From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour

If you’re eyeing a day trip from Bilbao that combines modern architecture, historic charm, and some seriously good wine, this tour might just be what you’re after. It’s a well-rounded experience that offers more than just tasting; it’s about soaking in the visual and cultural richness of Rioja while sipping on some of Spain’s best wines.

What really draws us in is how this tour balances visiting iconic wineries like Marques de Riscal—designed by the famous Frank Gehry—with exploring the medieval streets of LaGuardia. Plus, the guided wine tastings promise a chance to appreciate different Rioja varieties, complemented by a traditional lunch. Two things we love? The stunning modern architecture and the small group size, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

One thing to keep in mind is that wineries can be quite busy, so group sizes at each stop can reach up to 20 people. If you’re looking for a more exclusive or private experience, this might be a consideration. But overall, this tour suits those who enjoy a bit of everything—architecture, history, wine, and good company—without fuss.

Key Points

• Comfortable, well-organized day trip from Bilbao with transportation included
• Visits to two top Rioja wineries, including the iconic Marques de Riscal
• Stunning modern architecture with structures designed by renowned architects like Frank Gehry
• Tastings of different Rioja wines—white, Crianza, Reserva, and a possible upgrade to a four-wine flight
• Authentic local lunch featuring pintxos and Rioja wine
• Small group experience limited to 7 participants, fostering interaction and attention
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Potential alternative winery visit if the main stops are fully booked

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Start and Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at a convenient spot right in front of the Guggenheim Museum, specifically at the taxi rank outside the iconic building. This central meeting point makes it easy to find, especially if you’re already exploring Bilbao’s modern art scene. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle heading toward Rioja’s highlights.

Visiting Marques de Riscal: Modern Marvel Meets Wine

First on the itinerary is the Marques de Riscal winery. Here, you’ll witness what is arguably one of the most famous pieces of contemporary architecture in the region. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building looks like a sculpture made of titanium, stainless steel, wood, and sandstone. It’s a sight that alone is worth the trip, even if you weren’t interested in wine.

Inside, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their white wine, Crianza red, and the award-winning Rioja Reserva. The guide will share insights into the winemaking process and what makes Rioja wines special. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who make each tasting engaging and informative, with one reviewer even calling their guide “awesome” and “impeccably English.”

Ysios Winery: Architectural Beauty and Great Views

Next, you’ll visit Ysios, another winery famous for its striking design that mimics the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. The roof’s wave-like curves make for fantastic photos, and the whole experience is about more than just wine — it’s about appreciating how architecture can elevate a wine tasting. If the main winery is fully booked, there’s an alternative plan: you’ll visit Javier San Pedro Winery instead, which offers similar style and mountain views, alongside a tasting of four wines.

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Exploring LaGuardia: Medieval Charm

After the winery visits, the tour takes you into the medieval streets of LaGuardia. This tiny town is like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and a peaceful vibe. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs, soak up some history, and snap a few photos of the scenic surroundings.

Lunch: Pintxos and Rioja

No Rioja trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Riojano lunch consisting of three pintxos—small, flavorful bites—paired with Rioja wine. This is where the tour really hits a sweet spot. The lunch is meant to give you a taste of authentic local flavors, making the experience more immersive. Many guests rave about the quality of the food and the chance to relax and chat over wine.

The Practicalities

Duration, Cost, and Group Size

This tour is a full 8-hour experience, making it a substantial but manageable day trip. At $278 per person, it’s priced to reflect the quality of visits, tastings, and the small-group environment. The group is limited to just 7 people, ensuring your guide can give personalized attention and answer all your questions.

Transportation is included, so you won’t have to worry about navigating or parking. However, note that pickup and drop-off from Bilbao are not included, so you’ll meet at the designated spot in front of the Guggenheim. This setup works well if you’re staying in Bilbao city center but might be less convenient otherwise.

Wineries and Tasting Experience

The tour includes visits to two wineries with guided tastings. Given that wineries can be busy, groups may be up to 20 people, but the guide’s attentiveness helps keep the experience personable. The tastings include multiple wine varieties, allowing you to compare and appreciate Rioja’s diversity. If one of the wineries is booked out, the alternative adds a nice touch, offering a similar experience with fantastic mountain views.

Best Time to Book

Since wineries are in high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s wise to reserve at least a few weeks in advance. The tour operates on selected dates with starting times that vary—check availability for your preferred day.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with Marina standing out as a favorite. One reviewer called her “an awesome guide,” noting her impeccable English and regional expertise. Many mention that she went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience, even taking the group to smaller boutique wineries when the main stops were fully booked.

Guests love the stunning scenery and architecture, often mentioning how the buildings themselves are worth the visit. The tastings of Rioja wines receive high marks, many describing them as excellent and well-curated, with one reviewer noting they might have had a better experience at smaller wineries. The authentic local lunch of pintxos paired with wine is another highlight, appreciated for its flavor and relaxed vibe.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you’re a fan of wine, architecture, and small-town charm. It suits travelers who appreciate guided insights and are comfortable in a group setting, especially since winery visits can be bustling. The small group size makes it a more intimate, friendly outing—perfect if you want to ask lots of questions and get personalized attention.

If you’re interested in sampling a variety of Rioja wines while enjoying breathtaking modern buildings, this tour hits the mark. It’s also a good choice for those who want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and gastronomy without feeling rushed.

FAQs

Do I need to know anything about wine beforehand?
No, this tour is suitable for all levels. The guides will explain the wines and tasting process, making it accessible whether you’re a connoisseur or just curious.

Is transportation included?
Transportation during the activity is included, but pickup and drop-off from Bilbao are not. You’ll meet at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Can I join if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. The tour is limited to just 7 participants, so you’ll be in a small, friendly group.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are best, especially since there’s walking through cobblestone streets and winery visits.

Are winery visits suitable for children?
The tour is adult-focused, especially given the wine tastings. Children might find it less engaging, but there’s no specific age restriction mentioned.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Riojano lunch with pintxos and wine as part of the experience.

What if one winery is fully booked?
You’ll be taken to an alternative winery, Javier San Pedro, which offers a similar style and mountain views, along with a four-wine tasting.

Final Thoughts

This From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour offers a well-designed blend of modern architecture, historic charm, and excellent wine tasting. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a thoughtfully curated day out that covers both visual and gustatory delights. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery make it stand out as a memorable experience.

If you value quality over quantity and prefer a more intimate, engaging tour with a focus on authentic regional flavors and eye-catching design, this trip is likely to satisfy. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy learning about wine, architecture, and local traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Overall, it’s a rewarding way to explore Rioja’s highlights without the hassle of planning, and many travelers leave rave reviews about their day. Just remember to book early, especially if you want to visit the iconic wineries — they’re popular spots for good reason.

Ready to book?

Check availability and prepare for a day of memorable sights, taste, and stories in Spain’s beautiful Rioja region.

You can check availability for your dates here: