From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings

Travelers craving a taste of Spain’s world-famous wine country will find this full-day tour from Bilbao to La Rioja an appealing option. It offers a well-rounded experience, combining visits to legendary wineries, charming historic towns, and modern architectural marvels—all with the convenience of transportation and expert guides. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or simply curious about the region’s culture, this trip provides a practical, enjoyable way to learn about Rioja’s acclaimed wine scene without the hassle of driving.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it balances guided learning with free time for exploration and tasting. Plus, the visits to both a century-old winery and a traditional family-run cellar provide diverse perspectives on Rioja wine production. On the downside, the 9-hour duration means a fair amount of time on the bus, which might feel lengthy for some travelers. Still, for those interested in history, architecture, and, of course, wine, it’s a solid value and an efficient way to experience La Rioja’s highlights in just a day.

This tour is an excellent fit for travelers who value structured guidance, want a taste of authentic Rioja culture, and prefer not to worry about transportation logistics. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors to Bilbao looking for a comprehensive and fun introduction to the region’s famed wines.

Key Points

• Convenience: Round-trip transportation from Bilbao makes for a hassle-free day.
• Diverse Experiences: Visits include historic towns, iconic wineries, and a modern architectural landmark.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Variety of Tastings: Enjoy guided tastings at two different wineries, including a traditional small family-run cellar.
• Authentic Local Culture: Walk through medieval Laguardia and Haro’s historic center.
• Flexible Free Time: Opportunities to explore and buy wine or enjoy local food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

This tour packs a lot into 9 hours, beginning with an early departure from Bilbao’s Mazarredo Zumarkalea, right next to the Guggenheim. The first leg of the journey takes about an hour, setting the scene for your La Rioja adventure. When you arrive in Haro, you can expect a guided tour of CVNE, a historic and emblematic winery with a heritage dating back over a century. The guided tasting here is a highlight—expect to sample some of the region’s finest wines amid stories of Rioja’s wine-making evolution.

Haro’s downtown, with its charming Plaza de la Paz, provides a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely walk. Travelers consistently rave about how this town captures the spirit of Rioja—combining history, vibrant life, and excellent wine culture.

Next, you’ll head to Laguardia, a medieval town with narrow streets and stone buildings that seem straight out of a storybook. Here, a guided visit to a smaller, traditional winery offers a more personal look at Rioja’s wine-making secrets. It’s a chance to learn about the process from a family’s perspective—an authentic experience cherished by many travelers.

After exploring Laguardia, you’ll have a generous period for lunch, which you might want to plan around — some reviews mention that bringing cash is helpful, as card machines may be down in some places. This free time allows you to stroll, buy wine souvenirs, or enjoy local pinxtos.

On the way back, passing through Elciego, you’ll see the striking Marqués de Riscal building—an architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry. Even if architecture isn’t your main interest, the building’s unusual design makes it a striking photo stop that captures the innovative spirit of La Rioja.

A Closer Look at the Stops

Haro and CVNE Winery

Haro is often considered the heart of Rioja wine country. The guided tour at CVNE, a century-old winery, offers insights into the wine elaboration process, from grape to glass. Travelers have praised the quality of the tasting, with one reviewer saying, “the wine was top-notch,” and appreciating the opportunity to learn how Rioja wines are crafted.

The guided visit typically includes walking through the winery’s historic cellars and caves. Many reviewers highlight their gratitude for guides like Stephen, who are full of interesting stories and make the experience engaging. One traveler noted, “Stephen was very knowledgeable and helpful, making the day more enjoyable.”

Laguardia and Its Small Winery

Laguardia offers a different vibe—medieval, charming, and less commercialized. The visit to a small, traditional winery provides an intimate look at family wine-making, often with tastings of wine in various stages of fermentation. One reviewer described the experience as “so interesting,” especially being able to compare wine pre- and post-bottling.

Exploring the cobbled streets, you’ll get a sense of what life was like centuries ago, all while sampling regional wines paired with local pinxtos. The town’s quiet charm often surprises travelers, and many say they enjoyed the blend of history and flavor here.

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Architectural and Cultural Highlights

The pass-by of the Marqués de Riscal building is a visual treat. Designed by Frank Gehry, it offers a striking contrast to the medieval surroundings, showcasing the region’s modern side. Even if you don’t go inside, the building’s form makes for memorable photos and demonstrates La Rioja’s blend of tradition and innovation.

Logistics and Practicalities

Transportation is by comfortable coach, with the entire journey designed to maximize your time at each stop. The entire day is organized with pickup and drop-off at a central Bilbao meeting point—convenient and straightforward. The tour lasts about 9 hours, including travel, guided visits, tastings, and free time.

Cost-wise, the tour includes visits to two wineries, a guided tour, tastings, and transportation, which provides good value considering the quality and depth of experiences. The only costs not included are lunch and any additional wine purchases—so budget accordingly if you want to buy bottles or enjoy a sit-down meal.

Guides are bilingual (English and Spanish), and reviews praise them for being informative, friendly, and attentive. One reviewer noted that the guide, Stephan, was “very funny” and “kept us on track,” which helps keep a group engaged on a long day.

Note that this tour isn’t suitable for travelers with limited mobility, as some walking and uneven streets are involved. Also, it takes place rain or shine—so pack an umbrella if the forecast calls for it.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

The reviews highlight how much travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the authentic nature of the visits. One said, “We definitely understand wine better now,” which speaks to how educational the tour can be. The tasting experiences, especially at the small winery, stood out as “so interesting,” with the chance to taste wines at different stages of production.

Many travelers loved the charming towns and the chance to walk through historic streets, often mentioning how they enjoyed exploring Laguardia’s medieval atmosphere. The visit to the Gehry-designed building is also a hit for those interested in architecture or simply looking for a fun photo opportunity.

Several reviews also mention the delicious local food and the opportunity to buy bottles as souvenirs, often at different price points. The combination of guided tastings with free time for shopping or snacking makes the day flexible and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If your main goal is to learn about Rioja wine while appreciating the region’s history and architecture, this tour offers excellent value. The mix of guided visits, tastings, and free exploration ensures a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone looking for a scenic day trip from Bilbao.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, be aware that the itinerary involves a fair amount of walking and bus travel. Also, for those hoping for a culinary feast, note that lunch isn’t included, so planning ahead will enhance your day.

This tour delivers a well-organized, engaging, and authentic taste of La Rioja—just enough to leave you wanting more.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, from departure in Bilbao to return, including stops, guided tours, tastings, and free time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides transportation by a comfortable coach, with pickup and drop-off at a central Bilbao meeting point.

Are the wineries included in the price?
Yes, the visit to CVNE winery in Haro and a traditional small winery in Laguardia, along with tastings, are included.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Absolutely. Both stops offer opportunities to purchase bottles, either as souvenirs or to enjoy later. Many reviews mention buying wine as a highlight.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It is not recommended for people with limited mobility due to walking and uneven streets. Also, alcohol consumption is involved, so it is suitable for adults.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your passport or ID for identification during tastings, and comfortable shoes for walking through towns and wineries.

What if it rains?
The tour takes place rain or shine. It’s advisable to bring an umbrella or raincoat if the weather forecast predicts rain.

This full-day La Rioja winery trip from Bilbao offers a fine blend of history, architecture, and, of course, wine. It’s perfect for those eager to experience the essence of Rioja in just one day, making it an accessible and memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: