more, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Rioja Alta Wines

Known for its traditional Rioja Alta wines, the Haro region boasts the largest concentration of 80+ year old vines globally.

Wines from this area often receive high praise from experts like James Suckling and Tim Atkin, regularly earning 90+ point scores.

The tour of this winery lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing visitors to:

1. Discover the distinctive character of Rioja Alta’s traditional style.
2. Explore the fascinating history and legacy of these ancient vineyards.
3. Sample a selection of the region’s highly acclaimed wines.
4. Gain insights into the meticulous winemaking practices that produce these exceptional bottlings.

Rioja Alavesa Region

Nestled in the heart of Rioja, the Rioja Alavesa region is often hailed as the Cote D’or of the renowned Spanish wine country.

This high-altitude area is known for its Atlantic influence, which lends a unique character to the small boutique wineries specializing in Tempranillo.

The vineyards here are home to many family-owned estates, each with its own distinct style and terroir.

Visitors can expect to discover exceptional Riojano wines that often receive high praise from renowned critics.

The tour offers an immersive experience in this enchanting winemaking enclave, allowing travelers to indulge in the region’s exceptional varietals and culinary delights.

Winery Experiences

On the boutique Rioja family wineries tour, visitors can expect a truly immersive experience exploring the regions’ exceptional offerings.

The tour includes tasting several wines at three family-owned wineries:

1. In Haro, visitors will discover traditional Rioja Alta wines from vineyards with some of the oldest vines globally.

2. The Rioja Alavesa region, often called the "Cote D’or of Rioja", offers high-altitude vineyards with an Atlantic influence, showcasing renowned Tempranillo-based wines.

3. Guests will enjoy 3 Riojano tapas paired with local wines, totaling at least 10 wines sampled throughout the tour.

4. The knowledgeable guides provide an enchanting experience, with positive reviews highlighting their charm and expertise.

Culinary Highlights

Visitors on the boutique Rioja family wineries tour can savor 3 Riojano tapas thoughtfully paired with local wines, providing a delightful culinary experience.

These small bites, expertly matched with the wines, offer a tantalizing complement to the winery visits. The tour includes at least 10 wine tastings, allowing guests to explore the nuanced flavors of the Rioja region.

From traditional Rioja Alta wines to the high-altitude, Atlantic-influenced offerings of Rioja Alavesa, the tour provides an immersive and well-rounded appreciation of the local viticulture.

The seamless pairing of food and wine further enhances the tour’s ability to showcase the best of Rioja’s esteemed gastronomy.

Tour Details

The private boutique Rioja family wineries tour offers a customizable experience with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour includes:

1. Visits to three family-owned wineries in the Rioja region, providing an insider’s look at the local wine culture.
2. Transportation to and from your hotel in Bilbao, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
3. Tastings of at least 10 wines, showcasing the diversity of the Rioja appellation.
4. A lunch featuring 3 Riojano tapas paired with local wines, complementing the tasting experience.

The tour is suitable for all travelers, though it may not be accessible for wheelchair users.

With a 5-star rating and positive reviews, this tour promises an enchanting and educational exploration of the renowned Rioja wine region.

Guest Testimonials

Travelers who’ve experienced the boutique Rioja family wineries tour have overwhelmingly praised the exceptional quality of the offering.

With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 19 reviews, guests highlight the knowledgeable guides, excellent hospitality, and enchanting experiences.

Reviewers single out Sara, the guide, for her charm and expertise in leading them through the world-class wineries.

One guest describes the tour as "a truly magical day," while another raves about the "incredible wines and wonderful tapas."

Booking Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the boutique Rioja family wineries tour.

This private experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

The tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy, with prices starting at $419.46 per person and varying based on group size.

Guests have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour begins without any fees.

The key highlights of the booking information include:

1. Confirmation received at time of booking
2. Not wheelchair accessible, but most can participate
3. Operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy
4. Prices start at $419.46, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the hotel in Bilbao to the three family wineries. This allows guests to fully enjoy the wine tastings without needing to worry about driving.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests are encouraged to inform the operator of any special needs when booking the tour, so appropriate arrangements can be made to ensure a comfortable experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Visits?

The tour does not have a strict dress code. However, visitors are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for exploring wineries and walking on uneven terrain. Light layers are recommended to adapt to varying temperatures during the visit.

Can Guests Purchase Wine On-Site for Shipping?

Guests can purchase wine on-site for shipping during the tour. The wineries usually offer the option to ship wines to homes or hotels, allowing visitors to savor the Rioja experience even after the tour ends.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour, and Is There a Discount?

Children are allowed on the tour, but there’s no specific child discount. The tour is primarily focused on wine tasting, so it may not be the most suitable experience for young kids. Guests can purchase wine on-site for shipping.

Sum Up

This immersive Rioja tour offers a rare glimpse into the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Guests will discover the nuances of traditional production methods, savor exceptional Tempranillo-based blends, and enjoy a delectable tapas lunch. With expert guidance and exceptional hospitality, this private experience promises to elevate one’s appreciation for the terroir that makes Rioja a celebrated Spanish wine destination.