Rioja Day Tour: Explore Three Wineries with Tastings
A guided journey through tradition, terroir, and the remarkable wines of one of Spain's most storied appellations.
This Rioja wine tour takes you deep into the heart of a region that has shaped Spanish viticulture for centuries, pairing expert-led tastings with genuine winery visits across a full eight-hour day. Guided by a certified Spanish Wine Scholar or sommelier, you will gain first-hand insight into the stories, soils, and winemaking philosophies behind each bottle. The experience is designed for curious wine lovers who value depth and context over a simple tasting room visit.
Rioja is divided into three distinct sub-zones — Alta, Alavesa, and Oriental — each contributing different characteristics to the wines produced within them. Over the course of the day, you will explore how geography, elevation, and proximity to the Ebro River shape the flavour profiles of grapes including Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and the white variety Viura. Your guide will weave together the history and science of the appellation in an accessible, engaging way.
The selection of wineries is tailored to contrast traditional, family-run bodegas — some with centuries-old underground cellars — against forward-thinking estates that champion modern winemaking techniques. This balance ensures you leave with a rounded understanding of where Rioja has come from and where it is headed. Past visits have included iconic names such as Marques de Riscal, Conde de los Andes, Bodegas Ysios, and Bodega del Tesoro.
Midday, the tour pauses for a regional lunch, either at a winery restaurant or a local establishment chosen to complement the wines you have already encountered. This break also provides time to discuss what you have tasted and to ask questions in a relaxed setting before continuing the afternoon programme.
Tour Highlights
Guided by a certified Spanish Wine Scholar or sommelier with deep regional expertise.
Visit three carefully selected wineries offering a genuine mix of historic and contemporary styles.
Taste at least nine wines across the day, spanning Crianza, Reserva, and single-vineyard expressions.
Explore Rioja's three sub-zones and understand how terroir influences each wine style.
Learn about ageing classifications, indigenous grape varieties, and the evolution of the appellation.
Enjoy a midday break for a regional lunch that pairs naturally with the morning's tastings (self-pay).
How the Day Unfolds
Meet your certified guide and set off into the Rioja wine country. During the journey, your Spanish Wine Scholar introduces the region's geography, grape varieties, and the three sub-zones you will encounter throughout the day.
Arrive at a traditional, family-run estate — often featuring underground cellars carved from stone. A guided visit covers the estate's history and ageing philosophy, followed by a structured tasting of classic Rioja expressions.
The second visit provides a clear counterpoint, showcasing a modern producer known for bold techniques and innovative viticulture. Tastings here highlight single-vineyard wines and contemporary interpretations of Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Pause for lunch at a winery restaurant or a local establishment selected for its use of Riojan produce and its natural affinity with the wines of the region. Lunch is self-pay and provides a relaxed setting for reflection and conversation.
The afternoon winery rounds out the day with a distinct character — perhaps a boutique producer or an iconic landmark estate. Tastings emphasise the range of Rioja's output and consolidate the day's learnings.
Your guide accompanies you back while summarising the key themes of the day, answering final questions, and offering personal recommendations for further exploration of the appellation.
What Is Included
Included
- Full-day guided tour with a certified Spanish Wine Scholar or sommelier
- Visits to three handpicked wineries in Rioja
- Guided tastings of at least nine wines across the day
- Transport between wineries throughout the tour
- Expert commentary on terroir, grape varieties, and ageing classifications
Not Included
- Regional lunch (self-pay at winery or local restaurant)
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal wine purchases at wineries
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off unless otherwise arranged
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Rioja Wine Tour
Spaces on each departure are limited to maintain the quality and intimacy of the experience. Secure your spot today and explore the depth and diversity of one of Spain's greatest wine regions in the company of a certified expert.
Book Now
