Laguardia is a fantastic place for wine lovers. Its charming streets, centuries-old cellars, and passionate winemakers create a setting that’s hard to beat. We love the fact that many tours include visits to underground wine cellars or focus on traditional aging processes, giving travelers a taste of authentic Basque wine culture. For example, the Laguardia: Crianza Tasting Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero offers an immersive look into the nuances of aging wine, with a tasting of three different crianzas that reveal the artistry behind each bottle. Whether you’re interested in learning about artisanal wines or exploring underground cellars, Laguardia has a wine tour for you.
Below, we’ll highlight three of the best wine tours in Laguardia, each with its own unique appeal. From underground tastings to traditional crianzas, these options cover a range of experiences that are perfect for wine enthusiasts or curious beginners alike.
1. Laguardia: Crianza Tasting Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero
At number 1, the Laguardia: Crianza Tasting Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero takes you into the very heart of traditional wine aging. This 1.5-hour tour offers a detailed look at three crianzas—young, crianza, and reserva—each representing a different stage of aging in Spanish winemaking. The tour begins at the charming Casa Rural Garabitero, where it’s easy to feel right at home before heading underground to visit the “Calao,” an atmospheric cellar where the wines rest and develop.
Throughout the experience, you’ll taste artisanal wines that highlight the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The tour also includes a pairing with local cuisine, an excellent way to appreciate how regional flavors complement the wines. The guide explains aging traditions with clarity, making even complex concepts accessible. Reviewers give this tour a perfect 5/5, praising its authenticity and the chance to see a traditional cellar. The only downside is that it’s not suitable for children or wheelchair users, but for adults eager to learn about wine aging, it’s a gem.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in understanding the basics of wine aging and enjoy artisanal wines, this tour offers a rich, intimate experience worth booking early.
2. TASTING IN UNDERGROUND WINERY (DRAFT)
Second on our list is the Tasting in Underground Winery, which offers a quick, 30-minute peek into a 16th-century cellar called EL GUALLAVERO. This private store is a true historic site, and the tasting here is of wines produced on-site, giving you a genuine flavor of local craftsmanship. The tour includes a tasting of wines accompanied by a snack, making it more than just a sip-and-tell.
The highlight is the private setting, which allows for a personalized experience and a chance to ask questions directly to the owners. Visitors rave about the warm treatment and the authentic atmosphere, with one reviewer noting, “The treatment was unbeatable and the experience excellent.” The tour’s short duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a relaxed, informal tasting.
While the $23 price is modest, it delivers genuine value—especially given the intimate environment and quality of the wines. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera to snap photos of the historic cellar.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a brief but authentic, behind-the-scenes wine experience in a historic setting.
3. Laguardia: Tasting Colores Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero
At number 3, the Laguardia: Tasting Colores Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero offers a colorful exploration of three different wines: white, rosé, and red. This 1.5-hour experience begins at the same welcoming Casa Rural Garabitero as the crianza tour but takes a different approach by focusing on the variety of flavors and styles produced by Bodegas 1808.
Descending into the historic underground cellar, you’ll learn about the unique characteristics of each wine as you taste. The guide shares insights into the winemaking process and the history of the winery, adding depth to the experience. It’s paired with local delicacies, enhancing the tasting with regional flavors. Reviewers note how engaging and educational the experience is, especially for those interested in understanding the regional distinctions among different wine types.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a broader tasting experience and a deeper understanding of regional wine diversity. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to appreciate the range of Basque wines.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in exploring different wine styles and pairing them with local foods, this tour offers a flavorful and educational experience.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Laguardia
When deciding which tour fits your interests, consider your budget, time, and what kind of experience you’re after. The Laguardia: Crianza Tasting Bodegas1808 provides a comprehensive look at aging wines and includes a pairing, making it great for those interested in the craftsmanship. The Tasting in Underground Winery is perfect if you seek a quick, authentic visit to a historic cellar with a personal touch. Meanwhile, the Tasting Colores offers a colorful variety of wines for those wanting to sample different styles.
Practical tips include booking early, especially in peak seasons, and choosing tours based on your available time and interest in either detailed aging processes, historic cellars, or diverse wine styles.
Final Thoughts
Laguardia’s wine tours offer something for nearly every type of traveler. If you want a detailed, immersive experience into traditional wine aging, the crianza tour at Bodegas1808 is excellent. For a quick, intimate taste of local wines with a historic vibe, the underground cellar tasting is ideal. And for those eager to sample a variety of regional wines paired with local flavors, the Colores tasting rounds out the options.
No matter which you pick, these tours promise authentic experiences and a deeper appreciation for Basque wine culture. Book early, bring your curiosity, and prepare to enjoy some of the best wine tastings in Spain.
