La Rioja, Spain, isn’t just a region known for its exceptional wines—it’s a place where history, gastronomy, and scenic vineyards come together in ways that make touring here a true delight. What sets La Rioja apart is its intimate wineries, medieval towns, and authentic local cuisine, making guided tours especially rewarding. Among the many options, a few stand out: the private Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour, which promises an immersive day with visits to intriguing cellars and a local restaurant, and the Rioja: Wine tasting and sampling at the Martínez Alesanco family winery, which offers a family-run experience with a warm, personal touch. These tours give you a deep dive into Rioja’s wine culture, paired with regional food, and often include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Whether you’re seeking a full-day exploration, a quick tasting, or a farm visit with organic ham paired with Rioja wines, La Rioja offers a variety of tours to match different interests and schedules. Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each, helping you pick the perfect experience for your trip.
1. Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour
This full-day private wine tasting tour hits the sweet spot for travelers who want an in-depth look at Rioja’s best wineries. For around $447 per person, you get a guided experience that lasts about 9 hours, including visits to two intriguing cellars and a traditional lunch. The tour is designed to feel intimate, allowing you to explore the wineries as a local would—walking through the cellars, tasting premium wines, and soaking up the ambiance of Rioja’s renowned vineyards.
The highlight here is the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines Rioja has to offer, guided by knowledgeable hosts who share insights into the winemaking process and regional history. The visit includes charming medieval towns, offering a scenic backdrop to your wine adventure. Guests consistently praise the guide’s expertise and friendliness; one reviewer mentions Daniel’s “full of knowledge and a wonderful person,” making the day both educational and enjoyable. Another reviewer highlights how the tour balanced authentic wine experiences with regional cuisine.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, personalized wine tour with visits to historic towns and top wineries, this full-day private experience offers excellent value for serious wine lovers.
2. La Rioja: Winery Tour and 4-Course Meal with Wine Pairing
This 2-hour guided winery tour with a 4-course meal offers a taste of Rioja’s culinary and wine heritage. Hosted at Bodegas Bohedal just outside Haro, the experience combines a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process with a delicious meal expertly paired with regional wines. The tour is led by Leire, a family member of the winery, who makes the experience warm and personal—she’s also the daughter of the owners, adding authenticity.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on regional cuisine, with a meal cooked by the winery’s family, making it feel like visiting friends’ homes rather than a commercial operation. Guests learn about the wine from vineyards to barrels, gaining insights into local techniques and traditions. The tasting includes wines from Bohedal, Gran Bohedal, and Hebabe, each with its own character.
Reviewers appreciate the personal touch—one says, “Leire made it personal and memorable,” and the fact that many locals stop by to socialize underscores its community feel. For those short on time who want a blend of history, gastronomy, and wine, this tour offers solid value.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed, intimate tasting experience with excellent food and a personal guide, this tour is a perfect choice.
3. La Rioja: Altanza Wineries
A visit to Altanza Wineries is about discovering a winery where wine tourism is more than just tasting. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll explore the winery’s facilities and enjoy a wine tasting that emphasizes the unique style of Altanza wines. The tour is designed to give insight into the vineyard and production process, all within a modern, welcoming setting.
What sets Altanza apart is its dedication to producing high-quality Rioja wines while offering a more immersive experience that goes beyond a simple tasting. The tour often includes a chance to see the vineyards and learn about their sustainable practices. It is well-suited for travelers who want a quick yet meaningful winery visit without sacrificing depth.
Guests speak highly of the overall experience, noting that the visit is personal and the wines expressive of the region. If you’re short on time but want to get a real taste of Rioja’s wine craftsmanship, this is a good pick.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a concise, quality-focused winery visit that emphasizes the wines’ character and production.
4. Rioja: Wine tasting and sampling at the Martínez Alesanco family winery
For a true family-run experience, this wine tasting at Martínez Alesanco offers an authentic glimpse into Rioja’s winemaking tradition. At just $21 per person, you get to taste four wines paired with a kilometer zero appetizer, all in the cozy setting of their family winery in Badarán.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a visit to the winery, where you’ll learn about the different wine styles and the family’s commitment to sustainability. The setting is spectacular, with vineyards that create a memorable backdrop. Reviewers rave about the warm, informal atmosphere—“Lucia was super attentive and explained everything so well,” one says. Others mention how the wines reflect the care and passion the family puts into each bottle.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a low-cost, authentic tasting that emphasizes family stories and local wines. Be aware that all explanations are in Spanish, so some language skills might enhance the experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an intimate, budget-friendly family winery visit that highlights Rioja’s character, this is a charming choice.
5. La Rioja: Organic Farm Tour & Spanish Ham Tasting with Wine
This organic farm tour offers a different perspective—visiting a certified organic farm in the Biosphere Reserve. You’ll meet free-range Duroc pigs, stroll through olive groves, and see Spanish horses, culminating in a gourmet tasting of organic hams paired with two Rioja DOCa wines.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and is perfect for travelers interested in sustainable agriculture and regional gastronomy. It’s a hands-on experience that balances nature with culinary delights. Reviews highlight the friendly farm atmosphere and the quality of the organic hams, which are paired thoughtfully with regional wines.
While not primarily a wine tour, it appeals to those wanting to combine wine tasting with an authentic farm experience. The focus on organic and local products makes this a special excursion for eco-conscious travelers or families.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, educational experience blending farm life and wine, this tour delivers both in spades.
6. La Rioja: Sensory Experience With Wine Tasting
This sensory experience takes you on a hands-on journey through Rioja’s wine culture. Over two hours, you’ll visit a century-old winery and undergo activities designed to stimulate your senses—touch, smell, and taste. The goal is to deepen your appreciation for the complexities behind every sip.
Participants often dare themselves to “feel” the winery—touching textures, smelling aromas, and tasting wines with newfound awareness. The experience helps demystify wine tasting by focusing on sensory perception rather than just drinking. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want to understand the finer details of wine beyond the glass.
The tour’s reviews are glowing, emphasizing its interactive nature and engaging guides. It’s less about traditional sightseeing and more about personal discovery—perfect for those who want to connect on a sensory level with Rioja wines.
Bottom Line: A unique, interactive way to deepen your wine knowledge, ideal for adventurous, sensory-oriented travelers.
7. RIOJA: WINE TOUR WITH A WINERY OWNER
At number 7, this wine tour with a winery owner provides a comprehensive 7-hour exploration of Rioja’s wine scene. It includes visits to three different wineries, a private tour of La Bodega del Tesoro—their own historic winery from 1881—and a traditional meal inside a wooden wine press.
The tour’s highlight is the personal connection: the owner shares stories about the region’s history and their family’s winemaking journey. The itinerary includes scenic vineyard views, multiple tastings, and a relaxed pace that allows for plenty of questions. Guests love the authenticity of the experience, with one noting, “They have their own winery, and eating inside a wooden winepress was unforgettable.”
This experience is best suited for serious wine enthusiasts who want to taste a variety of styles and learn directly from a vineyard owner. The 7-hour duration makes it a flexible option for most day plans, and the intimate setting fosters genuine conversations.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a deep dive into Rioja’s wine culture from a personal perspective, this tour delivers an enriching experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time, and what you want most from your experience. For a full immersion into Rioja’s wineries and towns, the Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour offers the best value for a comprehensive day. If short on time but wanting a quality winery visit, the Altanza Wineries or Martínez Alesanco family winery provide rich insights with quick tours. For those interested in local food and organic farming, the Organic Farm Tour & Spanish Ham Tasting combines nature and gastronomy beautifully. And if you’re curious about the sensory side of wine, the Sensory Experience is perfect.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular private tours and seasonal experiences. Consider your interests—wine, food, history, or farm life—and pick an experience that matches your travel style.
Final Thoughts
La Rioja offers an impressive array of tours that cater to different tastes and timeframes. For those seeking comprehensive, in-depth wine experiences, the private Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour stands out. For a quick taste paired with regional cuisine, the Winery Tour and 4-Course Meal delivers a personal touch. Families and eco-conscious travelers might prefer the Organic Farm Tour, while curious sensory explorers will enjoy the Sensory Experience.
No matter which tour you choose, La Rioja’s mix of authentic wine, historic towns, and regional flavors promises a memorable experience. Book early, plan your interests, and prepare for a truly flavorful adventure in Spain’s famous wine country.
