From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour

This Rioja architecture and wine tour from Bilbao offers an immersive experience for oenophiles and design enthusiasts alike. Over the course of 8 hours, a small group of no more than 7 you will explore renowned wineries, sample exquisite Rioja wines, and indulge in a traditional regional lunch. Highlights include visits to the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, celebrated for their innovative architectural designs. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the rich winemaking heritage of the region or simply admire its breathtaking landscapes, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. But what else can travelers expect to discover on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour from Bilbao explores Rioja’s renowned wineries and historic towns, focusing on the region’s winemaking heritage and innovative architecture.
• Visitors will tour the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, known for their modern, avant-garde designs by renowned architects.
• The tour includes guided tastings of locally-produced Rioja wines, such as Crianza and Rioja Reserva, as well as a traditional Riojano lunch.
• With a small group size limited to 7 participants, the tour provides a personalized and tailored experience for each guest.
• The tour offers pickup and drop-off from Bilbao, ensuring convenience and allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Rioja region.

Tour Overview

This Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour from Bilbao offers an immersive 8-hour experience exploring the region’s renowned wineries and historic towns. Priced from $267.63 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive look at Rioja’s winemaking heritage and innovative architecture.

Highlights include visiting the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, known for their modern designs, and exploring the historic town of LaGuardia. Guests will enjoy guided tastings of locally-produced wines, including Crianza reds and award-winning Rioja Reserva, paired with a traditional Riojano lunch.

With a small group size limited to 7 participants, the tour ensures a personalized experience led by an English-fluent guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option make this tour an enticing choice for first-time Rioja visitors.

Itinerary Highlights

Spanning an 8-hour itinerary, the tour visits two renowned Rioja wineries known for their cutting-edge architectural designs.

Guests will explore the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, marveling at the titanium, stainless steel, wood, and sandstone features that characterize their innovative structures.

Plus, the tour includes a guided exploration of the historic town of LaGuardia, offering insights into the region’s winemaking heritage.

Travelers will enjoy guided tastings of locally-produced wines, including the renowned Crianza red and award-winning Rioja Reserva.

The experience is capped off with a traditional Riojano lunch featuring three pintxos or tapas, all accompanied by the region’s celebrated Rioja wines.

Experience Details

The tour is limited to a small group of 7 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience.

A live tour guide fluent in English accompanies the group, providing insights throughout the activity.

Pickup and drop-off from Bilbao are included, along with transportation during the tour. This ensures convenience and allows visitors to fully enjoy the architectural and wine-tasting experiences without worrying about logistics.

The small group size also enables the guide to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the participants, creating a tailored experience.

With the transportation and guide taken care of, guests can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights, flavors, and rich culture of the Rioja region.

Marques De Riscal Winery

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Marques de Riscal winery sports a striking, avant-garde appearance that immediately catches the eye.

The building’s distinctive features include titanium, stainless steel, wood, and sandstone, which blend together to create a unique and visually captivating structure.

Visitors exploring the winery will be treated to a guided tour, where they’ll learn about the winemaking process and have the opportunity to sample the estate’s acclaimed Crianza red and Rioja Reserva wines.

With its cutting-edge architecture and exceptional wine offerings, the Marques de Riscal winery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the intersection of modern design and traditional winemaking.

Ysios Winery

Alongside the dramatic Sierra Cantabria mountains, Ysios Winery’s architectural design evokes the undulating slopes of the surrounding landscape. Crafted by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the winery’s striking silhouette features a series of parallel, curved concrete panels that create a visually captivating and harmonious blend of form and function.

Visitors exploring Ysios can expect to enjoy a guided tasting of the winery’s exceptional Rioja wines, complemented by insights into the innovative design that has made this destination a celebrated icon of modern Spanish architecture.

The Ysios experience offers:

1. A guided tasting of the winery’s acclaimed Rioja wines

2. An in-depth look at the building’s striking architectural design

3. The opportunity to appreciate the integration of the winery with its natural setting

Javier San Pedro Winery

Nestled within the rolling hills of the Rioja region, Javier San Pedro Winery offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the area’s renowned winemaking heritage through a guided tasting of their exceptional vintages. As a potential upgrade to the main tour, guests can indulge in a flight tasting of 4 wines while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. This immersive experience allows participants to delve deeper into the distinct characteristics and flavors that define the Rioja appellation. The winery’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every sip, providing a memorable addition to the Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour.

Varietal	ABV	Tasting Notes
Tempranillo	13.5%	Rich, full-bodied with notes of dark berries and spice
Graciano	14.2%	Robust, complex with hints of leather and tobacco
Garnacha	14.8%	Vibrant, fruity with a silky smooth finish

Customer Reviews

Customers frequently praise the professionalism and expertise of the tour guides, who expertly navigate visitors through the Rioja region’s renowned wineries and architectural highlights.

The tour consistently earns high marks, with reviewers highlighting several key strengths:

1. Transportation quality, with a 4.9/5 rating, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

2. Overall value for money, scoring 4.5/5, making the tour an excellent investment.

3. The guides’ accommodating nature, which allows them to tailor the experience to diverse group needs.

With these accolades, the Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour emerges as a comprehensive and highly enjoyable option for first-time visitors seeking to enjoy the region’s rich winemaking heritage and architectural marvels.

Booking Information

Booking the Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot through the tour provider’s website, with a ‘Reserve now & pay later‘ option available.

The tour costs $267.63 per person and typically sells out, so early booking is recommended. Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Bilbao, as well as transportation during the activity. It’s a small group tour limited to 7 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The live tour guide is fluent in English, providing valuable insights throughout the day’s itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not particularly suitable for children. It focuses on visiting wineries and tasting wine, activities best suited for adults. The tour itinerary and logistics make it more appropriate for an adult-only experience.

Are Any Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options Available During the Lunch?

The tour offers a traditional Riojano lunch featuring 3 pintxos or tapas. While the menu is not specified, the provider likely can accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary requests if notified in advance. Guests should inquire about options when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Wine Bottles Home From the Wineries?

Yes, guests can typically bring home wine bottles purchased from the wineries visited during the tour. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the tour operator or wineries ahead of time for any restrictions on the amount or types of wine that can be taken.

Is There Any Dress Code Required for the Winery Visits?

There’s no strict dress code for the winery visits, but visitors should wear comfortable, casual attire. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through the facilities. The focus is on enjoying the wine tasting experience in a relaxed setting.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Specific Requests Prior to the Tour?

Yes, customers can typically request customizations or make specific requests prior to the tour. The tour operator is often willing to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour’s overall structure and availability.

Recap

This Rioja architecture and wine tour from Bilbao offers an immersive 8-hour experience exploring the region’s renowned wineries and stunning landscapes.

Visitors will enjoy guided tastings of exquisite Rioja wines and a traditional Riojano lunch, while marveling at the innovative winery designs by renowned architects.

With a small group size, this tour provides an intimate and insightful introduction to the winemaking heritage and architectural wonders of Rioja.