7 Best Rioja Wine Tours From Bilbao + What to Know (2024)
With over 550 wineries in the area, Rioja is globally recognized as the most prolific wine region in Spain. And if you’re a wine lover staying in Bilbao, an activity you won’t want to miss out on is going on one of the many Rioja wine tours! From wandering the streets of medieval towns to touring some of the most famous wineries in the area, these wine tours are the best way to immerse yourself in the region’s savory and full-bodied flavors! To help you find the perfect experience, I’ve created a list of the 7 best Rioja wine tours from Bilbao.
🍷 No Time to Read? Here’s the Best Rioja Wine Tour From Bilbao
Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Wineries — This is the ultimate full-day Bilbao wine tour that allows you to indulge in 9 wine tastings, explore the medieval village of Laguardia, and see the famous winery designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry!
🍷 PRO TIP: I know we all have things to do, so if you’re short on time, feel free to click here to jump to the recap section. I made a table that summarizes the 7 best Rioja wine tours from Bilbao with their main highlights!
What Is Special About Rioja?
Before I dive into my list of the best Rioja wine tours from Bilbao, let me give you a bit of background about the Rioja (pronounced ree-o-ha) wine region and why it’s the most famous one in Spain! For those who aren’t familiar with the different regions of Spain, La Rioja is a landlocked region located in Northern Spain. It borders the Basque Country, Aragón, Castilla y León, and Navarra regions.
Within the Rioja region, there are over 65,000 hectares of vineyards and three sub-regions, Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja (or Rioja Oriental). Each sub-region has a unique terroir (the natural environment that the wine is produced in) that generates different flavor profiles for the wines.
But to keep things simple 😅, Rioja is most commonly a red wine made with several grape varieties. Tempranillo is the most dominant grape utilized. Other grapes that are frequently added include Garnacha (brings fruity notes) Mazuelo (adds richness and tannins), and Graciano grapes (has an aroma of mulberry, violets, and chocolate).
There are also four classifications of Rioja red wines: Genérico, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. I won’t explain in more detail than this since it gets to be a lot… but these classifications indicate how long the wine is aged in oak and the bottle.
To sum it up, Rioja is an indigenous Spanish wine varietal that’s believed to date back to Roman times and is known for its structure, high tannins, and rich flavors. Thus, you can expect to taste medium to full-bodied wines with flavor notes of cherry, plum, leather, vanilla, and dill.
🍷 NOTE: While Rioja is usually red wine, it can also be made into white wine or rosé — but this is not common.
Distance From Bilbao to Rioja Wine Region
For those interested in tasting the prestigious Rioja wines, the distance from Bilbao to the Rioja wine region is about 95 miles or (153 km). With minimal traffic, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel this distance by car, making the famous Rioja wine region the perfect place for a day trip.
7 Best Rioja Wine Tours From Bilbao (2024)
Now that you have a decent foundation and understanding of the wine region, let’s discuss the 7 best Rioja wine tours from Bilbao!
1. Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Wineries
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours
The Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Wineries includes:
- Visiting an underground winery and a family-owned winery
- 9 wine tastings of Rioja wines
- Olive oil tasting w/ chorizo, fresh bread, & cheese
- Seeing the striking winery designed by well-known architect Frank Gehry
- Lunch + Walking tour of the medieval town of Laguardia
- Round trip transport in luxury Mercedes Van from Bilbao
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Private tour that can be customized
With 90+ 5-star reviews, this full-day private tour of 3 wineries in La Rioja is easily one of the best wine experiences available from Bilbao! Over 9 hours, you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing drive through the scenic Rioja, sample premium Rioja wines that are from the oldest vines and available exclusively through this tour, and explore the 10th-century medieval village of Laguardia!
You’ll also get to travel in the comfort of a luxury, air-conditioned, Mercedes van which makes all the difference during the hot summers! So, if you’re looking to have an intimate and luxurious experience discovering the Rioja wine region, this is the wine tour for you!
“Great day of wine tasting in the beautiful Rioja region. Zach was a super guide and took care of everything! If you want to skip the group tours and spend some quality time tasting the Rioja’s best, this is your tour!“
– Rebecca R. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
2. Architectural Rioja Wine Tour From Bilbao
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Architectural Rioja Wine Tour From Bilbao includes:
- Visiting the Marques de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry
- Stopping by the striking Bodegas Ysios winery
- Sampling a minimum of six different wines
- Walking tour of the medieval city of LaGuardia
- 3-course lunch in LaGuardia
- Small group tour with up to 7 guests
Are you a fan of impressive architecture and wines? If yes, this is the perfect Rioja wine tour from Bilbao for you! Not only will you get to visit two of the most architecturally striking wineries in La Rioja and do some wine tasting, but you’ll also learn about the history behind these facilities. Afterward, you’ll feast on a delicious 3-course meal with more wine-tasting opportunities.
To cap the day off, you’ll walk along the quaint streets of the local medieval village of Laguardia and admire beautiful views! Thus, if you’re looking to witness lots of impressive architecture, take in gorgeous views of the Erbo Valley, and indulge in lots of wine and food, this is a fascinating tour you’ll want to check out!
“This was an amazing tour from start to finish. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly…The wineries were fantastic and it felt like we got so see a week’s worth of stuff in less than a day. Can’t recommend this enough.”
– wILLIAM J, (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
3. La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 50+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour includes:
- 3 wine stops with at least 7 wine tastings paired with local cheeses and chorizo
- Stopping at a traditional winery going back 5 generations
- Picnic lunch with views of Rioja vineyards
- Wandering through the walled city of Laguardia
- An experienced sommelier as your guide
- Private transport in a comfortable van
- Up to a maximum of 7 travelers
Looking to visit both a boutique winery as well as a traditional winery with wine-making traditions going back 5 generations? If so, you’ll want to consider this luxury wine experience in Rioja! During the tour, you’ll sample up to 7 regional wines in the private space of an authentic wine cellar! Plus, you’ll have an expert sommelier as your guide, which is easily the best guide you could ask for to explain all the nuances of the wines you’ll be tasting! And since this tour accommodates up to only 7 guests, you’ll receive a personalized tour and get all your questions answered!
“Absolutely a must when in, near, or some where in the vicinity of Bilbao. The journey to La Rioja was a quick drive made quicker by the fantastic information and confirmation that Irene provided. She was an incredible guide and took us to some of the most beautiful places in the area. Plus the wine was fantastic!”
– idella w. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
4. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 60+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 7 hours
The Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao includes:
- Explore 2 wineries near Bilbao & sample 5 different wines
- Tour through the vineyards and learn about the wine-making process
- Light meal & walking tour in Laguardia
- Pick up and drop off from housing accommodations
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Can accommodate up to 8 travelers
On this highly-rated wine tour, you’ll spend 7 hours visiting 2 very different local wineries and tasting 5 wonderful Rioja wines! Plus, you’ll get to increase your wine knowledge as you tour through their vineyards and learn about their specific wine-making processes! And, for added convenience, this tour includes pick-up and drop-off directly from your housing accommodations in Bilbao, so you’ll be able to have the most stress-free experience!
“We had an amazing time on our wine tour. Matteo was a great guide who went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. Highly recommend!”
– tRACY W. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
5. A Sip-by-Sip Tour of 3 Boutique Rioja Family Wineries
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Sip-by-Sip Tour of 3 Boutique Rioja Family Wineries includes:
- Stopping at 3 different family wineries in Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa
- Enjoying several flight tastings (at least 10 wines)
- Discovering how the wines are produced
- Learning the differences between Rioja sub-regions
- Eating Riojano tapas & drink traditional wine in Laguardia
- Visiting one of the oldest dolmens of the Basque Country
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in Bilbao
Want a luxury wine tour that also allows you to discover the historical side of the region? On this full-day private Bilbao wine tour, you’ll get to visit 3 boutique family-run wineries in Rioja, taste a minimum of 10 top-rated wines, and learn the differences between the sub-regions in Rioja.
And, as you take in the picturesque views of the vineyards and panoramic views of the mountain range, you’ll also visit one of the oldest dolmens in Basque Country! So if you’re looking to have a private and unforgettable experience foraying into Rioja’s incredible wine region, be sure to consider this tour!
“This is a must!! Irene was incredible, she has so much knowledge and her attitude is awesome. The wineries were amazing and the lunch, fantastic.”
– Tour guEST (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
6. Rioja Private Tour: Medieval Villages, Outdoor Activities, Wine Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – only 5-star reviews by guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 – 6 hours
The Rioja Private Tour: Medieval Villages, Outdoor Activities, Wine Tasting includes:
- Hiking over hills of vineyards and enjoying scenic views
- Exploring ancient villages in the Rioja region
- Touring a family-run medieval winery
- Tasting 3 classic Rioja wines
- A multi-course, traditional meal at a family-run restaurant
- Private tour with only your group!
- NOTE: This tour meets in Bastida, but you can pay a fee to include round-trip transport from Bilbao!
Unfortunately, this tour is not available right now, but I’ll keep this updated for when it is available again!
For those interested in a slightly shorter tour, this is a great option. During this half-day tour, you’ll get to hike through the vineyards and catch sweeping views of the region.
Afterward, you’ll pay a visit to a local, century-old winery with medieval cellars underground and enjoy tasting a couple of classic Rioja wines. Then, to finish the day on a full stomach, you’ll be served a traditional Basque-Riojan meal at a local, family-run restaurant! Thus, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path and see the less tourist side of the region, this is the tour for you!
“Jose was a great guide very informative and we thoroughly enjoyed his insight into the region during our walk including the eclatic works of art on route. The meal afterwards was plentiful and very traditional. We would highly recommend this tour.”
– Michael C. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
7. La Rioja and Vitoria Wine Tour with Winery Visit
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 9 hours
The La Rioja and Vitoria Wine Tour with Winery Visit includes:
- Exploring Vitoria, the capital city of the Basque Country region
- Eating Basque delicacies, artisanal candy, & local wine
- Passing through the charming village of Laguardia
- Visiting a traditional winery in La Rioja
- Wine Tasting at a winery
- Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
This tour is ideal for those looking for a more affordable option and who don’t mind traveling in larger groups! During this tour, you’ll discover both the capital city of Basque Country, Vitoria, and the idyllic Rioja Wine Region. And unlike some of the previously mentioned tours, you get to taste some traditional treats in Vitoria as well as do a wine tasting at a traditional winery in Rioja.
“Enjoyable day to Rioja. Great guide and enjoyed visit to the winery. Good to learn about the process from grape to bottle.“
– barry A. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Rioja Wine Tours From Bilbao Comparison
Whew! Yah made it! — but how much do you remember 🤔 If you’re like me… you probably don’t remember all the little details. So, to help jog your memory, I’ve created this little table that summarizes the differences between the 7 best Rioja wine tours from Bilbao!
🍷 PRO TIP: For those of you who may be reading this on your mobile device, try turning your phone sideways. The information should be easier to read across the long side of your phone 😉
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Private La Rioja Tour | 8 – 9 hrs | > Visit 3 wineries and 9 wine tastings > Lunch & walking tour in Laguardia > customizable and private experience |
| Architectural Rioja Wine Tour | 8 hrs | > Visit 2 architecturally stunning wineries > 3-course lunch + walking tour of Laguardia > Small-group experience with up to 7 guests |
| La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour | 8 hrs | > 2 wineries (a boutique & traditional one) > At least 7 wine tastings + cheese & chorizo > Expert sommelier as guide & up to 7 guests |
| Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries | 7 hrs | > 2 very different wineries + tour vineyards > Taste 5 excellent Riojas wines > Direct pick up from housing in Bilbao |
| Sip-by-Sip Tour | 8 hrs | > 3 family wineries & 10+ wine tastings > See 1 of the oldest dolmens in the Basque Country > Private tour + direct transport from the hotel |
| Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting (not available) | 5 – 6 hrs | > Tour family run medieval winery + 3 wines > multi-course traditional meal at a restaurant > Private tour w/ option for direct transport |
| La Rioja and Vitoria Wine Tour | 9 hrs | > Explore both Vitoria & Rioja region > Try traditional sweets in Vitoria > Visit a traditional winey + wine tasting |
What to Bring for Bilbao Wine Tours
To make sure you have the best possible experience, here are some things you’ll want to remember to bring with you.
- 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes — You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking across uneven cobblestone streets in small villages and towns. And let’s face it…there’s a good chance you’ll be a wee bit tipsy by the end of the day 🙂 Minimize your chances of falling by wearing good walking shoes.
- 🌞 Sunscreen — If you’re visiting during the spring or summer, don’t forget to protect your skin!
- 💸 Wallet — Your wallet and ID are a bit more obvious given the nature of these Bilbao wine tours… But, I recommend bringing some cash in case you want to order additional food or wine tastings, purchase some souvenirs, or simply tip your tour guide for a job well done!
- 💧 Water Bottle — Even those you’ll be drinking lots of wine, it’s still important to drink water! Some of the tours include bottled water, but I recommend bringing your own regardless just to make sure you have enough!
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rioja?
The best time of year to visit Rioja is from May – October. During this time of year, temperatures are mild, and average highs typically fall between the 60s-70s°F (15-26 °C). You can also generally expect long sunny days! But, if you’re a wine aficionado or want to fully immerse yourself in the local wine culture, I recommend visiting at the end of June or September!
🍷 PRO TIP: To see all the vineyards change colors, try to plan your visit in late October or during November!
The Rioja Wine Region in June
For one, the Haro Wine Festival is an annual summer festival that occurs on June 29 in the town of Haro, in the Rioja region. This festival is meant to celebrate the saints of San Juan, San Felices, and San Pedro and features a battle of wine.
What does a battle of wine mean you ask? 😉 Essentially, it involves more than 500 liters of red wine being thrown into the air. The goal is to soak every single person at the end such that their clothes turn purple! Afterward, everyone enjoys a huge feast that usually includes snails and lamp chops, traditional food items. And since this is a festival, you can expect live music, dancing, games, and of course, more food!
🍷 NOTE: To attend the event, you must be wearing all-white (preferably white clothes you don’t mind throwing away) and a red hanker-chief around your neck!
The Rioja Wine Region in September
Alternatively, plan your visit during September! This is when grapes are harvested in Logroño, and celebrations erupt all over the city as it marks the start of the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival! During this month-long event, the city becomes one of the most festive places in the region, and all things wine-related are celebrated!
You can see everything from rockets being launched into the air, all kinds of concerts, food tastings, parades, a bull fair, and demonstrations of traditional customs! For more information on this incredible festival, check out the official tourism website of Spain.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
If you’re still planning your trip and haven’t figured out housing yet, here are a few places I recommend checking out! These are based on where I stayed when I visited the city as well as my thorough research 🙂
🍷 PRO TIP: Compared to most places in Europe like Paris, Stockholm, and Milan, luxury stays in Bilbao cost ~$120 – $170 USD/night. So, if you’ve been wanting to stay in an over-the-top hotel, now’s a great time to do it! Yanno, or do it in Zagreb lol.
Low-Cost Stay
- Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao — 4-star hotel centrally located | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao — 4-star hotel near Guggenheim! | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Tayko Bilbao — 4-star hotel with Michelin-star restaurant | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao — 4-star hotel w/ spa| ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Hotel Carlton — elegant 5-star hotel that’s centrally located | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao — 5-star hotel with full-spa service | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Alternatively, utilize the interactive map below. You can see housing options available across different booking platforms! The prices you see are current, but for the most accurate data, I recommend inputting your travel dates.
Bilbao Wine Tours: FAQ
When I visited the city, I absolutely fell in love with it and began planning my next trip back to the city. It has such an intoxicating, charming atmosphere that you don’t find in popular tourist hot spots, like Barcelona, Oslo, and Paris. And, the food is ridiculously delicious. I mean, as a foodie, I was in heaven eating endless tapas and different delicacies. There are honestly so many things I love about Bilbao, so I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance!
This is likely a bit redundant at this point, but undoubtedly the most famous and best wine region in Spain is Rioja! I mean seriously, there are hundreds and hundreds of wineries and this region gives Bordeaux and the Beaujolais region in France a run for their money!
No — Bilbao is part of the Basque Country region in Spain. The Rioja region is just south of Basque Country.
Rioja wine region is about 311 miles or 500km from the Catalan capital of Spain, Barcelona. This equates to about a 5-hour drive.
Although this varies depending on what you want to do and see, I would say the three best experiences for wine tours and tastings in Bilbao are the Private La Rioja Tour, Architectural Rioja Wine Tour, and Sip-by-Sip Tour.
If you’re not up for venturing to Rioja, the best places for wine tours and tastings in Bilbao would be on one of the Bilbao food tours!
Wrap-Up: 7 Best Rioja Wine Tours From Bilbao (2024)
La Rioja is an amazing place to explore and experience the best Spanish wines. Whether you’re looking for a half-day tour with a couple of wine tastings or something more immersive, there’s no better way to get acquainted with this region than by joining a Rioja wine tour from Bilbao!
And, with this guide, you can hopefully confidently embark on your Rioja wine journey and enjoy tasting some of the exquisite wines this beautiful region has to offer. So with that, I wish you a marvelous time exploring Bilbao and wine tasting in the lovely Rioja wine region!
Check Out More Spain Posts
- 🇪🇸 Barcelona: Headed to Barcelona? Be sure to read this post before visiting Casa Batlló! Or, if you’re keen on crossing another country off your list, learn how to pop over to Andorra for the day!
- 🏖️ San Sebastián: Much like Bilbao, San Sebastián is known for its thriving culinary scene and tasty regional wines! The difference is that San Sebastián welcomes visitors with its golden beaches and surfer-friendly waves!
