Visit a winery of the 19th century and its draft

An Authentic Glimpse into Spain’s Vintage Wine Heritage

If you’re exploring the wine regions of Spain, a visit to a historic winery offers an immersive way to appreciate the craft behind each glass. This tour of a 19th-century winery in La Rioja promises a charming peek into traditional wine-making methods, particularly carbonic maceration, in a setting steeped in history. With a recent meticulous restoration, the winery now stands as a living museum of sorts, blending the old with the new for visitors eager to taste and learn.

What we love about this experience is its intimate scale—limited to just 10 travelers—allowing for personalized stories and detailed explanations from knowledgeable guides. It’s a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and authentic regional flavors. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s duration is just under two hours, so it’s best suited for those looking for a concise, yet enriching, cultural outing rather than an all-day event. This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting to enjoy a genuine slice of La Rioja’s wine-making tradition.

Key Points

• Historic Venue: Set in a restored 19th-century winery with original structures and features.
• Expert Guidance: Led by knowledgeable guides—like Jose—who share in-depth regional wine industry insights.
• Tasting Experience: Includes sampling of two wines, complemented by regional snacks.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The winery’s traditional techniques, like carbonic maceration, are still celebrated.
• Limited Group Size: A small tour (max 10 travelers) ensures a personalized experience.
• Value for Money: At $53.41 per person, the tour offers a mix of history, tasting, and cultural insight.

Exploring the Details of the Tour

The Historic Setting of La Bodega del Tesoro

Begin your journey at C. Cuevas, 45 in the charming village of Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón. The location itself is picturesque, with the winery perched amidst rolling vineyards that have been part of Spain’s wine landscape since 1881. The building’s recent restoration has been carefully done to preserve its original charm while making it accessible and informative for visitors.

What truly stands out is the preservation of the old stone walls and cellar spaces, which evoke an authentic 19th-century atmosphere. As one reviewer noted, the experience is “expertly led” and provides a deep dive into regional wine traditions, thanks to guides like Jose, who have a wealth of knowledge about the area’s wine industry.

The Itinerary: A Step Through Time and Tradition

Stop 1: La Bodega del Tesoro — This is the heart of the experience. Here, you’ll learn that this winery was once entirely closed for 30 years. Its recent resurrection has revealed a treasure trove of original features, including traditional fermentation areas and storage spaces. The focus on carbonic maceration—a technique used to produce lighter, fruitier wines—is a notable highlight and provides insight into regional wine styles.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which guides share stories about the winery’s history and its winemaking methods. Visitors can expect to see the old wooden barrels, fermentation tanks, and perhaps even learn about the regional significance of La Rioja’s wine culture.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour fee of $53.41 per person covers the guided visit, two wine tastings, and some regional snacks. The small group size boosts the intimacy of the experience, fostering a more engaging environment where questions are encouraged.

Absent from the package are tips or additional purchases, allowing for a straightforward, hassle-free experience. The tasting, which features two wines, gives you a genuine taste of what the winery produces—an excellent way to connect with the region’s flavor profiles.

The Authentic Tasting and Snacking

The tasting session is often praised for its depth and the guidance provided. Reviewers like Martin_R appreciated the “detailed and in-depth knowledge of the wine industry,” which adds context to each sip. The inclusion of local snacks enhances the experience, making it more enjoyable and authentic. You might find yourself appreciating the regional flavors even more after hearing stories from the guides about what makes these wines unique.

Accessibility and Practicalities

Meeting at the small parking lot on C. Cuevas makes access easy, even for those arriving by car. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals. Since the maximum group size is 10, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

Because the tour is only booked 15 days in advance on average, it’s advisable to plan ahead—especially during peak travel seasons—to secure your spot. The duration and intimate setting make it a good choice for those seeking a meaningful, short cultural activity rather than a lengthy excursion.

Why This Tour Comes Highly Recommended

The consistent 5-star reviews—including comments like “expertly led” and “plenty to hear inside a village winery”—speak volumes about the quality of the experience. Guests leave with a deeper understanding of the regional wine industry, a sense of connection to the history of the place, and, of course, some excellent wines.

Analyzing the Value

While $53.41 might seem modest for a guided tour, tastings, and snacks, the value raises when you consider the expert guidance, historical insight, and authentic setting. Visiting a restored 19th-century winery that still practices traditional techniques offers a rare glimpse into Spain’s heritage, making this experience more than just a tasting.

The Sum Up

This tour of La Bodega del Tesoro offers a charming, authentic look into La Rioja’s winemaking traditions within a beautifully restored historic setting. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and genuine regional flavors, especially in a small-group atmosphere that fosters connection and curiosity. The guided tasting, coupled with the storytelling from guides like Jose, enriches the experience and makes it well worth the price.

If you’re after a memorable, educational, and delicious experience that combines history with wine, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy intimate visits, value storytelling, and want a taste of local culture without the fuss of large tourist groups.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the experience is suitable for adults of all ages looking to learn about wine and history.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed yet comprehensive visit.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers a guided visit, tasting of two wines, and some regional snacks.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
It’s recommended to book at least 15 days in advance, as bookings are usually made well ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Is transportation provided?
No, the meeting point is at C. Cuevas, 45, and visitors are responsible for their own transportation.

Are tips included?
No, tipping is not included and is at your discretion if you enjoy the guide’s service.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What makes this winery special?
It’s a restored 19th-century winery that once was closed for 30 years, and it still features traditional techniques like carbonic maceration.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking through wine cellars and historic spaces are recommended.

Is there any age restriction for tasting?
The tour is designed primarily for adults; minors may not be permitted to taste wine but can join the tour.

This tour offers an excellent blend of history, culture, and regional wine tasting—an experience that’s both educational and delicious, perfect for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for Spain’s wine-making roots.