LAGUARDIA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Laguardia Beneath the Vine: A Day Through Cellars, Stones and Modern Wine Architecture
A 9-hour guided exploration of Laguardia’s stone streets, subterranean bodegas and vineyards—visits include the 16th‑century Church of Santa María de los Reyes, a 15th‑century winery with underground cellars, lunch with a Riojan menu and a tasting at Bodega Marqués de Riscal.
Laguardia Beneath the Vine: A Day Through Cellars, Stones and Modern Wine Architecture.
Adventure brief
Laguardia Beneath the Vine: A Day Through Cellars, Stones and Modern Wine Architecture
Laguardia’s story is written in stone and carved underground: a medieval town whose streets and homes conceal bodegas excavated some six metres beneath the surface. Over the course of a long day you move from the polychrome sanctity of the late‑16th‑century Church of Santa María de los Reyes to the cool mystery of a 15th‑century winery’s subterranean calados, taste a carefully prepared Riojan menu, stroll among sunlit vineyards and finish with a visit and tasting at the modern Bodega Marqués de Riscal.
Rioja Alavesa, located in Spain’s renowned wine region, offers much more than just its celebrated vinos. This area is a haven for land-based adventures that combine history, culture, and stunning scenery. The town of Laguardia, at the heart of Rioja Alavesa, is a captivating starting point with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient walls that whisper stories of centuries past. Among the highlights is the Church of Santa María de los Reyes, a 16th-century marvel with its impressive portico and well-preserved astronomical clock. Nearby, a visit to one of the historic wineries, such as the 15th-century Bodega Cantabria, provides a fascinating glimpse into winemaking traditions that date back hundreds of years. Guests can walk through rolling vineyards, where vines cling to terraced hillsides amid a landscape dotted with old stone walls and native flora. The region’s unique geology—characterized by limestone and clay soils—contributes to the distinctive taste of local wines. For those seeking local flavor, savor a traditional Riojan menu featuring hearty stews and pintxos, paired with regional wines. The modern Bodega Marqués de Riscal offers tastings amid its striking architecture, blending tradition with contemporary design. This area is perfect for visitors looking for an immersive cultural experience mixed with gentle outdoor activity. It’s a prime destination for history buffs, wine lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with an authentic atmosphere that stands out from more tourist-heavy regions. Whether strolling through ancient town gates, sampling wine at historic cellars, or hiking amid vineyards, Rioja Alavesa’s land-based adventures deliver a rich taste of Basque country’s storied past and vibrant present.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops on the daylong exploration through Laguardia, its cellars and vineyards.
Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes
Guided visit to the late‑16th‑century church to view its notable 17th‑century polychromy.
15th‑century winery and subterranean calados
Visit a historic winery and descend into the underground bodegas excavated beneath the town to learn about local winemaking history.
Riojan lunch in a typical restaurant
Enjoy a high‑quality Riojan menu at a local restaurant as part of the itinerary.
Stroll through the vineyards
An afternoon walk among the vineyards surrounding Laguardia to see the landscape that produces the region’s wines.
Bodega Marqués de Riscal and tasting
Visit the modern Bodega Marqués de Riscal, an architectural emblem of the area, with a tasting of two wines included.
Minimum participant age: 12 years; some visits include underground cellars and steps (see itinerary for cellar visits and depths).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa María de los Reyes — polychrome and late‑16th stonework
A guided visit to the Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes, built at the end of the 16th century, where you can view the prized 17th‑century polychromy preserved in the church.
Bodegas carved beneath the town
Explore a winery dated to the 15th century and descend into the subterranean calados that reveal how wine shaped both the villa and the surrounding comarca.
Marqués de Riscal — modern architecture and tasting
Conclude the day with a tour of the emblematic 21st‑century Bodega Marqués de Riscal and enjoy a tasting of two wines as part of the visit.
What the day feels like
A day that moves from shadowed cellars to sunlit rows of vines
The itinerary flows from intimate, stone‑walled interiors to open vineyard terraces: morning visits focus on Laguardia’s historical fabric and its underground bodegas, midday brings a high‑quality Riojan lunch in a typical local restaurant, and the afternoon is a paced vineyard stroll capped by a contemporary winery visit where a two‑wine tasting awaits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day in Rioja Alavesa works best for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided program is offered as a nine‑hour outing (9h).
The meeting location is the client's hotel (Hotel del cliente).
No specific items are listed in the verified trip details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The outing lasts nine hours.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes — participants must be at least 12 years old.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the client's hotel (Hotel del cliente).
Which historic sites are included?
Visits include the late‑16th‑century Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes and a 15th‑century winery with subterranean calados excavated beneath the town.
Are tastings or winery visits included?
Yes — the itinerary includes a visit to Bodega Marqués de Riscal and a tasting of two wines.
Is food provided during the day?
Yes — the program includes a high‑quality Riojan menu at a typical local restaurant.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:12.226Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.