Rioja wine tourS FROM SAN SEBASTIAN AND BILBAO

NORTH COAST TOURS: WINE REGION RIOJA

Spain is one of the three biggest wine producers in the world together with France and Italy. In Spain there are 68 regions where the production of the wine is regulated and protected by what is called Denominación de Origen or DO. On top of that, there are two regions where after the letters DO there is a C, which stands for Cualificada: the highest level of wine quality in Spain. Region Rioja is one of those two regions together with Penedés. 

RIOJA WINE TOURS

In a perfect Rioja wine tour there are a few things that you can’t miss: a full winery tour, a relaxed sitting wine tasting, the explanation of the wine making process, high-quality wines, and once you are in the region, you should visit the most iconic places of it: In Rioja wine tours that would be the medieval towns of Laguardia or Briñas. 

WINE TOURS SAN SEBASTIAN

San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its beautiful beaches, amazing three Michelin star restaurants, all the small tapas and pintxos bars, among many other things makes this city a great destination for your vacation. Either if you are a wine lover or if you are celebrating something special, a trip for a wine tour from San Sebastián to the Rioja region is a must. 

Other places to visit from San Sebastian would be: Bilbao (Guggenheim museum), Biarritz and the French Basque Country, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and Txillida Leku to mention a few. 

WINE TOURS BILBAO

After being one of the big economic motors of Europe for 100 years Bilbao turned into a modern and vibrant city in the north of Spain. Visiting the Guggenheim museum is a must for anybody who travels to Bilbao or anywhere in the Basque Country. One of the great options while in the region is to take a wine tour from Bilbao to La Rioja. The renowned wine region is only a little over an hour from Bilbao. North Coast Tours runs wine country tours from Bilbao in a regular basis. Our semi-private Riscal and architecture wine tours run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and these are the most fun option for your wine experience. 

WINE TASTING SAN SEBASTIAN 

Wine is one of the fundamental elements of the Spanish and French cultures. A meal without a glass of wine doesn’t feel right in Spain or France. Many of the social activities happen around the table with food and wine. In San Sebastian people enjoy wine from several regions, Rioja being the most important one, but also enjoying fresh white wines made in the coast of the Basque Country: Txakoli. North Coast Tours runs Rioja and Txakoli outstanding tours!

WINE TASTING IN SPAIN, RIOJA REGION

Spanish wine tourism doesn’t have a history that goes back for as long as other countries´. However, in Spain they have been making wine for thousands of years. With the arrival of the democracy in the 1980s, after a long dictatorship in Spain, agricultural systems were modernized very quickly and the wine production in Spain spiked throughout the 1980s and 90s. Testimony of this modernization are some of the astonishing buildings that were built in the Region: Marques is a winery that dates back to the 1858 has both old traditional buildings and a ultra modern titanium building designed by world famous Frank Ghery architect. Around the same time, another amazing winery was born, Ysios. Designed by spanish Santiago Calatraba, Ysios became the most spectacular and beautiful building in Rioja!

Nowadays, wine tasting in Spain is one of the most gratifying experiences that any wine lover can have. The centuries of history making some of the best wines in the world together with the friendliness of the spanish people make visiting Spain, and especially Rioja, a must do trip for anyone. Wine tasting in Rioja is not something exclusive for wine connoisseurs it is something that anybody can enjoy in a casual day on their holidays, or for some special event, such as a honeymoons, bachelorette parties, or similar.

WINERIES IN LA RIOJA SPAIN: BEST WINERIES IN RIOJA TO VISIT 

In La Rioja there are almost 600 wineries. Many of them are big and produce millions of bottles of wine a year, but many others are family owned wineries. There are a lot of wineries that produce around 250,000 bottles a year because up until de early 1980s that was a requirement for the DO to access the three tier classification in Rioja: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. 

Some of the best wineries in La Rioja to visit are:

Marques de Riscal: this has been the second best winery in the world for several years in a row. 

Ysios: this boutique winery is one of the most exclusive ones in the whole region and it is housed in the most magnificent building in Rioja.

Marques de Murrieta: Best winery in the world 2023

Cvne, Muga, Rioja Alta, Gomez Cruzado: all four of them located at the station district in the town of Haro

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF RIOJA

North Coast Tours, Rioja Wine Tours offer:

• Guided visits to renowned wineries and hidden gems
• Wine tastings and pairings with local cuisine 
• Immersive experiences in the wine-making process
• Scenic drives through the Rioja countryside
• Insight into the history and culture of the Rioja wine region

EXPLORE THE HEART OF RIOJA

Our tours take you to the heart of the Rioja wine region, visiting iconic wineries, family-owned vineyards, and historic towns. Enjoy:

• Private and group tours of Rioja wineries, including Marques de Riscal and Ysios
• Wine tastings and pairings at local bodegas
• Guided visits to the charming towns of Briñas and Laguardia
• Scenic drives through the Rioja vineyards and countryside

WHY CHOOSE NORTH COAST TOURS FOR YOUR RIOJA WINE EXPERIENCE?

• Expert guides with extensive knowledge of Rioja wine and culture
• Small group sizes for a personalized experience
• Unique access to family-owned and world renowned wineries and vineyards
• Convenient departures from San Sebastian and Bilbao

BOOK YOUR RIOJA WINE TOUR TODAY AND ENJOY YOUR WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE WITH US!

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the Rioja wine region. Contact us to reserve your spot and get ready to experience the beauty of Rioja!