Rioja Wine Region

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Good Place to Drink, Winery

In a country renown for its fine wines, La Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine-producing region. Celebrated primarily for its exquisite reds, La Rioja is a must for lovers of the grape. Taking a tour of this lush region is a great way to learn about the history of Spanish wine-making while sampling some superb vinos at the same time.

Where better to start than the unique medieval village of Laguardia? With a wine-making tradition dating back centuries, Laguardia has a real old-world atmosphere, and boasts plenty of historic bodegas (wine cellars) along its narrow cobbled streets. Many of these offer tasting sessions and guided tours. Step back in time as you wander the village, its imposing old churches, ancient walls and house shields evoking centuries past.

At the heart of La Rioja Alta is picturesque Haro, surrounded by vineyards and worth a visit for its vibrant old quarter. Haro’s bodegas, taverns and wine museum will keep you busy at any time of year but if you’re there in late June, don’t miss its annual Wine Battle. Dress in white and join the throngs squirting each other with red wine from leather drinking bottles!

Of course, visiting La Rioja is not all about quenching your thirst – its historic attractions are equally compelling. Tiny San Millán de la Cogolla is known for its two World-Heritage monasteries: Monasterio de San Millán de Yuso (16th-18th centuries) with its rococo sacristy and medieval manuscripts; and, towering above it, the pink sandstone Monasterio de San Millán de Suso (10th century). Nájera is the place to go for ancient royal tombs and mysterious Virgin statues; while lovely Logroño (the region’s capital) will seduce you with its culinary and cultural riches, not to mention its magnificent riverside location.

Wine, history and natural beauty…¡qué sensacional!

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Reply by Viator, April 2012
Doing what: Vitoria and the Rioja Wine Region

A really interesting tour of the countryside that ended up at a local wine cellar (not a vineyard, the vines and grapes are a few miles away) with a wine tasting and opportunity to buy wine direct from the producers. Our tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and spoke good English. We stopped for both coffee and lunch at excellent locations that our guide recommended. If you are staying in Bilbao then this is a trip worth making.

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Reply by Viator, October 2011
Doing what: Vitoria and the Rioja Wine Region

We expected to visit several wineries, but only visited one, which turned out ok because the whole day was really enjoyable! Vitoria was a visual treat and John's sense of humor made everyone have a good time. The visit to the winery was one more fun thing in a whole day of fun.

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Reply by Viator, November 2008
Doing what: Vitoria and the Rioja Wine Region

Fantastic Trip, fantastic guide! Vitoria and Laguardia were beautiful, as was the drive through the Rioja region and with it's breathtaking scenery, and the staff at Fabulista wine cellar were also very informative and friendly. Highly recommended!!

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