The best wineries and vineyards of Rioja — tours and wine tasting

When planning a trip to Spain, add a visit to the best wineries in Rioja to your itinerary. You will get a wonderful experience that will give you an unforgettable experience. This wine region is home to more than 600 cellars, over 41,505 hectares of vineyards, and produces about 250 million liters of wine annually. It is located in the picturesque Ebro River Valley, where wine tourism is the most popular destination.

The small town of Haro is considered the capital of Rioja winemaking — it has a historical bodega district. Tourists here can go from one bar to another and taste local wines without visiting the wineries. This is a good option for those who do not want to move from place to place.

In addition to bodegas, Rioja has many different attractions — castles, monasteries, thermal springs, fossilized dinosaur tracks, and more, which can be found in detail in the article “Guide to La Rioja — the wine region of Spain.”

So, we invite you to go on an exciting journey through the best and most famous wineries of Rioja.

Rioja wine

Winemaking in Spain has been practiced for more than 2000 years, but it was the wine of La Rioja that made it famous throughout the world. To protect and confirm the high standards of the product produced, this region was the first in the country to be awarded DOC status (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) in 1991. This mark of quality vintage wines can only be seen on bottles from Rioja and Priorat wineries in Catalonia.

Rioja vineyards are located in the Ebro River valley, mainly between the cities of Haro and Alfaro.

The Rioja region includes three wine-growing zones:

• Rioja Alta lies on the western outskirts of Rioja. This area is located on a hill, so the growing season is shorter. As a result, wines from this area are elegant, light, and aromatic, with brighter fruit flavors.
• Rioja Alavesa is located on the northern bank of the Ebro River and is part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country. This is the highest mountainous wine-growing area of Rioja — the vineyards here grow on the slopes of the Sierra de Tologno mountains at an altitude of 400-1200 meters above sea level. Wines produced in the Rioja Alavesa region are often fuller-bodied and high in acidity.
• Rioja Baja is the warmest and driest zone, with temperatures often exceeding +35°C in the summer months. Among the varieties cultivated here, Tempranillo and Garnacha predominate. The wines they produce are full-bodied, rich in color, high in alcohol, and low in acidity.

14 grape varieties are used to produce DOCa Rioja wines.

Red:

• Tempranillo;
• Garnacha;
• Graciano;
• Mazuelo;
• Maturana Tinta.

White:

• Viura;
• Tempranillo Blanca;
• Verdejo;
• Garnacha Blanca;
• Sauvignon Blanc;
• Chardonnay;
• Malvasia;
• Maturana Blanca;
• Turruntes.

Some of the best Rioja wines include:

• Victoria Diez-Caballero, Reserva, Rioja DOCa;
• Ramirez de la Piscina, Viura & Garnacha, Rioja DOCa;
• Patrocinio, Sancho Garces, Tempranillo, Rioja DOC;
• Marques de Riscal, Proximo, Rioja DOC;
• Finca de los Arandinos, Malacapa, Rioja DOC;
• Campo Viejo, Tempranillo, Rioja DOC;
• Bodegas Ramon Bilbao, Crianza, Rioja DOC;
• Bodegas El Cidacos, Conde Otinano, Crianza, Rioja DOC.

How to book a winery tour and tasting in Rioja

Visiting the best bodegas in La Rioja, Spain, is one of the main reasons why hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year. Therefore, during the high season (from June to September) it can be very crowded. To take a tour of the winery, walk through the vineyards, and attend a wine tasting, you must book the tour a few days before your intended visit.

Check out our list of the best Rioja wineries to tick off the ones you want to visit. You can book a tour by phone or using the booking form on the website — this is the best way. The necessary information will be sent to your inbox — the cost and time of the excursion, for example.

When booking, be sure to check what language the tour is in. The default is Spanish, but many wineries offer several options to choose from. However, this needs to be discussed in advance.

The best wineries in Rioja

Rioja is home to wineries that the entire Spain can be proud of. Many of them have a centuries-old history and offer tourists unique excursions, original entertainment, and tasting of excellent wines. There are also young, modern wineries in the region, which attract the use of innovative technologies and organic farming. The choice will not be easy, but the pleasure will be unforgettable.

Many wineries offer tours that include, in addition to wine tasting, snacks.

Bodegas Castillo de Mendoza

Some of the must-see wineries in Rioja include Castillo de Mendoza. This family business attracts visitors with its hospitality and originality. It is only 4 kilometers from Briones, so it is easy to get to. Tourists are invited to visit the vineyard, production facilities, and cellar, carved into real rock. The tour lasts just over 1.5 hours and ends with a tasting of excellent organic wines and snacks — bread, chorizo, and extra virgin olive oil. Guests are treated to Noralba Blanco and barrel-fermented Castillo de Mendoza Rosado de lágrima, Noralba Crianza and Castillo de Mendoza Autor.

• Address: Camino de la Fuente de la Salud s/n.
• Phone: 941 334 496

Bodegas Baigorri

The Baigorri winery is very beautiful and modern. It is located at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria in the village of Samaniego and occupies a central position among the wineries of Rioja Alavesa. Its cellars and production areas go seven floors underground and invariably amaze tourists. Visitors are promised an exciting experience — different tours include a visit to the underground winery with wine tasting and pintxos, a tasting lunch, brunch, and a walk among the vineyards. There is also the opportunity to visit a wine bar and restaurant to enjoy not only fine wines but also delicious food and magnificent views.

Tours are conducted in Spanish, English, and, in some cases, French and German.

• Address: Vitoria Errepidea, km 53, 01307 Samaniego, Araba, Spain
• Phone: +34 945 60 94 20

Bodegas Ostatu

Bodegas Ostatu is a family winery with a century-old history. It is located in the heart of Rioja Alavesa — in the village of Samaniego — and is located in an 18th-century building that formerly served as a hotel. Its owners have been engaged in winemaking for more than 250 years and pass on its secrets from generation to generation. Guests here are offered to taste excellent wine, which is considered a high mountain because the vineyards are located at an altitude of 450-650 meters in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria. A tour of the winery always leaves a pleasant impression, and the wines leave an unforgettable aftertaste.

• Address: Vitoria Errepidea, 1, 01307 Samaniego, Araba
• Phone +34 945 609 133
• WhatsApp: +34 688 64 13 22
• comunicacion@ostatu.com

Bodegas Ysios

Ysios is one of the most famous wineries in Laguardia in Rioja. It stands out for its unusual architecture and is the most photographed in the region. This avant-garde boutique winery blends seamlessly into the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria. Its building with a wavy roof was designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava. Construction work was completed in 2001. Tourists are offered several interesting tours here, including a wine car ride through the vineyard. Wine tasting is sure to leave the best impression. Guests can also visit the wine bar.

• Address: La Hoya Bidea, s/n, 01300, Araba, Spain
• Phone: +34 945 60 06 40

Bodegas El Fabulista

Bodega El Fabulista is a small old Rioja winery in the center of Laguardia. Its cellars are located under a 17th-century palace and are located at a depth of seven meters. The wine here is produced traditionally — by using the carbonic maceration method. The tours begin with an introduction to the palace where the city’s famous fabulist Felix Maria de Samaniego lived, and then guests are taken to an underground winery. Visitors can book a theatrical tour featuring funny fables and sensual erotic stories from the 18th and 19th centuries, told respectfully. In autumn, tourists are invited to the harvest. At the tasting, you will be treated to excellent wines from Rioja Alavesa. Here they are served along with mouth-watering delicacies — cheese and chorizo.

• Address: San Juan Plaza, N, 01300 Guardia, Araba, Spain
• Phone: +34 945 62 11 92

Bodegas Eguren Ugarte

Eguren Ugarte is one of the best wineries in Rioja, where the secrets of the craft have been passed on for six generations. It is near Laguardia and enjoys a picturesque location at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. Tourists are offered several interesting tours visiting the winery and its 2000-meter tunnels. Some excursions also include a segway or horse-drawn carriage ride through scenic vineyards, an introduction to Basque traditions, and a peasant lunch.

Among other things, this winery has a hotel.

• Address: A-124, Km 61, 01309 Laguardia, Álava, Spain
• Phone: +34 945 60 07 66

Bodegas Franco Españolas

Franco Españolas is a well-known Logroño winery founded in 1890. This is one of the largest wine producers in the region, where tradition is harmoniously combined with modern technology. The winery is located on the picturesque banks of the Ebro River and is just a five-minute walk from the historic city center. Tourists here are introduced to the fascinating world of winemaking and invited to taste the magnificent wines of Rioja — Bordón and Diamante. These wonderful drinks are the pride of Franco Españolas, especially the delicious white Diamante.

• Address: C. Cabo Noval, 2, 26009 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 25 12 90

Bodegas Campo Viejo

Bodegas Campo Viejo is a modern winery in Logroño, where the most daring innovations are embodied. Its huge underground cellars hold more than 70,000 oak barrels, which is always impressive. Guests are warmly welcomed here and are waiting to share their success and love for their business. The Campo Viejo winery offers the opportunity to gain new rich experiences and vivid impressions. Tourists are invited to take part in a multisensory experiment in which light and music help them experience different emotions. In addition, there are many interesting tours, for example, taking a test in an aromatic workshop and, of course, tasting the best five wines.

• Address: Cam. de Lapuebla de Labarca, 50, 26007 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 27 99 00

Bodegas Marques de Murrieta

Bodegas Marques de Murrieta is a historic winery and hotel near Logroño, Spain, just 13 kilometers from the city. It is located in a picturesque location surrounded by orderly rows of vineyards. This is one of the oldest family businesses in La Rioja, operating since 1852. At the same time, it is distinguished by the use of advanced technologies and excellent guest service. Tourists are offered several options for excursions. These include a visit to a winery, a wine tasting with gourmet snacks, and a visit to a winery museum. A gourmet menu and bar are also available.

• Address: N-232a Km 402, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 27 13 80

Bodegas Ontañon, El Templo del Vino

When choosing among the best wineries in Rioja, be sure to pay attention to Ontañon, the Temple of Wine. Here you will get an unforgettable experience and vivid impressions. This Logroño winery stands out among the crowd for its mythological setting — it is stylized as an ancient Greek temple. Its interiors are decorated with huge stained glass windows, thematic objects of art, and statues of gods, including the patron saint of winemaking, Dionysus. The excursion and tasting are no less enjoyable. They serve excellent wine and delicious snacks, which include a wide selection of tapas.

• Address: Av. Aragón, 3, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 690 85 85 19

Bodega Viña Ijalba

Bodega Viña Ijalba is a family business. Here you can try organic wine from the Graciano grape — it is not found outside of Spain. This Logroño winery offers a taste of a modern winemaking process that differs from the old wineries. Guests are shown the vineyards, fermentation tanks, and cellars with barrels. There are several tasting options, one of which is in the garden. Visitors are offered to try a special line of wines: Ijalba Tempranillo White, Ijalba Maturana White, Ijalba Graciano, and Ijalba Maturana Tinto. There is a store at the winery where you can buy your favorite wines, and they also sell excellent olive oil.

• Address: Carretera Pamplona, km 1, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: (+34) 618 492 098

Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal

The Marques de Riscal winery is the most famous in Elciego. It impresses with its extravagant architecture and is considered the symbol of Rioja Alaves. Tourists here are shown an old winery, founded in 1858, and are invited to stroll through the well-kept vineyards. Tours of the Marques de Riscal winery can be booked in Spanish, English, French, and German. The tasting includes several varieties of wine, depending on the tour chosen. Snacks may be provided with drinks.

• Address: C. Torrea Kalea, 1, 01340 Eltziego, Álava, Spain
• Phone: +34 945 60 60 00

Bodegas Muga

Bodegas Muga is one of the most famous wineries in Rioja. It is located in Haro and invites you to take a fascinating journey into the world of winemaking. Tourists will be shown the production and treated to excellent white, rose, and red wines from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Malvasia, and Viura grapes. They will also offer you an unforgettable walk through one of the most picturesque vineyards of La Rioja on a segway or take you to the skies in a hot air balloon.

• Address: Av. Vizcaya, 2, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 30 60 60

Bodegas Roda

When planning your itinerary to wineries in Rioja be sure to include a visit to Bodegas Roda. This is one of the best wineries in Haro and offers a wide range of tours. Guests can visit the vineyards in the bend of the Ebro River, take horse-drawn carriage rides, and enjoy a picnic in a cozy area. Of course, no excursion would be complete without tasting 3 or 4 fine wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil.

• Address: Av. Vizcaya, 5, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 30 30 01

Bodegas CVNE

Bodegas CVNE is one of the best wineries in La Rioja. This family business was founded in 1879 and is classified as Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja. A visit to the CVNE winery in Spain will leave the best impression. Only here you can discover wines from a hundred years ago in the Wine Cemetery. Tourists are shown ancient premises and a wine library, invited to have a picnic in the vineyard, and treated to excellent wines.

• Address: Av. Costa del Vino, 21, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 30 48 09

Bodega Hacienda López de Haro

The Hacienda López winery is located just 10 kilometers from Haro. A visit to it will be one of the highlights of your trip to the best wineries in Rioja. Tours here are conducted in Spanish, English, and French. Guests are offered several tour options, such as tasting wine directly from barrels in the cellar or an exciting walk that includes a visit to the necropolis, church, and winery, where you can taste wine and have lunch.

• Address: Camino del Cementerio s/n San Vicente de la Sonsierra (La Rioja)
• Phone: 676 39 39 55

Bodegas Sonsierra

Bodegas Sonsierra is one of the most famous wineries in Rioja Alta with a century-old history. It is located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra (10 kilometers from Haro). Tourists here are offered several excursion options, such as immersing themselves in the history and tastes of wine or visiting vineyards to learn about growing methods and manual labor performed with respect to the environment. The most exciting is a kayak tour on the Ebro River with a stop for a picnic and wine tasting.

• Address: C/ Paseo de Logroño nº3 26338 San Vicente de la Sonsierra
• Tel: +34 941 334 031
• Fax: +34 941 334 245

Bodegas Vivanco

Vivanco Winery is a large family business that ranks among the best wineries in La Rioja, Spain. It is located near Briones and is impressive in its scale. The Vivanco Wine Culture Museum (Museo Vivanco de la Cultura del Vino) also brought her wide fame. It is considered one of the best and largest in Europe — the exhibition occupies 4000 m². A visit to the winery museum is included in the price of excursions and leaves an indelible impression. Among other things, the winery has a restaurant with a beautiful view of the vineyards.

• Address: Carretera Nacional, 232, 26330 Briones, La Rioja, Spain
• Phone: +34 941 32 23 23

Read also: What to do in Rioja: routes, trails, attractions

How to get to La Rioja

Getting to La Rioja is easy — the region has direct bus and train connections to many major cities in Spain. It is easy to come here from Burgos, Barcelona, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and other localities.

The nearest international airport is Bilbao, from where you can take a bus to places like Logrono or Haro.

If you are planning to spend a few days in the region and visit the best wineries in La Rioja, then the most convenient option is to drive to the nearest major city and rent a car. This will allow you to plan your itinerary to visit more bodegas without having to rely on public transportation. Moreover, the countryside here is incredibly picturesque.

Where to stay in Rioja

Rioja is a hospitable tourist region, so there are plenty of hotels here. To make the best choice, you need to consider your mode of transportation:

• If you’re planning to rent a car, it doesn’t matter which city you stay in. Since the region is small, it won’t take much time to get to any winery.
• For tourists who plan to travel by public transport, it makes sense to immediately head to the place where the largest number of wineries are concentrated — in Haro or Logroño.

Read more: Guide to Haro — the city of wineries and wine festivals

Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

Hotel Marqués de Riscal is the jewel in the crown of Rioja and the Marriot International hotel chain. This avant-garde winery hotel is located in the city of Elciego and was designed by Frank O. Gehry. His other major works include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The hotel building has an unusual architecture, which attracts special attention. It is also worth noting the high level of service, hospitality, comfort, and magnificent views of the Basque Country and La Rioja. The hotel has a Fine Dining restaurant — it is awarded a Michelin star. Guests are invited to relax in the spa, and, of course, take a tour of the Marqués de Riscal winery.

Hotel Viura

Hotel Viura is an excellent base for visiting La Rioja’s best wineries. It is located in the city of Villabuena de Alava in the heart of Rioja Alaves. Its building has an unusual architecture – it resembles intricately folded cubes. Here guests have access to spacious, comfortable rooms with large windows and a beautiful panorama. The rooftop terrace offers magnificent views of the Sierra de la Cantabria mountains. The hotel has a bistro restaurant and a wine shop. It should be noted that Viura is conveniently located — a 20-minute drive from Logroño and Haro. In addition, very close to it are the Ysios and Marqués de Riscal wineries, to which excursions are organized from the hotel.

Sercotel Calle Mayor

If you are planning to stay in the capital of La Rioja, then take into account the Sercotel Calle Mayor. It is located in the historical center of the city and occupies an old mansion from the 16th century. Nearby are the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, the large Electra Rioja casino, and the famous Laurel Street with its many pintxos bars. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, private parking, and a gym. The area of wineries in Logroño is just a 10-minute walk away.

Hotel Echaurren Relais & Châteaux, Ezcaray

Echaurren Relais & Châteaux is a great option and starting point for day trips to Rioja’s wineries. It is located in the picturesque medieval town of Escarai, 38 kilometers from Haro. The hotel is located in a century-old house. It was restored using modern materials and created a stylish interior. Here you will find spacious, bright rooms — many of them have views of the ancient church, built in the 14th-16th centuries. The hotel has four restaurants: Echaurren Tradición, El Portal (2 Michelin stars), El Cuartito Bistró, and a tapas bar in the fireplace room. Guests can take advantage of private parking, a gym, a solarium, and other amenities.

Hotel-Bodega Finca de Los Arandinos

When traveling through Rioja, stay at the Finca de Los Orlandinos winery hotel. This is a wonderful place for those who are looking for rural silence and solitude. It is located in Entren (13 kilometers from Logroño), where there is a large selection of Rioja’s best bodegas in the surrounding area. The stylish estate is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The hotel has comfortable rooms decorated in light colors. Their windows offer scenic views of the Moncalvillo mountain range. The hotel has free parking, a spa, and other amenities. Of course, guests are invited to a winery tour and wine tasting.

Eurostars Los Agustinos

Eurostars Los Agustinos is considered one of the best hotels in Rioja. It is located in the wineries town of Haro and is housed in an ancient building from the 14th century. At various times it served as a monastery, a military garrison, and a hospital. Now there is a modern interior and a high level of comfort, there is a restaurant and a bar. This is an excellent place for travelers to the best wineries of Rioja — from here you can quickly reach anywhere in the region by car.

Wine & Soul Suites —Haro

Wine & Soul Suites is a good option to stay in Haro to visit Rioja’s best wineries. Conveniently located in the city center, the hotel provides comfortable rooms and an on-site hot tub. The interior of the suites uses wine motifs, which gives aesthetic pleasure and reminds of the purpose of the visit.

Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja

When planning a stopover in Logrono, stay at Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja. It is located in the city center, next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, the La Rioja Museum, and the town hall. This is a stylish hotel housed in a renovated ancient building. Its interior harmoniously combines modern elements and original stonework. It has a gym, spa, and buffet breakfast every morning. Fuerte Ruavieja is a good starting point for visiting the wineries of La Rioja, Spain. There are many wine producers in and around the city that are worthy of traveler’s attention.

Read more: Where to stay in La Rioja – best hotels in the region

Interesting facts about the Rioja wine region

There are some interesting facts about the Rioja wine region that will make your tour of its wineries even more exciting.

Rioja owes its fame to phylloxera. As you might know, the history of winemaking in these places dates back to about 2000 years ago. But Rioja received world recognition and a high-quality mark after the French vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera. This happened in the 19th century — aphids caused the Great French Wine Disease. To compensate for the lack of wine material, French winemakers exported it from Rioja. For this purpose, a railway was built in Haro, and wineries opened around it to avoid difficulties with delivery. Some winemakers from France left without income, moved to Rioja, and shared the secrets of wine production.

Wine fight. Every year Rioja hosts the most famous Wine Festival in Spain. Its main event is the Wine Battle in Haro (La Batalla de Vino de Haro). Thousands of people, armed with reserves of red wine, douse each other until their clothes are completely wet, or until the “weapons” run out.

Read more: Wine battle in Haro — the most interesting events of the wine festival in Spain

Red wine. Rioja produces about 250 million liters of wine annually, 85% of which is red.

Development of winemaking. The history of Rioja winemaking goes back to antiquity. It is known that the vineyards here were laid out even before the arrival of the Romans — by the Celtiberians. But it was the Romans who founded the first wineries, which were destroyed by the Moors after them. In the Middle Ages, winemaking in this land was carried out in monasteries located on the Way of St. James. The first document regulating the quality of local wines was adopted in 1650. The first modern winery was organized in 1850 by the future Marquis of Murieta.

Frequently asked questions about the Rioja wine region

Is Rioja always Tempranillo?

There are a variety of grape varieties grown in the Rioja wine region, but Tempranillo is the most common. Also especially popular among winemakers are the Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Maturana Tinta varieties.

What type of grape is Rioja?

Tempranillo is the dominant grape variety in the region. It forms the basis of a blend of wines that can be tasted in Rioja wineries. It produces light drinks with a fruity taste and aroma, similar to aging in oak barrels.

What are the three types of Rioja?

The Rioja region includes three wine-growing zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. The three most popular grape varieties grown here are Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo. Three types of wine are made from them: white or “blanco”, rose or “rosado” and red or “tinto”.

Are Rioja and Tempranillo the same thing?

No. Rioja is the wine region of Spain, and Tempranillo is the grape variety predominantly grown here. It is the basis of the Rioja wine blend.

Is Rioja sweet or dry?

Rioja wine is a child born from grapes grown in the wine region of Spain — Rioja. This region is famous for its excellent wine blends. They have medium sweetness and tannin, with low acidity and a medium to high oak note.

Is Rioja light or heavy?

Rioja wines differ depending on the wine-growing zone since the taste of the grapes is influenced by climate and soil. Thus, it can be noted that drinks made from grapes grown in Rioja Alta are the lightest, those in Rioja Alavesa are darker with a rich taste, and Rioja Baja wines are denser.

How to choose a good Rioja?

The best Rioja wines have the DOC label. Choose from Reserva wines – they are aged for at least a year in barrel and two years in bottle. With even greater aging — Gran Reserva wines. They are produced in the best harvest years with high-quality berries and are aged for two years in barrels and three years in bottles.

Which wineries are worth visiting in Rioja?

Best Rioja wineries to visit: Bodegas Castillo de Mendoza; Bodegas Baigorri; Bodegas Ostatu; Bodegas Ysios; Bodegas El Fabulista, Bodegas Eguren Ugarte; Bodegas Franco Españolas; Bodegas Campo Viejo; Bodegas Marques de Murrieta; Bodegas Ontañón, El Templo del Vino; Bodegas Muga; Bodega Viña Ijalba; Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal; Bodegas CVNE; Bodega Hacienda López de Haro; Bodega Hacienda López de Haro; Bodegas Sonsierra; Bodegas Vivanco.

What are the most famous wineries in Rioja?

The most famous wineries in Rioja are Bodegas Vivanco, Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal, Bodegas Ysios, and Bodegas Muga.

 

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