Álava: Viña Real Winery

If you’re exploring the wine-rich region of Rioja Alavesa, the Viña Real Winery in Laguardia deserves a spot on your itinerary. This tour offers a fascinating look into one of Spain’s most iconic and innovative wineries, combining tradition with a modern twist. With guided visits, tastings of renowned wines, and a scenic vineyard picnic, it’s a well-rounded experience designed to deepen your appreciation of Rioja’s wine culture.

One of the things we truly appreciate about this tour is its intimate, behind-the-scenes vibe. It’s clear that the guides, especially Rebeca — who gets glowing reviews for her explanations — are passionate about sharing the winery’s story. However, a potential consideration is that the visit involves navigating an unpaved, hilltop road to reach the vineyard, so comfortable shoes are a must. This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about winemaking, enjoy authentic tastes, and soak in the rustic beauty of the Rioja landscape.

Key Points

• Authentic, guided experience with knowledgeable guides like Rebeca.
• Includes tastings of two wines, offering good value for wine lovers.
• Vineyard visit and viewpoints provide scenic, photo-worthy moments.
• Duration varies from 1.5 hours for the winery tour to 2.5 hours if you opt for the picnic visit.
• Comfortable footwear recommended due to uneven, unpaved access roads.
• Accessible for most, including wheelchair users, with Spanish language guides.

Introduction to Viña Real Winery

The Viña Real Winery in Laguardia has been crafting wines since 1920, and it’s a name that resonates with both tradition and innovation. Today’s operation is a showcase of how a historic brand can evolve while staying true to its roots. The winery’s current building, designed in 2004, is an architectural tribute to Rioja’s orography — a massive vessel that visually echoes the surrounding landscapes.

What makes Viña Real special isn’t just its age but its unwavering commitment to producing wines that age well and reflect the unique terroir of Rioja Alavesa. Located close to the vineyards that inspired its name, the winery’s proximity to the old Camino Real ties it to centuries of regional history, adding a layer of cultural richness to your visit.

What to Expect During the Tour

The core of this experience is the guided visit to the winery itself—lasting approximately 1.5 hours—with a focus on the entire process, from grape intake to bottling. You’ll have the chance to see the monumental Viña Real building, which is both functional and iconic, and learn about the techniques that make their wines stand out.

A highlight for many visitors is the wine tasting. You’ll sample two selected wines: the Viña Real Fermented in Barrel Bakeder, known for its balanced profile, and another unique offering. The tasting is thoughtfully paired with Sierra de Cameros cheese and Rioja chorizo, which enhances the experience for your palate and showcases local products.

For those wanting a more immersive experience, there’s an option to visit the vineyard and viewpoint—a scenic drive up a hill to see the vines and take pictures of the surrounding landscape. This visit lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a picnic with four savory appetizers and a sweet, plus two more wines: Viña Real Blanco Fermentado en Barrica and Viña Real Reserva.

The Vineyard Visit & Picnic

If time permits, the vineyard visit and picnic is well worth considering. You’ll climb a hill guided by your hosts in a vehicle suited for the unpaved road, so comfortable shoes are advisable. The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the vineyards, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the peaceful scenery.

The picnic itself is designed to be a relaxed, culinary highlight of the tour. Featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, and sweet treats, it provides a taste of regional flavors alongside more of Viña Real’s wines. It’s an excellent opportunity to savor the rural charm of Rioja while enjoying a glass or two in the open air.

Authenticity and Knowledge

From the reviews, it’s clear that Rebeca’s explanations are a standout feature, with visitors noting her engaging storytelling and clear passion for the subject. Her insights seem to elevate the experience, making even seasoned wine aficionados or newcomers feel informed and engaged.

The small group size and guided nature of the tour ensure that you get tailored attention, making complex topics accessible. Plus, the fact that the activity is wheelchair accessible means it caters to a variety of guests, a thoughtful touch.

Price and Value

At $23 per person, this tour offers excellent value for money. It includes guided visits, multiple tastings, and comfort in knowing you’re exploring the entire process from vine to bottle. For those keen to understand Rioja wines beyond just sipping — including the chance to see the winery’s innovative architecture — this price point is quite reasonable.

The addition of a vineyard visit, viewpoint, and picnic, although optional, extends the experience and provides a deeper connection to the landscape and regional produce. It’s worth noting that the longer picnic option involves a vehicle to reach the vineyard, which adds a touch of adventure.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as access involves an unpaved, hilltop road.
• Check availability and starting times in advance, as they vary.
• This tour is conducted in Spanish, so some basic understanding or a translator app could come in handy.
• It’s suitable for most mobility levels, but confirm access needs if necessary.
• The activity is available for a minimum of 2 people, so it might be perfect for couples or small groups.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for anyone who appreciates authentic wine tours with an educational touch. If you love learning about the wine-making process, enjoy scenic vineyard views, and like pairing wine with regional foods, this tour hits all those marks. It’s also perfect for travelers seeking a less commercialized, more genuine experience of Rioja’s wine culture.

Couples, small groups, or solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed, in-depth look at winemaking will find this tour rewarding. Plus, if you’re curious about innovative winery architecture and sustainable practices, the Viña Real building offers a visual treat.

The Sum Up

In all, the Viña Real Winery tour in Laguardia offers a well-balanced mix of tradition and modernity, guided by passionate experts like Rebeca. The combination of an educational winery visit, delicious tastings, and scenic vineyard views makes it a genuinely enjoyable experience for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

The value is strong considering the comprehensive nature of the tour, especially with its inclusion of multiple wines and regional foods. The experience is also accessible and well-organized, with a friendly atmosphere that invites questions and conversation.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Rioja wines while enjoying a scenic, authentic setting, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s perfect for those who want to see how history, innovation, and regional pride come together in this celebrated wine region.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided visit to Viña Real, tastings of two wines (including Viña Real Fermented in Barrel Bakeder), and regional cheese and chorizo. There’s also an optional vineyard and viewpoint visit with a picnic, which adds more wines and regional snacks.

How long does the winery visit last?
The core winery visit lasts about 1.5 hours. The vineyard and viewpoint visit, including the picnic, extends to roughly 2.5 hours.

Is transportation provided to the vineyard?
Access to the vineyard involves an unpaved road, and guided transportation is provided in a vehicle suited for the terrain. You’ll need comfortable shoes to walk or sit comfortably during the drive.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What languages are the guides speaking?
The tour and all explanations are conducted in Spanish.

How much does the tour cost?
The standard price is $23 per person, which offers excellent value considering the guided experience, tastings, and scenic views.

To sum it up, the Viña Real Winery tour in Laguardia stands out as a charming, authentic way to experience Rioja’s wine-making prowess. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just someone who enjoys good wine and scenic landscapes, this tour offers a genuine and memorable slice of Spanish viniculture.