From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings

Exploring La Rioja Wineries from Bilbao: A Balanced Look at a Popular Day Trip

This full-day tour from Bilbao to La Rioja promises a blend of excellent wine tastings, charming towns, and interesting winery visits. While we haven’t done it personally, reviews and descriptions highlight its appeal to wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the guided tours in iconic wineries like CVNE, a century-old hotel, promise insight into Rioja’s wine-making traditions. Second, the walks through historic towns like Haro and Laguardia offer a chance to soak in the regional charm and architecture. Third, the opportunity to taste some of the region’s best wines paired with local snacks provides a delicious, authentic touch.

However, a potential consideration is the long travel time on the bus, which might not suit those who prefer more relaxed pacing or have mobility limitations. The tour’s focus on transportation and structured visits might leave some wishing for more time to explore independently.

This trip is ideal for wine lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a taste of La Rioja’s scenic and vinous charm without the hassle of self-driving.

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Key Points

Includes guided tours of two major wineries and tastings of top Rioja wines
Visits charming towns of Haro and Laguardia, rich in history and local flavor
Transport is provided from Bilbao, making logistics simple for travelers
Allows free time for lunch and exploring each town at your own pace
Educational experience about wine production and regional culture
Suitable for most travelers with some mobility limitations, but not for those with restricted mobility

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the La Rioja Wineries Day Trip from Bilbao

This tour offers a comprehensive look into La Rioja’s famed wine scene, bundled into a well-organized 9-hour trip. It combines sightseeing, history, and wine tasting, making it a well-rounded experience for those eager to understand the region’s vinous heritage without dedicating days to travel.

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Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 65, in Bilbao, with pickup included—conveniently close to the Guggenheim Museum. From there, a comfortable bus whisks you away to La Rioja, typically taking about an hour to reach Haro. The bus ride offers a chance to get excited about the day ahead while enjoying scenic views of Basque Country’s landscape.

Travelers praise the smooth organization; reviews mention that the driver and guides do a great job of keeping the group comfortable and informed. The group size is not specified, but reviews suggest a friendly, engaging atmosphere, often with a knowledgeable guide like Stephan, who many find both informative and amusing.

First Stop: CVNE Winery in Haro

Haro, the heart of Rioja wine production, is where the tour kicks into gear. You visit CVNE—a winery with over a century of tradition. A guided tour here takes you through the wine-making process, from fermentation to bottling, and includes a tasting of some of their signature wines.

Guests often praise the quality of wines, with one reviewer noting that “the wine was top-notch,” and highlight how the guided tour makes the experience more meaningful. The tour’s intimate setting allows for a closer look at the carefully preserved cellars and historical buildings, making it a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Walking Tour of Haro’s Historic Center

Post-winery, the group enjoys a guided walk through Haro’s historic streets, including the picturesque Plaza de la Paz. Reviewers have raved about the charm of these ancient streets, with some mentioning that the town feels like stepping back in time. One noted that “the walking tour of Haro was excellent,” emphasizing the beauty of its architecture and small-town atmosphere.

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The Town of Laguardia

Next, the bus takes you to Laguardia, a medieval jewel perched atop a hill. Here, a walk through narrow, stone-lined streets reveals centuries-old buildings, wineries, and a sense of history. Many reviews mention the “picturesque” nature of Laguardia, with some noting that it’s a perfect spot to photograph or simply soak in the ambiance.

In Laguardia, you’ll visit a small traditional winery, learning about wine production from a more personal, family-owned perspective. One reviewer described trying a wine amidst the fermentation process itself—a rare chance to compare pre-bottling wine with the finished product, making it an educational highlight.

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Lunch and Free Time

The day offers a generous 90-minute free period in Laguardia for lunch, shopping, or just wandering. Most travelers mention that there are plenty of local eateries serving regional specialties, often with recommendations from the guide. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the need for cash at lunch due to technical issues with card machines—so bringing cash might be wise.

Visiting Marqués de Riscal

On the way back, the tour passes through Elciego to view the Marqués de Riscal hotel, a stunning example of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. While most stops don’t include an interior visit, many appreciate seeing this building as a symbol of Rioja’s blending of tradition and innovation.

Return to Bilbao

The return journey is about 90 minutes, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day. Several reviews mention that the overall experience feels well-organized and that the timing allows for a thorough exploration without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour’s price covers pickup and drop-off in Bilbao, transportation, a guide, and visits to two prominent wineries with tastings. The winery visits are quite educational, with insider insights into wine production. Many reviewers appreciated the small, family-owned winery in Laguardia, offering a more personal perspective on winemaking.

Lunch and hotel pickup are not included, so planning for meals and local cash is wise. The duration of 9 hours means you’ll spend most of the day on the move, but the itinerary balances travel with sightseeing and tastings.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

While the tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility, most travelers find the pace manageable. Comfortable shoes are advised, especially for walking through towns and wineries. The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Guests consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning Stephan, who is described as friendly and well-informed. His storytelling and attentiveness often elevate the experience—one reviewer even called him “the best guide they’ve had.”

Multiple reviews note the quality of the wine tastings—”the wine was top-notch,” with some describing tasting wines mid-fermentation—a rare peek into the winemaking process. Many also appreciated the small group size, which made the visits more intimate and less commercial.

The towns themselves often steal the show, with visitors raving about Laguardia’s medieval charm and Haro’s historic vibe. The architecture, cobbled streets, and local atmosphere add to the overall appeal, making the trip more than just about wine.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For wine aficionados and curious explorers alike, this trip offers a well-rounded experience of La Rioja’s vineyards and towns. The combination of guided winery tours, tastings, and scenic walks makes it a worthwhile day out from Bilbao. The knowledgeable guides and authentic visits—especially to smaller wineries—provide a taste of local culture that’s hard to replicate.

While the bus travel may feel lengthy, it’s balanced by the quality of visits and the picturesque settings. This tour is especially suited for those interested in wine history, regional architecture, and charming medieval villages.

If you’re happy to spend most of the day on a coach and want a structured yet authentic taste of La Rioja, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s perfect for travelers looking for an educational, flavorful, and scenic day trip with plenty of opportunities to sample superb wines and explore historic towns.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
No, pickup and drop-off are at a designated meeting point in Bilbao, near the Guggenheim Museum.

How long is the bus ride to La Rioja?
The ride to Haro takes about an hour, with additional travel time between stops.

Can I buy wine at the wineries?
Yes, both wineries offer opportunities to purchase bottles as souvenirs.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s a free 90-minute window for you to explore local eateries in Laguardia.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and cash for lunch or purchases.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to walking and tour structure.

Are the wine tastings educational?
Yes, guides provide insights into the winemaking process, and some tastings include comparisons of wines at different stages.

Is this tour conducted in English and Spanish?
Yes, the tour is offered in both languages.

What is the typical group size?
While not explicitly specified, reviews suggest a friendly, manageable group size that fosters interaction.

In essence, this La Rioja wineries day trip from Bilbao offers a memorable blend of history, scenery, and, most importantly, exceptional wine. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a full, authentic regional experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.