Semi-Private Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao

Exploring Rioja on a Small-Group Tour from Bilbao

If you’re considering a day trip into Spain’s famous wine region of Rioja, there’s a lot to like about this semi-private tour. It promises a well-rounded experience with visits to three different wineries, tasting a selection of up to 10 wines, and sightseeing in a charming medieval town. What’s especially appealing is that it’s a small group, capped at just seven travelers, making the day feel personal and relaxed. Plus, the tour includes not only wine but also olive oil, chorizo, bread, and cheese, giving it a bit of a tasting feast vibe.

On the flip side, the price point around $355 per person might seem high for some, especially considering that only one of the wineries offers a full tour, with the others mainly tasting sessions. Still, if you’re after a luxurious, in-depth look at Rioja’s top producers with a knowledgeable guide, this could be a worthwhile splurge. This tour would suit wine lovers who appreciate quality over quantity and enjoy exploring scenic towns with a dash of culture and architecture along the way.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides and hosts.
• Three premium wineries provide a varied look at Rioja wine-making, including an underground cellar and boutique family-run estates.
• Expert guides are highly praised for their knowledge and engaging personalities, making the day both fun and informative.
• Stunning scenery and architecture, such as the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, add visual interest to the trip.
• Inclusion of local delicacies like olive oil, cheese, and chorizo elevates the tasting experience beyond just wine.
• Visiting the medieval town of Laguardia offers charming streets, historic sites, and great photo ops.
• Price vs. value: While the tour is priced higher than some might expect, reviews suggest the quality of wines and guides justify the cost.
• Transportation is by luxury vehicle, with round-trip transfer from Bilbao, simplifying logistics.
• Duration of about 8 to 9 hours makes it a full but not exhausting day.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Start in Bilbao and Head to Haro

The adventure kicks off early, with pickup from a central location in Bilbao. We loved the way the tour combines comfort with efficiency—you’re driven in a luxury vehicle that feels like traveling in style but without the hassle of navigation or parking. The first stop is at a spectacular subterranean winery in Haro, beneath a centuries-old village.

This is a real highlight: visiting an underground cellar that’s centuries old, filled with aging wines in caves. The tour inside lasts about an hour, giving you an intimate look at the wine-making process in a setting that feels like stepping into history. You’ll then sample premium wines exclusive to visitors, which many reviews describe as a real treat. One guest mentioned, “The wines served are top-tier and often reserved for special tastings,” and many appreciated the exclusive access.

Boutique Wineries in Samaniego

Next, we move to two boutique, family-run wineries. Here, the focus is on premium wines from their oldest vines. It’s a chance to see a different side of Rioja—more personal, with owners and winemakers eager to share their craft. Sampling from these small estates often feels like tasting wines made with passion rather than mass production.

Visitors consistently enjoyed the freedom to sniff, swirl, and sip as much as they liked, with some tasting “up to 10 wines,” as the tour promises. The tasting is complemented by olive oil, cheese, bread, and chorizo, elevating the experience from mere wine tasting to a full sensory experience. One reviewer said, “The selection of wines was lovely, and the accompanying snacks made it even better.”

Lunch in Laguardia and Town Stroll

Post-wine tasting, the tour takes you to Laguardia, a town dating back to the 10th century. You’ll have the choice of a traditional restaurant or a pintxo/tapas bar—depending on your appetite and preference. We found this part of the day particularly charming, as it offers a leisurely walk through cobbled streets and historic sites.

You’ll get photo opportunities overlooking the Ebro Valley, which many reviews describe as breathtaking. The town itself is full of character, with walls, towers, and wine cellars that evoke centuries of tradition. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch and some sightseeing before heading to the final stop.

The Frank Gehry Hotel and Vineyards

The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Hotel Marques de Riscal—designed by Frank Gehry, this building is a true piece of modern architecture. We loved the way the building contrasts with the surrounding vineyards; it’s an Instagram-worthy spot, and you’ll have time to take photos and walk around.

Though just a 10-minute stop, many guests say it’s one of the tour’s highlights because of its striking design and the opportunity to admire the blend of wine tradition and contemporary architecture.

How Good Is the Value?

At roughly $355 per person, the tour sits at the higher end of day-trip prices, especially considering that only one winery offers a full tour. However, reviews suggest that the quality of the wines, the guide’s knowledge, and the overall experience justify the cost. Guests consistently mention that the wines sampled are top-tier, and the personalized atmosphere makes it feel more exclusive than a standard tasting.

What you’re paying for isn’t just the wine but also the expert guidance, luxury transport, and carefully curated stops—all of which can turn a simple wine tasting into a memorable day. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, so planning for a meal after the tour is a good idea.

The Guides and Overall Experience

Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as one of the tour’s strongest points. Guests praised guides like Irene, Olaia, Zach, and Jani for their passion, information, and ability to make the group feel special.

One guest mentioned, “Our guide Irene was knowledgeable and engaging, which made the experience very personal.” Others appreciated the care and attention guides showed, including sharing stories of the wineries and the region, making the day not just about wine but learning about local culture.

The small group size—max seven travelers—really helps with this personal touch, offering plenty of opportunities for questions and relaxed conversations.

The Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros
– Intimate, small-group setting for a more personal experience
– Visits to three premium and boutique wineries
– Expert guides who are friendly and well-informed
– Stunning architecture and scenery, including the Gehry-designed hotel
– Wide variety of wines and local bites, making it a full sensory outing
– Convenient all-in-one day trip from Bilbao

Cons
– Price may be steep for some, especially with no included lunch
– Only one winery offers a full tour, the others mainly tastings
– The tour duration is long, around 8-9 hours, which might be tiring for some

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Rioja tour is perfect if you’re a wine enthusiast looking for a curated experience with quality wines and knowledgeable guides. It’s also great if you want a luxurious, fuss-free day where transportation and logistics are taken care of. Art and architecture lovers will enjoy the Gehry building, and history buffs will appreciate the medieval town of Laguardia.

However, if your main goal is just to sample as many wines as possible at a lower cost, or if you prefer a more flexible, self-guided experience, this might not be the best fit. It’s more suited for travelers who value quality over quantity and enjoy learning about local traditions in a relaxed, intimate setting.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 to 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Bilbao afterward.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s time in Laguardia for a meal or pintxos depending on your preference.

Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate. It’s suitable for those who enjoy wine tasting and sightseeing.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is seven, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.

What does the tour include?
It includes visits to three wineries, 9-10 tastings, olive oil, cheese, chorizo, a driver-guide, and luxury transport.

Are the wineries different?
Yes, they include a subterranean winery, boutique family-run estates, and a famous architectural site.

What’s special about the Gehry hotel?
Designed by Frank Gehry, it’s an architectural landmark and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Is the tour worth the price?
Most reviews suggest yes, especially given the quality of wines, guides, and scenery. It’s a premium experience for those wanting a deep dive into Rioja’s offerings.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot in advance, with most travelers booking around 93 days ahead, ensuring you get a spot for this popular tour.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking to explore Rioja’s beautiful landscape and architecture, this tour offers a well-rounded, intimate experience that many find worthwhile. It balances wine tasting, cultural sights, and expert guidance, making it a memorable highlight of a trip to Bilbao.