Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, is renowned for its rich winemaking heritage. Nestled in this vibrant city, Viña Ijalba offers an immersive experience that celebrates the essence of organic viticulture. Visitors can embark on a guided tour, exploring the winery’s commitment to preserving minority grape varieties and sustainable practices. The experience culminates in a tasting of three exquisite wines, expertly paired with a local Km0 appetizer. This captivating journey into Viña Ijalba’s history and philosophy promises to leave a lasting impression on wine enthusiasts.
Key Points
- Guided visit to Viña Ijalba, pioneers in organic winemaking in Rioja, including a 45-minute tour and 30-minute tasting of 3 organic wines.
- Tasting experience includes a Km0 appetizer of local cheese and sausage, and the opportunity to purchase additional glasses or bottles.
- Learn about the history of the winery, its philosophy of preserving minority grape varieties, and its commitment to organic and sustainable practices.
- Tour highlights include the natural museum of native varieties, fermentation tanks, and barrel room, providing insights into the winemaking process.
- The experience is available in Spanish and English, and costs from $27.20 per person, with cancellations up to 24 hours in advance being fully refundable.
Activity Overview
The Logroño Wine Tasting Tour offers a guided visit to Viña Ijalba, pioneers in organic winemaking in Rioja.
The 75-minute experience includes a 45-minute tour and a 30-minute tasting. Available in Spanish and English, the tour costs from $27.20 per person. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.
Visitors will learn about the winery’s history, philosophy, and organic cultivation and winemaking. The tour explores the vineyard, natural museum, fermentation tanks, and barrel room.
The tasting features 3 organic wines accompanied by a local charcuterie and cheese platter. Punctuality is crucial, as late arrivals result in automatic cancellation without refund.
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Tour Highlights
During the tour, visitors will learn about the history of Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba and the winery’s origins.
They’ll discover the philosophy and recovery of minority grape varieties.
The tour also explores the vineyard cultivation and winemaking processes using organic techniques.
Visitors will visit the natural museum of native varieties, fermentation tanks, and barrel room, learning about the winery’s commitment to sustainability.
This behind-the-scenes look provides an in-depth understanding of the winery’s organic approach and commitment to preserving the region’s winemaking heritage.
Tasting Experience
After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting of 3 organic wines from the winery.
The lineup includes wines made from minority grape varieties that the winery is working to recover.
Alongside the wines, guests are served a Km0 appetizer consisting of cheese and sausage from the local La Rioja region.
Visitors can purchase additional glasses or bottles from the winery’s wine bar if they wish to extend their tasting experience.
The tasting provides an opportunity to savor the winery’s commitment to organic and sustainable winemaking practices firsthand.
Booking Information
How can visitors reserve the Logroño Wine Tasting Tour?
Visitors can reserve their spot by checking the availability of start times. The tour has a "reserve now & pay later" policy, so guests won’t pay anything upfront.
The meeting point is the reception/shop of the winery, and there’s a bell to access if the gate is closed.
Punctuality is crucial – more than 15 minutes late will result in automatic cancellation without a refund.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or baby strollers, so visitors should keep that in mind when booking.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Notes
The Logroño Wine Tasting Tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or baby strollers, so visitors should keep this in mind when booking.
Punctuality is crucial – being more than 15 minutes late will result in automatic cancellation without a refund.
To ensure a smooth experience:
Arrive on time, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather to ensure a smooth Logroño wine tasting experience.
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Arrive on time, as the tour can’t be rescheduled.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the vineyards.
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Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour is partly outdoors.
Adhering to these important notes will help visitors make the most of their Logroño wine tasting experience.
History and Philosophy of Viña Ijalba
Pioneers in organic winemaking, Viña Ijalba’s origins trace back to Dionisio Ruiz Ijalba, who established the winery in 1986.
Driven by a commitment to preserving minority grape varieties, the winery’s philosophy emphasizes the recovery and promotion of these unique regional wines.
Visitors will learn about the winery’s organic cultivation techniques and winemaking processes during the guided tour.
The natural museum showcases the diversity of native grape varieties, while the fermentation tanks and barrel room provide insights into the meticulous production methods that uphold Viña Ijalba’s legacy as a trailblazer in Rioja’s organic wine movement.
Organic Vineyard and Winemaking Practices
Viña Ijalba’s organic vineyard management and winemaking practices lie at the heart of the winery’s commitment to preserving minority grape varieties.
The tour highlights:
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Exploration of the vineyard, where organic techniques are employed to cultivate unique grape varieties.
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Observation of the winemaking process, including the use of natural fermentation and minimal intervention.
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Visit to the barrel room, where the wines are aged in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner.
This immersive experience allows visitors to witness Viña Ijalba’s dedication to crafting distinctive and environmentally-friendly wines.
Native Grape Varieties and the Natural Museum
Although the winery’s organic vineyard management and winemaking practices are integral to its identity, the tour also highlights Viña Ijalba’s commitment to preserving minority grape varieties.
Visitors explore the natural museum showcasing these lesser-known grapes. They learn how the winery is recovering and championing the cultivation of these unique regional varieties.
The tour provides an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of La Rioja’s wine heritage and Viña Ijalba’s role in safeguarding it. This focus on native grapes complements the exploration of the winery’s organic techniques, offering a comprehensive understanding of their winemaking approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Winery Dog-Friendly?
The winery does not appear to be dog-friendly. The activity description does not mention anything about allowing dogs, and it notes the tour is not suitable for baby strollers, suggesting pets may also not be permitted.
Can We Purchase Other Local Products Besides Wine?
Yes, visitors can purchase other local products besides wine at the winery’s wine bar. The tasting experience includes a km0 appetizer of cheese and sausage from La Rioja, and extra glasses and bottles are available for purchase.
Is There an Option for a Larger Wine Tasting?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional wine glasses or bottles at the winery’s wine bar after the tasting. The standard tasting includes 3 organic wines, but a larger tasting option is not explicitly mentioned.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing appropriate for a winery visit. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through the vineyards and facilities.
Can We Visit the Vineyards Outside the Scheduled Tour?
No, visitors can’t explore the vineyards outside the scheduled tour. The guided visit includes a tour of the vineyard cultivation and winery facilities, so there’s no opportunity for independent exploration of the vineyards.
The Sum Up
Discover the essence of organic winemaking at Viña Ijalba in Logroño. Explore the winery’s dedication to sustainable practices and minority grape varieties through a guided tour and tasting of three exquisite wines paired with a local cheese and sausage appetizer. Enjoy the winery’s rich history and tradition, savoring the unique flavors that showcase their commitment to quality.
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