A Sip-By-Sip Tour of 3 Boutique Rioja Family Wineries (Private Tour with Lunch)

If you’re someone who loves discovering new wines or simply enjoys a well-organized day of tasting and exploring, this private Rioja winery tour sounds like a lovely way to spend a day near Bilbao. It promises visits to three carefully selected family-run wineries, each with its own character, plus scenic stops and a relaxed lunch. Our impression, based on reviews and tour details, is that it offers a well-rounded experience, perfect for wine lovers who want to go beyond the typical tasting room.

What really stands out about this experience are the personalized touches—the private nature of the tour means you can customize your day and enjoy it at your own pace. Plus, the fact that transportation, lunch, and tastings are included means there’s no fuss—just turn up and enjoy. On the flip side, it’s a full-day commitment, and at around $474 per person, it’s not a cheap outing, but for those serious about Rioja or wanting a special treat, the cost might be justified.

If you’re looking for an educational yet indulgent experience that combines wine, scenic towns, and cultural highlights like Laguardia’s medieval streets, this tour is likely a good fit. It caters primarily to adults, especially those keen on wine tasting and learning about Rioja’s different styles, though it’s also flexible enough for travelers who appreciate a curated, relaxed day with plenty of tastings.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience ensures a relaxed, tailored day.
• Visits to three boutique wineries in different Rioja regions offer variety and depth.
• Includes a scenic city stop in Laguardia with underground cellars and medieval charm.
• Tastings of high-rated wines (90+ points) from celebrated experts like James Suckling and Tim Atkin.
• A delicious, locally inspired lunch with Rioja tapas paired with wine.
• Transportation included, so you can indulge without worries.
• Most bookings are made well in advance, indicating popularity and demand.
• The tour has received consistently excellent reviews, with a 5-star rating from 19 travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Rioja Wineries and Experience

Starting Point: Bilbao and the Journey South

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am from Bilbao, with round-trip transportation included, which means you don’t need to worry about navigating or parking. The comfort of having your own driver allows you to relax and focus on the scenery and the wines ahead. The drive through the Basque Country’s lush landscapes sets the perfect tone for a day focused on local craftsmanship.

First Stop: Haro – The Heart of Rioja Alta

Haro is renowned as the birthplace of some of Rioja’s most celebrated wines. The tour specifically visits the Rioja Alta, famous for wines crafted in traditional styles with vines over 80 years old—the oldest in the world, according to the tour description. This means you’ll be tasting wines that likely have a deep, complex character, aged for long periods, and highly rated by critics like James Suckling and Tim Atkin (90+ points).

Guests often mention that these wineries are different from each other, which keeps the experience fresh. The focus here is on classic Rioja styles, giving you a solid foundation for understanding what makes Rioja wines unique compared to others.

Second Stop: Samaniego – The Rioja Alavesa Region

Next, you’ll visit the Rioja Alavesa, the so-called “Côte d’Or of Rioja.” It’s a high-altitude zone influenced by the Atlantic, resulting in a crisp, fresh expression of Tempranillo grapes. Here, you’ll find many small, family-run wineries that excel in crafting boutique wines with a personal touch.

The reviews mention that this part of the trip offers a different vibe from Haro, with a focus on small-scale production and artisanal techniques. You can expect to see a variety of styles and perhaps learn more about how altitude and climate influence wine development.

Scenic Stop: Laguardia – Medieval Charm Meets Vineyards

Laguardia is often described as one of the most beautiful towns in Rioja Alavesa, with its fortified walls, cobbled streets, and surrounding vineyards. The tour includes a walk through the town’s underground cellars and wineries, where you can get a real sense of the region’s history and wine-making heritage.

Guests love this part for the stunning scenery and the opportunity to appreciate the town’s medieval architecture. It’s a perfect spot for some photos and to soak in the atmosphere of old-world Spain.

Lunch and Tapas: A Taste of Rioja

A standout feature is the included lunch in Laguardia, where you’ll enjoy Rioja-style tapas paired with local wines. Reviewers describe this as a lovely, relaxed meal with good wine and delicious food—an essential part of understanding the cultural background of Rioja wine.

The Ancient Dolmen: El Villar

To add a dash of history, the tour includes a quick visit to one of the oldest dolmens in the Basque Country, dating back over 5,000 years. Situated amid vineyards, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past. While only a short stop, it’s a memorable contrast to the wine-focused day and adds a layer of cultural richness.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides—Sara, in particular, gets mentioned as charming, articulate, and caring, which elevates the experience. Guests also appreciate the variety of wineries visited, with some noting the difference between traditional and boutique styles kept the day interesting.

One reviewer highlights how the views of the Cantabrian mountains and Haro’s charming town inspired the whole day, emphasizing how scenic and atmospheric the experience was. Another mentions how the tour is perfect for those who want to drink as much as they like—with your own driver, of course—making it a guilt-free indulgence.

The Value of the Experience

At around $474 per person, the tour is quite a splurge for many travelers, but considering that it includes transportation, multiple tastings, a guided experience, and lunch, many see it as a worthwhile investment in a memorable day. The high ratings suggest that most find the price justified by the quality and comprehensiveness of the experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

The tour is approximately 8 hours long, so it’s a full-day commitment. If you’re not a big wine drinker or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might be intense. Also, because it’s a private tour, it’s most suitable for those who want a personalized experience rather than a large group.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Rioja in depth, particularly those interested in boutique, family-run wineries. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate scenic towns, cultural highlights, and a relaxed, well-organized day. Because of the private nature, it’s especially good for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a personalized, indulgent outing.

If you’re looking for a culture along with wine tasting, or want to learn more about Rioja’s different styles and regions, this tour hits all those notes. Families with older children might enjoy the historical stops, but the focus on wine makes it best suited for adults.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transfers from your Bilbao hotel are provided, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without navigating.

Can I customize the tour? Absolutely. The guide allows for some flexibility, so if you have specific preferences, just ask.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Bilbao later in the day.

What wines will I taste? You’ll sample wines from three different wineries, mostly high-rated Rioja wines, including some with 90+ points.

Is lunch included? Yes, you’ll enjoy a relaxing meal with Rioja tapas paired with local wines, adding to the culture.

Are children allowed? The tour is designed for adults interested in wine tasting and cultural sightseeing, so it’s not particularly family-friendly.

How far in advance should I book? On average, most travelers book about 215 days ahead, indicating it’s popular and worth reserving early.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Is this a small group or a large tour? It’s a private experience, so only your group participates, ensuring intimacy and personalized attention.

What’s the main highlight of this tour? Many say the combination of carefully selected boutique wineries, scenic towns like Laguardia, and the knowledgeable guide makes it truly special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a wine lover eager to get a taste of Rioja’s diverse styles and enjoy a day filled with scenic views, cultural stops, and excellent wines, this private tour is a fantastic choice. The carefully curated visits to family wineries allow you to see the craftsmanship behind each bottle, while the scenic stops add a touch of history and charm. The included lunch and flexible schedule make it feel indulgent without being rushed.

However, it’s a full-day experience that’s best suited for those who appreciate wine and culture in equal measure. The private aspect ensures a personalized experience, making it ideal for special occasions or those who prefer a more intimate setting. If you’re ready for a well-organized, knowledgeable exploration of Rioja’s finest, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.