DONOSTIA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Bilbao to Rioja in a Day: Two Bodegas, Laguardia’s Medieval Ridges and an 8‑Hour Private Tasting
A private, full‑day excursion from Bilbao that pairs exclusive tastings at two Rioja wineries with a stroll through Laguardia—this guide explains the flow, highlights and practical details for travelers.
Bilbao to Rioja in a Day: Two Bodegas, Laguardia’s Medieval Ridges and an 8‑Hour Private Tasting.
Set off from Bilbao for an intimate, eight‑hour passage into Rioja Alavesa: two contrasting winery visits—one family‑run, one mid‑sized—paired with expert‑led tastings and a walk through the cobbled lanes and viewpoints of Laguardia. The itinerary balances technical cellar access with unhurried, private transport and local guidance for a day that tightens the bond between vineyard, village and glass.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two contrasting bodegas and exclusive guided tastings
Visit a small, family‑run winery and a medium‑sized bodega to compare tradition and innovation in D.O.Ca. Rioja; both stops include expert‑guided tastings that focus on varietal character, barrel selections and ageing styles.
Laguardia’s medieval streets and vineyard viewpoints
Spend time in Laguardia wandering its labyrinth of cobbled streets and peering over the village’s miradores to take in sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards while enjoying a light pintxos lunch paired with local wines.
Personalized attention and a private rhythm
The tour is designed for tailored attention—visits to the bodegas take place in reduced groups for technical access, while the remainder of the day is fully private with a local guide and dedicated transport.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You leave Bilbao in the morning and drive into Rioja Alavesa, punctuating the route with two focused cellar visits where vintners and enologists lead tasting sessions. Midday brings Laguardia’s stone lanes and vineyard panoramas over a relaxed pintxos lunch; the afternoon is a comfortable return trip to Bilbao, allowing time to digest tasting notes, comparisons and recommendations for further enotourism.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private wine day suits—and when to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day private tour lasting approximately 8 hours. Departure at 09:00 from Bilbao with pickup at your accommodation or the cruise port; typical return to Bilbao around 17:00. Transport provided in an air‑conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop‑off.
The day includes exclusive tastings at two wineries and a light lunch of pintxos paired with local wines in Laguardia.
Bodega visits occur in reduced groups for more technical access, while the rest of the tour remains fully private with a local guide.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is an eight‑hour private excursion.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is provided from your accommodation or from the cruise port in Bilbao, with departure around 09:00.
How many wineries are visited?
The itinerary includes visits and tastings at two different Rioja bodegas.
Is lunch included?
The day includes a light lunch of pintxos and local wines in the medieval village of Laguardia.
What time does the tour return to Bilbao?
Typical arrival back in Bilbao is around 17:00.