Wine Roads of Spain: Rioja

Un Vaso de Bon Vino

March to October

7 days / 6 nights

Our tour for wine lovers will expand your knowledge of both wines from one appellation, Rioja, and also from around Spain. Daring, modern cuisine complements the wines you'll taste. The route winds through glorious vineyard country by way of medieval villages, historic bodegas, and new wineries of avant-garde design. Wine & art go together; along the Wine Roads you'll visit private collections and public art. And, you'll have time to soak in an open air spa, ride a horse or bike, and stroll through history.

This tour begins and ends in Bilbao.

Noon rendezvous in Bilbao. Meet your wine guide for the short transfer to Rioja alavesa. Hotel check in and welcome lunch. After lunch, take a walking tour of medieval walled Laguardia, with its complex network of underground wine caves and remarkable parish church. This evening, visit a wine theme center for a brief seminar on the Wines of Rioja, followed by a tour of one of the subterranean bodegas, where wine is still made the artisanal way. Enjoy Rioja reservas and Tapas in the cueva. Overnight: Hotel Villa Laguardia L Tapas

This morning, you'll compare styles on two private hosted tours & tastings in the alava subzone-one producing new style Riojas in an award-winning winery and the other classic-style wines made in one of the region's most historic bodegas. Winery/historic inn lunch in the countryside. This afternoon, experience the marriage of wine & art at a very unique bodega, followed by a select tasting. Early evening, explore Logroño, the region's marketing capital, on a history walk to include the city's famous street, Calle Laurel, known for its many tapas bars. Sample appetizers & wines amidst the crowd of locals, before transfer back to Laguardia. Overnight: as above B L Tapas

"The time spent with Jeremy Watson was the highlight of the trip to Spain. His contacts with wineries were extensive and he was treated with the greatest respect. Raimat and Bodega Pirineos provided extensive tours, including vineyards at Raimat and full blown tastings of all their wines. It was exactly the type of experience I had hoped for." Maureen Hamilton, Richland, WA

Transfer today into the subzone Rioja alta. On a morning visit to two distinct wineries and including a chance to see a cooperage, choose to tour the vineyards on horseback, by bike, or on foot. Picnic with an Ebro River view beside dolmens and stone lagars/medieval wine vats. After lunch, visit the Dinastia Vivancos Wine Museum, the most comprehensive and enjoyable in Spain, near the beautiful wine town of San Vincente de Sonsierra. Free time in the village before an evening Tasting Course on the Wines of Spain, followed by dinner. Overnight: Hospedería de Briñas B Picnic D

Transfer to the subzone Rioja baja for a bodega tour and tasting in an area bounded by high desert. Follow the Cidacos river, shelted by red cliffs where eagles soar, to the spa town of Arnedillo. Light lunch by the river with its hot pools. Soak your feet in the river, or enjoy a swim in the mineral pools, before continuing to Enciso, known for its dinosaur remains and old water mills. Return via Santo Domingo de la Calzada, on the historic Camino de Santiago, a town famous for its shrine in the Cathedral and a celebrated hen house. Dinner in a nearby village this evening with a renowned Michelin chef. Overnight: as above B L D

Transfer this morning into the bucolic Valley of San Millán to visit the monasteries of Yuso & Suso with their rich history linked to the wine industry. Continue to Vitoria, capital of the Basque Country, and an environmental-award winning city. Lunch in a coaching inn, followed by a walking tour of the beautifully preserved old quarter and a private hosted tour of the Cathedral under restoration. Short drive on into Bilbao. Free evening in Bilbao. Overnight: Hotel Sheraton B L

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the famous Guggenheim Museum. Afterwards, on a walking tour, you'll appreciate some of the other new architecture in this phoenix-like city. Enjoy a free afternoon, exploring and shopping. Meet for a farewell Tasting Menu dinner at Restaurant Aizian. Overnight: as above B D

End of tour after breakfast. B

INCLUDED:

• Hotels based on double occupancy, with buffet breakfast
• Daily lunch or dinner, sampling fine regional cuisine and select Spanish wines
• English speaking wine guide
• Meals per itinerary o Land transfers
• Tasting fees & notes
• Entrances & events per itinerary
• Pre-trip information

PRICE:

• 4 pax: $3750 / person
• 6 pax: $3450 / person

For smaller or larger groups, consult us for a quote.

We specialize in custom tours for groups of 4+ wine lovers. In addition to the above itinerary we can design a single DO/region tour, minimum 3 days with multiple visits to meet the particular interests of the group.

All prices subject to currency fluctuation adjustment.