Private Wine Tour in La Rioja from San Sebastián

We will pick you up early in the morning and begin a 1.5 hour, spectacular drive to Laguardia. Don’t worry the time will fly! During the journey your guide will give you an introduction of the history of the region, wine and local traditions. 

We will start the adventure in one of the most emblematic places in the region –  designed by Frank Gehry Marqués de Riscal. We will go to a lookout to enjoy the best views of this architectural treasure.

Next up is beautiful, medieval Laguardia. This walled town rising above vineyards offers a glimpse into the region’s wine making past. You will enjoy the walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and discover picturesque squares while the guide explains you the fascinating past of Laguardia and its numerous underground tunnels. 

From Laguardia we will drive to another famous for its architecture winery, gently melding into the mountainous backdrop Bodegas Ysios. We will take a minute for a picture and move on to Samaniego. We will drive along the spectacular Sierra de Cantabria mountain range that makes a sharp divide between green Basque Country and dry central plateau.

Time to explore one of Rioja’s most emblematic family-run winery! You’ll make a tour of their installations and learn about their winemaking methods. At the end of the visit you will sample a selection of the bodega’s finest wines. You will also find out how to decode the complex system of Spanish wine labeling and learn what makes Spain the sleeping giant of the wine world.

Armend with new knowledge about Rioja wines we will discover over century-old winery in Haro. You will sample a selection of their best wines while the guide explains to you classic and modern approach to winemaking and the insights of ongoing wine revolution in the region. Ah! And Rioja isn’t just famous for its wine… High quality olive oil is also a thing here! And you will have an opportunity to find out about it trying some delicious extra virgin olive oil from a tiny village of Ollauri.

Now when you have already discovered the qualities of Rioja wine we will let you decide about bodega number 3! Your guide will choose the right winery based on your preferences: experimental or traditional, young or aged, classic tempranillo grape or maybe garnacha, graciano, mazuelo or even maturana tinta. The choice is yours!

Pintxo time! You will explore the Old Town of Haro, its yellow sandstone buildings and bustling streets.  The guide will take you to the best bars where tradition meets modern. You will taste a selection of authentic Riojan/Basque dishes and learn about local cuisine.

It’s time to leave Rioja picturesque villages and wineries behind and head back to our lovely San Sebastian!