If you’re looking for a relaxed yet meaningful wine experience with a strong local character, this day trip from Bilbao offers an excellent introduction to La Rioja.

After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in a landscape of vineyard-covered hills and historic fortified villages, the perfect setting to understand how land, climate, and tradition shape Rioja wines. The tour includes a visit to a carefully selected winery, where a guided experience walks you through the winemaking process, from vineyard practices and harvesting to fermentation and barrel ageing.

A guided tasting of D.O.Ca. Rioja wines helps you discover different styles, aromas, and food-pairing options. The day concludes with a four-course traditional Riojan lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional classics such as blood sausage, piquillo peppers, Rioja-style beans, wood-fired lamb chops, and Goxua, the iconic Basque cream dessert.