Private Tour: Taste of Rioja Wine Adventure
San Sebastian, Spain
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Private Tour: Taste of Rioja Wine Adventure
San Sebastian, Spain
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Ready to become a bona fide Rioja expert? On this full-day tour, you’ll be getting a crash course in this much-loved wine of the Basque Country. In the company of a local guide you’ll visit two wineries where you’ll not only learn about various production techniques, but also taste wine right from the producers. Between sips and winery stops, you’ll learn more about this wine-producing region, its history and the local culture.
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Highlights
- Taste some excellent Rioja wines directly from the producers
- See the endless vineyards, prehistoric dolmens and medieval towns in the scenic wine region of Rioja Alavesa
- Admire the architectural details of the region’s most prestigious wineries like Marques de Riscal, Ysios or Baigorri
- Visit a 15th-century cave in Laguardia, historically used to store food and produce wines
- Learn the difference between traditional and modern ways of making wine and discover why they still stomp grapes here
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Schedule details
- Duration: 9-10 hours
- Pickup location:
Pick-up can be arranged from your hotel.
- Pickup time: 8.30 AM
- Drop off location:
Drop-off can be arranged at your hotel.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, all transportation and tolls, visit to two wineries, set menu 3-course lunch in a local restaurant.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips/gratuities.
Many countries have their own wine regions, but few have the reputation that Rioja has achieved. Famous worldwide, the Basque Country plays an important role in the production of these much-loved wines, which you’ll learn all about on this full-day tour tailor-made for wine lovers.
Your day starts with a two-hour trip to the geographical border of Rioja. If the weather allows, we’ll be able to enjoy an amazing panorama of this wine region from the viewpoint of Balcón de la Rioja. The trip will also be an opportunity to learn how the Basque region is divided and how Basques truly perceive it.
Next, we’ll visit a famous winery located in the hills and meadows of Álava where the contrast of colours and the immensity of its vines will impress you. We’ll also explore the seven underground floors of the wine cellar, and learn about the Spanish methods for savouring and classifying red wines.
Following our first winery stop, we’ll have lunch in Laguardia, where tradition meets history. This historic walled town will make you feel as if you’ve travelled back to medieval times with its impressive churches and quaint, narrow streets. This will be the perfect opportunity to try a traditional meal in an idyllic place while learning about the town’s past.
After lunch, it’s time to visit a second wine cellar, this one run by small producers who are experts in carbonic maceration, a different way of producing wine. You’ll learn about this unique winemaking technique and how it compares to the way wines were traditionally produced in Rioja.
Finally, we’ll see some famous wineries like Marques de Riscal or Ysios to get a sense of their astonishing architecture in the vast lands of Álava. This is where prehistoric remains are easy to find, and we’ll visit what we call the “Witch’s Hut,” a megalithic dolmen around 5,000 years old!
You might also have a chance to buy cheese directly from a local producer if they’re open before the tour ends. Then you’ll head back to the city with a new appreciation for Rioja wine.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Please note: if any of our favourite wineries are closed we will exchange it for another one.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, all transportation and tolls, visit to two wineries, set menu 3-course lunch in a local restaurant.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips/gratuities.
Additional Information: You must be 18 years old to drink any alcoholic beverage in Spain. Underage travellers must adapt to this rule. This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Child Policy: No age limit: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@sansebastianurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Email address: info@sansebastianurbanadventures.com
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