Private tour Bilbao to La Rioja A day of Winery Tours and Tasting

Imagine sipping on world-class wines amid stunning vineyard landscapes, exploring centuries-old cellars, and strolling through medieval towns—all in one day. That’s exactly what this private Bilbao to La Rioja tour offers. Designed for wine enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, it combines the pleasures of tasting with the allure of history and scenery.

What we love most about this experience is its personalized touch. With only your group participating, you’re free to ask questions, linger over tastings, and enjoy the hospitality at each stop. Plus, visiting two distinct wineries—one in La Rioja and one in Rioja Alavesa—means you’ll experience different styles of winemaking and vineyard environments.

The only potential caveat? The tour runs around 8 to 9 hours, which can feel long if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Still, the pace is flexible, and the focus on quality over quantity makes it a worthwhile investment. This trip suits those wanting an immersive, authentic experience rather than a rushed overview.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.
• Two Wineries: You’ll explore and taste at two different, historic wineries, each offering unique insights.
• Cultural Stop in Laguardia: Tour a medieval village and castle, adding a historical dimension to the day.
• Educational and Tasty: Learn about winemaking traditions while sampling eight wines paired with snacks.
• Value for Money: The tour’s cost includes guided visits, tastings, snacks, and bottled water—offering a comprehensive experience.
• Ideal for Wine Lovers: Perfect for those wanting to deepen their knowledge and appreciation for Spanish wines.

What to Expect: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Morning Pickup and First Winery Visit in La Rioja

Your day begins around 8:30 am with a pickup in Bilbao, usually arranged through Delight Bilbao. From there, you’re whisked away in a private vehicle—comfortable, quiet, and ideally suited for a small group. The first stop is at a winery in La Rioja proper, where you’ll spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This initial visit is often lauded for its personalized tour. Several reviewers noted that their guides had personal relationships with the wineries, which translated into more genuine, engaging tastings. For example, one reviewer raved about the full understanding gained of the region’s history and present-day winemaking, thanks to a knowledgeable guide.

Expect to walk through the vineyards, see the wine aging process, and explore the cellar. Tastings here typically include 4 wines, often paired with snacks or food pairings. Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional hospitality, with guides sharing stories about each wine, making the tasting educational yet relaxed.

Second Winery in Rioja Alavesa

Next, you’ll head to Rioja Alavesa, a renowned subregion famed for its distinctive terroir. Another 1 hour and 30 minutes is allocated for this stop. Here, the focus is on the different winemaking styles—the contrast between the two wineries offers a richer understanding of regional variations.

Guests have noted that the wineries in Rioja Alavesa tend to have beautiful settings, often with impressive architecture and scenic surroundings. Reviewers appreciated the friendly sommeliers and their detailed explanations, which helped demystify everything from Crianza to Gran Reserva wines.

Lunch Break in Laguardia

Midday, you’ll visit the medieval village of Laguardia, a highlight for many. The private tour of the castle tower, caves, and the streets of this ancient town lasts about an hour. Visitors often describe Laguardia as impressive and full of character, with narrow alleys, stone buildings, and historic wine cellars carved into the hillside.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore independently or with your guide, who can recommend charming cafes or restaurants. While the tour doesn’t include lunch, an option for a restaurant reservation is available—many guests enjoy sampling local tapas and wines in this atmospheric setting.

Final Tasting and Wrap-up

Back in the vineyards, the total tasting experience usually involves 8 wines across both wineries—a generous sampling that highlights a variety of styles and aging processes. Reviewers mention that the guides help organize wine purchases, often assisting with shipping or arranging to buy bottles directly.

The experience concludes around 5 pm, with your driver returning you to Bilbao, leaving you with plenty of memories and, likely, a little extra wine to savor at home.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic, personalized experiences are at the core of this tour. Guests consistently praise the guides, often mentioning their extensive knowledge, friendly demeanor, and personal connections with the wineries. This creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and insights come naturally.

The scenery in La Rioja and Laguardia is another major draw. Reviewers describe the vineyards as “impressive” and the town of Laguardia as “full of history.” The combination of visual beauty, cultural richness, and wine tasting makes for a full, satisfying day.

In terms of value, many find this private tour comparable or better priced than group alternatives, especially considering the customized experience and inclusion of snacks, bottled water, and multiple tastings.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour is most suitable for those who enjoy tasting and learning about wine in a relaxed setting.
• While the tour is marketed as suitable for most travelers, long hours and walking through towns and wineries may require a reasonable level of mobility.
• Transportation is private, comfortable, and convenient, saving you from navigating unfamiliar roads or public transit.
• Most reviews mention that the guide’s personal relationships with wineries greatly enhance the experience, so it’s worth noting the importance of a knowledgeable guide.
• The tour price of $286.60 per person includes all tastings, snacks, and water, making it quite a value-for-money option for a full-day private experience.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private Bilbao to La Rioja wine tour is ideal for avid wine lovers seeking an in-depth, relaxed, and authentic taste of Spain’s premier wine region. If you appreciate personalized attention, beautiful scenery, and high-quality tastings, this experience delivers on all fronts. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a cultural highlight—exploring Laguardia’s medieval streets alongside their wine journey.

While it’s a full day with some walking and driving, the flexibility and intimacy of a private tour make it a rewarding choice for those wanting a memorable, tailored experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your appreciation for Spanish wines, this tour offers excellent value and genuine insights into La Rioja’s vanguard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed.

Is this a group tour or private?
This is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more customized and relaxed visit.

Are there options for lunch?
Lunch isn’t included in the tour fee, but you can choose to make a reservation at a local restaurant afterward. Guests often opt for sampling local tapas and wines in Laguardia.

How many wines will I taste?
Expect to sample eight wines across the two wineries, with guided tastings and food pairings at each stop.

Are snacks and water included?
Yes, the tour includes snacks, food pairings, and bottled water to keep you refreshed throughout the day.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.

This tour offers an authentic, well-rounded exploration of La Rioja’s wine scene, perfect for those who want more than just a tasting—an immersive journey into Spain’s wine culture with expert guidance and beautiful scenery.