If you’re heading to Laguardia and love a good wine experience, this tour at Bodega 1808 offers a surprisingly intimate peek into Basque winemaking. It’s not just about tasting wines but understanding what makes each variety special, all while exploring a historic underground cellar.
What really draws us in are the chance to sample three different wines—white, rosé, and red—that showcase the region’s versatility. Plus, the inclusion of local delicacies makes it a well-rounded tasting. On the flip side, the fact that it’s geared toward private groups might mean fewer people to share the experience with, which could feel a bit limiting if you’re traveling solo or in a larger group.
One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s duration—just 1.5 hours—so it’s concise but packed with tasting and learning. If you’re someone who appreciates a thoughtful, relaxed introduction to regional wines without huge crowds, this might be perfect. If you’re looking for a longer, more immersive wine day, this could feel a little brief.
This experience is especially well-suited for wine lovers who want a personal touch and a taste of Basque wine traditions. It’s an excellent choice for those curious about the region’s wines and wanting a quick, quality experience in a historic setting.
Key Points
- Intimate, private experience with a knowledgeable guide
- Tastes three different wines: white, rosé, and red
- Includes local delicacies that pair with each wine
- Explores the historic underground cellar of Bodega 1808
- Learn about winemaking and regional traditions
- Duration of 1.5 hours makes it a quick but rich visit
What to Expect from This Wine Tasting Tour
This isn’t your average wine tasting. From the start, you’re taken into the heart of a historic cellar, which adds an authentic, almost time-traveling feel to your visit. The underground setting is cool and atmospheric, giving you a real sense of the place where Basque wines have been aged for generations. You’ll be greeted by a live Spanish-speaking guide who will walk you through the process and stories behind each wine.
The tasting itself features three carefully selected wines. You’ll begin with a crisp, clean white made from the Viura grape, which is a staple in Basque winemaking. The white is described as elegant and refreshing, perfect for those who like a light start. Next up is a rosé, crafted from a blend of Viura and Tempranillo, which offers a balanced, fruity profile. Finally, the red—a full-bodied Tempranillo—rounds out the tasting, showing the depth and aging potential of the region’s flagship grape.
Throughout the tasting, you’ll learn about the characteristics of each wine, including how they’re made and what makes them unique. The guide may share insights into aging in barrels, the regional climate, and how these factors influence flavor. Several reviews mention that the guide’s explanations are engaging and helpful, making the experience more than just sipping wine.
Accompanying the wines are local delicacies carefully chosen to enhance each sip. These could include regional cheeses, charcuterie, or other small bites typical of La Rioja and Basque Country. The pairing elevates the tasting, giving you a more rounded flavor experience.
The entire visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which is perfect if you’re short on time or want a manageable, focused activity. The experience concludes back at the same starting point, with plenty of room for questions or a final look around.
Keen to taste more of Laguardia? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Starting Point and Meeting
You’ll meet at Calle Mayor nº 15, at a marked cartel on the wall of a house—an unassuming spot that’s easy to find if you’re paying attention. The guide will likely check your reservation and give a quick overview before heading into the winery.
Visit to the Winery (30 Minutes)
The first half-hour of the experience involves a walk through the winery itself. This is where you’ll see the historic underground cellar—an area that’s likely been used for wine aging since the early 1800s, as the name suggests. The cellar’s cool, dark environment is perfect for preserving wine quality and adds a charming ambiance.
This part of the tour can be quite atmospheric, especially if you enjoy seeing where wine has been stored and cared for over generations. It’s worth noting that due to the underground setting, warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you tend to get chilly or prefer to avoid slippery surfaces.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Tasting (30 Minutes)
Post-visit, the guide will lead you to a designated tasting area. Here, you’ll sample each of the three wines, each explained in detail. The guide will talk about the aging process, grape varieties, and regional techniques, making the tasting educational as well as flavorful.
Many reviewers mention the quality of the wines—”The white was especially nice, light and citrusy” and “The red had a nice depth, with subtle oak notes.” You’ll also get a chance to ask questions, which is great for those wanting to deepen their wine knowledge.
Final Moments and Return
After the tasting, you’ll return to the starting point, taking with you not just a few favorite wines but also a better understanding of Basque winemaking. The entire experience wraps up at Calle Mayor nº 15, perfect if you’re staying nearby or planning to continue exploring Laguardia.
Price and Value
While the exact price isn’t listed here, considering the private group setup, the inclusion of three wines, local delicacies, and a guided explanation, this experience offers good value. It’s an efficient, high-quality introduction to regional wines without feeling rushed or superficial. The private nature means more personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate.
If you’re someone who enjoys a focused, intimate tasting and values learning about the wines you’re drinking, this experience is worth considering. The fact that you can reserve now and pay later adds some flexibility for your travel plans.
Laguardia: Tasting Colores Bodegas1808 – Casa Garabitero
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting a snapshot of Basque wines in an authentic setting. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer private, guided experiences over large group tours. Because it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users, it’s best for those who can comfortably walk and stand for a bit.
If you’re in Laguardia, want a short and sweet wine experience that combines history, education, and tasting, this is a solid pick. It’s especially ideal if you’re traveling with a partner or in a small group seeking a more personal engagement.
For anyone curious about Basque or Rioja wines, this experience at Bodega 1808 offers a relaxed yet informative way to explore regional specialties. The setting in a historic cellar enhances the tasting, making it more than just a quick sip—it’s a window into the local tradition and craftsmanship.
The inclusion of local delicacies makes the tasting more memorable, and the private group setup means you get the guide’s full attention. The 1.5-hour duration is perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary without feeling rushed, giving you enough time to savor each sip and soak in the atmosphere.
While it’s not a comprehensive, full-day winery tour, it’s a great introduction for those who want quality over quantity. If you enjoy learning about wines in a cozy, authentic setting and appreciate personalized experiences, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Laguardia trip.
Overall, it’s most suited for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone who appreciates a good story along with their drink. Just remember to dress warmly and bring your camera—there are plenty of charming moments to capture inside this historic cellar.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is designed for adults and does not mention any family-friendly options. It’s best suited for guests of legal drinking age.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1.5 hours, including the visit to the winery and the tasting.
What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample three wines: a white from Viura, a rosé from Viura and Tempranillo, and a red made from Tempranillo.
Are the wines local to the region?
Yes, these are regional wines representative of Basque and Rioja traditions.
Is the experience private or in a group?
It’s a private group experience, offering more personalized attention from the guide.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, and water are recommended, especially considering the underground cellar environment.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the underground setting.
If you’re after a short, intimate tasting with a good story behind each glass, this tour at Bodega 1808 in Laguardia is definitely worth a look. It doesn’t promise a massive wine haul but delivers a meaningful taste of regional tradition in a cozy, historic setting.
You can check availability for your dates here:
