La Rioja: Sensory Experience With Wine Tasting

If you’re considering exploring Spain’s famous wine region, La Rioja, this sensory experience at Bodegas Riojanas is worth a look. It promises not just a tasting but a journey through the sensations that wine can evoke, combined with a peek into a historic winery. While it’s not the longest or most exhaustive tour out there, it offers a well-rounded taste of traditional winemaking with a modern twist.

We particularly appreciate how this experience balances history and sensory discovery. It’s accessible, engaging, and gives you a real sense of the region’s winemaking ethos. On the flip side, it’s quite brief—lasting only about two hours—and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, informative, and delicious introduction to La Rioja wine culture, this could be just the thing.

This tour tends to suit wine enthusiasts, casual visitors looking for a quick insight, or anyone curious about the sensory side of wine. It’s also a solid option if you enjoy pairing wine with local cured meats, making the tasting even more enjoyable.

Key Points

• Sensory Journey: A focus on experiencing the sensations involved in wine tasting, from smell to taste.
• Historic Winery: Visit a building over 130 years old, showcasing traditional winemaking alongside modern additions.
• Tasting & Snacks: Includes sampling of three wines paired with Iberian cured meats.
• Accessible & Practical: English-speaking guide, wheelchair accessibility (note for practicality), and flexible cancellation.
• Short & Sweet: The experience lasts about two hours, ideal for fitting into a busy schedule.
• Family & Pet Considerations: Not suitable for pets or wheelchair users but perfect for those interested in wine culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring La Rioja’s Sensory Journey with Bodegas Riojanas

If you’re heading to La Rioja and want a taste of the local wine scene without committing to a full-day tour, this Sensory Experience at Bodegas Riojanas offers a compact yet insightful glimpse into the region’s winemaking traditions. It’s a hands-on, engaging way to understand what makes Rioja wines special—beyond just sipping and swiping a credit card.

The Setting: A Historic Winery

Bodegas Riojanas is an hotel that proudly showcases its more than a century-long tradition. The tour begins in the original building, which has stood for over 130 years, giving visitors a tangible sense of history. This will likely appeal to those interested in heritage, as you’ll see the original wine halls, barrel rooms, and bottle racks that have housed winemaking for generations.

The modern additions—newer winemaking halls and storage areas—highlight how tradition and innovation coexist here. It’s a good reminder that La Rioja’s winemaking isn’t stuck in the past but continues to evolve with time.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour starts at the parking lot, where you’ll gather with your guide for a friendly, informative session. The guide, who speaks English, shares stories and explanations about the winery and Rioja’s winemaking culture in a way that’s approachable, even for those new to wine.

You’ll walk through the original buildings, soaking in the sights and smells of aging wine and oak barrels. The highlight here is the “Dare To Feel” segment, which encourages you to engage with the textures and aromas—an excellent way to enhance your sensory awareness and appreciation.

After touring the facilities, you’ll sit down for a tasting of three carefully selected wines. The wines are complemented by Iberian cured meats, adding a savory element that balances the experience. This pairing also helps accentuate the flavors and aromas of the wines, making each sip an exploration.

The Sensory Focus

What makes this experience stand out is its emphasis on sensory exploration. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s “an olfactory interesting experience” that stimulates all the senses involved in wine tasting. Instead of just sipping blindly, you’re encouraged to smell, feel, and even see how different textures and aromas evoke reactions.

This approach makes the tasting more memorable and educational. For many, it’s a reminder that wine isn’t just about the taste but a multi-sensory event that involves smell, touch, and visual cues.

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The Value of the Experience

For roughly two hours, you’ll get an intimate look at Rioja’s winemaking process, paired with a tasting of excellent wines—a key highlight praised in reviews. Jean Claude, who gave the experience a perfect score, mentioned the “excellentes explications” and the “dynamism” of the film explaining each step of wine production.

The price point is reasonable considering the depth of the experience, especially with the inclusion of three wines and Iberian cured meats. It’s not a full-blown wine tour with multiple stops, but it’s much more than a superficial tasting—this feels like a curated, thoughtful session.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine lover eager to understand more about the senses involved in wine tasting, this experience will suit you perfectly. It’s also great for those who appreciate history and tradition, as the original buildings and storytelling bring those elements alive.

Because it’s a small-group experience led by a live guide, it offers a personal touch. However, do note that it’s not wheelchair accessible, and pets aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Around 2 hours, so it fits nicely into a day of sightseeing or wine touring.
• Meeting Point: Starts at the parking lot, end back at the same spot.
• Languages: The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance—perfect for flexible travelers.
• What to Bring: A jacket is recommended, as some parts of the winery may be cool.
• Considerations: Not suitable for wheelchair users; no pets allowed.

Final Thoughts

This La Rioja sensory experience at Bodegas Riojanas offers a well-rounded, immersive introduction to the region’s wine culture. It’s perfect if you want a taste of history, paired with an innovative focus on the sensations involved in wine tasting. The inclusion of Iberian cured meats elevates the experience, making it feel like a true taste of local tradition.

While it’s not the most extensive or in-depth tour, it provides genuine value—especially if you’re curious about the sensory aspects of wine and how they shape our appreciation. It’s a relaxed, friendly, and educational session that’s likely to leave you with a new appreciation for Rioja wines.

If you’re looking for a manageable, memorable, and engaging activity during your visit to La Rioja, this experience is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The focus on sensory discovery makes it accessible for all levels, whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it a perfect short activity.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, and you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there any age restriction?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wine tasting suggests it’s mainly for adults.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted on this tour.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a winery tour, a tasting of three wines, and Iberian cured meats served as an aperitif.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended, especially since some winery areas might be cool.

If you’re seriously into wine or just want a taste of Rioja’s tradition with a sensory twist, this tour offers a relaxed, friendly, and educational experience that will enrich your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: