Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour With Lunch From Bilbao

Explore the rich architectural heritage and renowned wineries of the Rioja region on this small group tour from Bilbao. We’ll visit iconic structures designed by renowned architects, savor exquisite wines, and indulge in a traditional tapas lunch. With a personalized experience and maximum group size of seven, this is the perfect way to learn about the captivating blend of Basque culture and world-class winemaking.

Key Points

• Full-day tour exploring renowned wineries and architectural marvels in Rioja region, departing from Bilbao.
• Visits to two iconic wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, with guided tours and tastings.
• Exploration of the integration of architecture and winemaking, featuring Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava designs.
• Traditional tapas lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia, showcasing regional cuisine and wines.
• Small group size of up to 7 participants for a personalized and enjoyable experience.

Tour Overview

The "Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao" offers an immersive exploration of the region’s acclaimed wineries and stunning architectural wonders.

This full-day journey takes you to visit two iconic wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava. You’ll enjoy guided tours and tastings at these vineyards, as well as a stop in the medieval village of Laguardia for a traditional tapas lunch.

With a maximum group size of 7, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide. This tour is an excellent way to discover the unique blend of Rioja’s architecture and renowned wines.

Architectural Highlights

At the heart of this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour lie two remarkable wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, each a striking architectural gem. Designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, these wineries showcase their visionary styles through innovative use of materials and bold, imaginative structures.

Winery	Architect	Key Features
Marques de Riscal	Frank Gehry	Titanium roof, curved stone walls, vibrant colors
Ysios	Santiago Calatrava	Undulating roof, limestone facade, integrated natural landscape

Our guided tours grant exclusive access to these architectural marvels, allowing us to appreciate the seamless integration of form and function that defines these landmark wineries. Prepare to be captivated by Rioja’s world-class wine and cutting-edge design.

Winery Visits

Two remarkable wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, await our exploration on this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour.

Designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, these avant-garde facilities showcase the marriage of wine and art.

We’ll enjoy guided tours through the vineyards and production areas, learning about the winemaking process.

The highlight will be the tastings, where we savor the rich, complex flavors of the Rioja wines.

If time allows, we may also visit Carlos San Pedro Winery for an additional tasting.

This immersive experience promises to delight our senses and expand our appreciation for the region’s renowned winemaking tradition.

Guided Tours and Tastings

What can we expect from the guided tours and tastings on this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour?

We’ll enjoy guided visits to two stunning architectural wineries, Marques de Riscal and Ysios, designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.

Knowledgeable guides will lead us through the vineyards and cellars, sharing insights about the winemaking process.

We’ll then savor tastings of the region’s renowned wines.

If Ysios is accessible, we may even visit Carlos San Pedro Winery for an additional tasting.

Throughout, we’ll learn about the interplay between Rioja’s wine heritage and its captivating modern architecture.

Tapas Lunch in Laguardia

After exploring the architectural wonders of the Rioja wineries, we’ll head to the charming medieval village of Laguardia for a local tapas lunch.

In this picturesque town, we’ll enjoy a selection of traditional Basque small plates paired with regional wines. The tapas menu may feature local specialties like Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, roasted peppers, and croquettes.

This relaxed dining experience will give us a chance to savor the flavors of the Rioja while immersing ourselves in the historic ambiance of Laguardia.

It’s the perfect way to refuel before continuing our wine country adventure.

Meeting Point and End Point

The meeting point for this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour is the Puppy, Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66, in Abando, Bilbao.

This is located right in front of the iconic Guggenheim Museum, near the famous Puppy flower sculpture.

To get there, you can:

1. Walk from the Guggenheim Museum
2. Take a taxi or rideshare
3. Utilize the local metro or bus system
4. Park nearby and meet the group

At the end of the tour, the group will return to the same meeting point.

This ensures a smooth start and finish to your Architectural Rioja wine adventure.

Tour Experience and Feedback

How have travelers described their experiences on this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour?

Based on the 103 reviews, the tour seems to consistently deliver an enjoyable and memorable experience. Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Marina and Sara, who provide insightful commentary during the winery visits and village stops.

The comfortable transportation, stunning architectural sights, and delicious tapas lunch are also commonly highlighted as tour highlights.

With a 99% recommendation rate and a 5.0 rating, it’s clear this Architectural Rioja tour is a hit with visitors seeking an immersive wine and culture experience from Bilbao.

What to Expect

What can you expect on this Architectural Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao?

We’ll visit two stunning wineries designed by renowned architects, Marques de Riscal and Ysios. Their unique, contemporary designs offer a fascinating contrast to the region’s medieval villages.

Our tour includes:

1. Guided tours and tastings at the vineyards.
2. A stop in the charming town of Laguardia for a traditional tapas lunch.
3. Potential additional tasting at Carlos San Pedro Winery if Ysios is accessible.
4. Comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable, friendly guide to enhance your experience.

This immersive tour offers the perfect balance of architecture, wine, and local culture.

The Sum Up

This architectural Rioja wine tour offers a unique blend of exquisite wine tasting and stunning architectural exploration. You’ll visit renowned wineries designed by renowned architects, enjoy guided tours and tastings, and savor a delightful tapas lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia. With a small group size, you can expect an intimate and personalized experience.