The Rioja wine region in northern Spain is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for wine travelers. Situated between the Cantabrian Mountains and the River Ebro, it offers a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, historic villages, and centuries-old winemaking tradition. The region is compact and easy to explore, with short distances between towns and vineyards. It’s also remarkably affordable compared to other famous wine regions, making it accessible to all.
Rioja is home to hundreds of world-class wineries, ranging from grand estates with striking modern architecture to small, family-run bodegas that have been making wine for generations, all of them welcoming to visitors. If you’re planning your first Rioja tour, this guide will help you navigate the region, plan tastings, and experience the best of Spanish wine country.
Understanding Rioja Wines: Regions, Subregions & Wine Classifications
Location: Rioja lies about 1.5 hours south of Bilbao and 3.5 hours north of Madrid. The region follows the Ebro River valley, surrounded by the Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda to the south.
Wine classification: Rioja wines are divided into four main categories based on aging:
- Rioja (Generic): Minimal aging. Fruity and fresh.
- Crianza: Aged 2 years, with at least 1 year in oak.
- Reserva: Aged 3 years, 1 in oak.
- Gran Reserva: Aged 5 years, 2 in oak and 3 in bottle.
Subregions:
- Rioja Alta: Traditional, high-altitude vineyards. Balanced, elegant wines.
- Rioja Alavesa: Cooler climate, higher acidity, great for modern-style wines.
- Rioja Oriental (formerly Baja): Warmer and drier, with fuller-bodied wines.
Each subregion offers distinct wine styles and landscapes. Plan your visits accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Rioja Wine Region
The best times to visit Rioja are spring and autumn. From April to June, the vineyards come alive with bright green leaves, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists on the roads and in the tasting rooms. Autumn, from September to October, is the most atmospheric season. It’s harvest time, when the fields turn gold and the air smells of ripe grapes and fermenting wine. The region buzzes with activity, and many wineries host special tastings and seasonal events.
It’s best to avoid August, when the heat can be intense and many wineries reduce their tour schedules or close entirely for holidays. Winter can be quiet but still beautiful, especially for those seeking solitude among the vines, though you’ll need to plan ahead as some wineries operate on limited hours or by appointment only. For travelers who want to witness grape picking or join local wine festivals, the harvest season is the best time to go.
Where to Stay in Rioja: Best Towns for Wine Tourism
Rioja offers a range of places to stay, from lively cities to quiet vineyard towns. Logroño, the regional capital, is the best base if you want nightlife, tapas, and easy access to multiple bodegas. It’s a dynamic urban stop, perfect for travelers who enjoy evening strolls through Calle Laurel’s pintxo bars after a day of wine tasting. Haro, known as the Wine Capital of Rioja, is smaller but packed with history and charm. Many of the region’s best wineries are just a short walk away, making it a perfect base for exploring.
For something more atmospheric, Laguardia delivers. This walled medieval town in Rioja Alavesa overlooks rolling vineyards and offers boutique hotels, cobblestone streets, and a slower pace, ideal for couples or anyone seeking a romantic retreat. A short drive away, Villabuena de Álava is a tiny village with the highest concentration of wineries per capita in the world, a dream spot for serious wine lovers who want to dive deep into the local scene.
You may stay at Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, a striking Frank Gehry-designed icon with Michelin-star dining. For something more intimate, Eguren Ugarte Hotel in Laguardia lets you sleep inside a working winery, while Hospedería Los Parajes, also in Laguardia, combines rustic charm with a beautiful underground wine cellar. Palacio Tondón in Briñas offers modern style and river views, which is a perfect balance of design and relaxation.
Planning Your Rioja Wine Tour with Winera
Marqués de Murrieta -Visit and Tasting of 6 wines (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Ygay Estate (near Logroño), Rioja, Spain
Distance from Logroño: ~20 minutes by car
Duration: 3 hours
Highlights
- Visit the winery next to the vineyards
- Exclusive tour of Ygay Castle (Marqués de Murrieta Museum)
- Explore historic cellars, barrel rooms, and rare bottles
- Guided tasting of 6 premium wines
- Led by a winery guide and wine expert
Step into the birthplace of modern Rioja winemaking at the historic Marqués de Murrieta estate. Start with a stroll through the vineyards and a behind-the-scenes look at the working winery. Then enter the beautifully restored Ygay Castle, where the museum highlights the family legacy with original winemaking tools, century-old bottles, and historic documents. This experience blends architecture, history, and top-tier wine in one spectacular setting.
Tasting Lineup
- Gran Vino Pazo Barrantes 2021
- Marqués de Murrieta 2020
- Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva 2014
- Capellanía 2019
- Dalmau 2020
- Castillo Ygay 2012
Price: €215
Hacienda Lopez de Haro - Visit and Tasting (Rioja, Spain)
Where: San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja, Spain
Distance from Logroño: about 30 minutes by car
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Highlights
- Learn about the unique terroir of Sonsierra (climate, soils, vineyards)
- Intro to the history of Rioja winemaking
- Taste wines directly from the tank during the production tour
- Guided tasting of three excellent wines
- Enjoy typical Rioja appetizers (local cheeses and sausages)
Explore the charm of Rioja at Hacienda López de Haro, located in the picturesque town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Begin with an introduction to why this region is ideal for vine growing, its microclimate, soils, and vineyard landscape. Step inside the winery to discover the history of Rioja winemaking and see the production process up close. Enjoy the opportunity to taste wines straight from the tank, experiencing them at different development stages.
The visit concludes with a guided tasting of three wines, beautifully paired with traditional Rioja appetizers like local cheeses and sausages. This experience blends education, authentic flavor, and scenic vineyard views for a true taste of Rioja heritage.
Price: €25
Children (10-17 years): €12 | Children under 10: Free
Bodegas Solana De Ramirez - Wine Tasting (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Ábalos, Rioja Alta, Spain
Distance from Logroño: ~30 minutes by car
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Highlights
- Family-owned winery in the village of Ábalos
- Guided tour led by the winery family or winemaker
- Learn the full winemaking process (from grape reception to bottling)
- Visit production areas and wine cellar
- Guided tasting of 3 wines (young, crianza, and special selection)
- Paired with a traditional Riojan appetizer
Bodegas Solana de Ramírez is a family-run winery located in the picturesque village of Ábalos in Rioja Alta. With over 60 hectares of vineyards, their wines express the natural character of the region. Enjoy a warm and personal tour led by the winemakers.
The experience concludes in the cellar with a guided tasting of three wines, each showcasing a different style, perfectly paired with a traditional Riojan appetizer. This experience lets you truly connect with Rioja’s roots, its history, culture, and the passion of a family winery.
Price: €27
Bodegas Amézola de la Mora - Exclusive Visit to the Winery (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Bodegas Amézola de la Mora, Rioja, Spain
Distance from Logroño: Approximately 50 minutes by car
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes visit with owners María or Cristina Amézola
- Guided tour of vineyards, cellars, and winery
- Tasting of 4 signature wines paired with artisanal sausage or cheese
- Family-friendly experience with a playful “must tasting” for children
- Led by the winemakers themselves
Step into the heart of Bodegas Amézola de la Mora for a personal, owner-led experience. Explore the vineyards, walk through the historic cellars, and tour the winery, all while learning about the family’s winemaking philosophy and craft. Conclude the visit with a tasting of four carefully selected wines: Iñigo Amézola Blanco, Viña Amézola Crianza, Señorío Amézola Reserva, and Iñigo Amézola Tinto, each accompanied by a local appetizer.
Family-Friendly Fun
Children are welcome to join the adventure with their own playful tasting experience. They’ll explore the process of winemaking in a hands-on, imaginative way, swirling, smelling, and tasting a safe version of grape must, accompanied by a kid-friendly snack. This creates an enjoyable and educational moment for the whole family.
Price: €60 | Children €9 (ages 6-16)
Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega - Drink Outside the Box (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega, Rioja, Spain
Distance from Logroño: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Highlights
- Guided tour of the vineyard beside the winery
- Tasting of 8 premium wines
- Six gourmet appetizers crafted by Michelin-starred chefs
- Insight into the winery’s history and winemaking philosophy
- Led by a winery guide and wine expert
Enjoy a wine experience that challenges the ordinary. Begin with a scenic guided tour of the vineyard, then enjoy a tasting of eight of the winery’s finest wines. Each wine is paired with a creative appetizer crafted by Michelin-starred chefs Iñaki Murua and Carolina Sánchez from Ikaro restaurant, offering a culinary interpretation of the winery’s philosophy.
This experience goes beyond tasting, it’s designed to expand your palate, break preconceptions, and show that great flavors often lie ‘outside the box.’ Discover the history and passion behind each wine while savoring unexpected flavor combinations that delight the senses.
Price: €49
Bodegas Santalba - Wine Tasting Experience at Santalba (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Bodegas Santalba, Rioja Alta, Spain
Distance from Logroño: Approximately 35 minutes by car
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights
- Guided tour of organic vineyards
- Visit to barrel and bottle rooms
- Tasting of 3 premium wines
- Paired with 6 artisanal tapas
- Option to enjoy tasting in the cozy room or on the terrace with panoramic vineyard views
Experience the authentic charm of Bodegas Santalba, a family-owned winery in the heart of Rioja Alta. Begin with a guided exploration of the organic vineyards, where Tempranillo vines thrive, and learn about the winemaking process in the barrel and bottle rooms.
Conclude your visit with a tasting of three exquisite wines, red and white, paired with six delicious tapas. Enjoy this culinary journey either inside the cozy tasting room or outdoors on the terrace, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Rioja landscape. You can explore the nearby vineyards on foot or by bike, connecting fully with the region’s rustic beauty and wine culture.
Price: €60
Vivanco - Unguided Museum Visit and Winery Tour (Rioja, Spain)
Where: Briones, Rioja Alta, Spain
Distance from Logroño: ~35 minutes by car
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Highlights
- Visit the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, one of the world’s premier wine museums
- Explore 8,000 years of wine history, art, and innovation
- See ancient artifacts, sculptures, and works by artists like Picasso and Warhol
- Stroll through vineyards with panoramic views of Rioja Alta
- Unguided Museum visit, explore at your own pace (recommended 90 min)
- Perfect combination of culture, history, art, wine, and landscape
Discover the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, a world-class destination dedicated to the history and significance of wine across civilizations. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Rioja Alta, the experience begins with an unguided tour of the museum, allowing you to explore thousands of years of wine heritage through interactive exhibits, ancient tools, sculptures, and masterpieces by iconic artists.
After the museum, continue with a guided tour of the Vivanco winery, where you’ll learn about Rioja’s winemaking traditions and enjoy a tasting of two wines. This experience is a unique fusion of culture, art, nature, and wine, ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers.
Price: €29 | Children (12-17 years): €24 | Children under 12: Free
Wine Touring Etiquette
- Be punctual. Tours start on time.
- Avoid perfume. It interferes with tasting aromas.
- Spit or dump wine after tasting, especially if driving.
- Ask before taking photos inside cellars.
- Buy directly from wineries - often 20-30% cheaper than retail.
Local Food Pairings with Rioja Wines
Rioja wines truly come alive when paired with the region’s rich local cuisine. In Logroño, the bustling Calle Laurel offers the perfect introduction: order a small glass, or corto, of Crianza alongside pintxos featuring mushrooms, grilled pork, or cod. For a more traditional experience, savor lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings, a classic Rioja pairing, or indulge in patatas a la riojana, a hearty stew of potatoes, chorizo, and paprika that complements young Rioja reds beautifully. Cheese lovers will appreciate Camerano goat cheese or an aged Manchego, both of which highlight the wines’ depth and nuance.
Beyond tapas, many wineries elevate the culinary experience with wine-paired lunches, allowing visitors to sample multiple vintages alongside thoughtfully prepared regional dishes. These meals provide a fuller understanding of Rioja’s gastronomic culture, showing how local flavors and wines harmonize to create memorable tasting experiences.
Other Attractions Beyond Wineries
Wine dominates Rioja, but there’s more to see:
- Laguardia’s medieval walls and underground caves.
- Haro’s Wine Museum (Museo del Vino de Haro): Good intro to local wine history.
- Yuso and Suso Monasteries (San Millán de la Cogolla): UNESCO sites, birthplace of written Spanish.
- Camino de Santiago route: Passes through Rioja; ideal for short walks among vineyards.
For spa lovers, visit Hotel Balneario de Arnedillo, known for its natural hot springs.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rioja
- Language: Many wineries offer tours in English, but smaller ones may require Spanish.
- Currency: Euro. Most bodegas accept cards, but bring cash for small purchases.
- Shipping wine: Ask wineries if they can ship abroad. Some partner with DHL or UPS.
- Driving limits: Spain’s legal blood alcohol limit is low (0.05%). If tasting all day, hire a driver.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for great service.
- Dress code: Casual but neat. Bring layers, cellars stay cool year-round.
Responsible and Sustainable Wine Tourism in Rioja
Rioja is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to support wineries that prioritize organic farming, renewable energy, and local labor. Some notable examples include Bodegas Viña Ijalba, Remelluri, and Bodegas Altún, which blend traditional practices with modern sustainability initiatives. Choosing these wineries not only enhances your experience but also helps preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
When exploring Rioja, resist the urge to rush from one tasting to the next. Take time to stroll through the vineyards, engage with the winemakers, and ask questions about their philosophy and methods. Observing how grapes are cultivated, wines are aged, and flavors are developed provides a deeper appreciation of the craft.
Final Thoughts: Book Your Rioja Wine Tour with Winera
Visiting the Rioja wine region is one of Europe’s most rewarding wine travel experiences. Distances between towns and wineries are short, the wines are exceptional, and the hospitality feels warm and genuine. Whether you prefer to book a guided Spanish wine tour Rioja or craft your own itinerary, the region offers endless opportunities to taste, learn, and unwind among the vineyards.
With platforms like Winera, planning your visit has never been easier. In just a few clicks, you can reserve a winery visit or a full wine tour, choosing from a variety of experiences, from intimate tastings to engaging vineyard tours. The key to enjoying Rioja is to travel slowly, taste thoughtfully, and balance the famous wineries with smaller, lesser-known producers. By doing so, you’ll uncover the region’s hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich winemaking traditions. Raise your glass and enjoy the Spain’s finest vineyards!
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