RiojaWineTrail

Tour Spain's Rioja Wine Region

When we think of Spanish wines, we think of Rioja wines. This is Spain's historic wine region. If you are traveling in Spain and are a wine lover, at least a two-day stay in this wine region is a must. There is so much to see: Bodegas, architectural wonders, mountain beauty, ancient wine towns, and of course the vineyards winding along the Ebro River. The most important grape is the red grape Tempranillo. Rioja also makes some delicious white wines from the Viura and Malvasia grapes. We have listed only a handful of the Rioja bodegas to visit. These are ones you are sure to enjoy. Finally, be sure not to miss the most fantastic wine museum in the world, the Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino in the ancient Rioja town of Briones.

Spain's Rioja Wine Region

Bodegas Ysios

Top Rioja Wineries to Visit on This Trail

• Bodegas Ysios – The architecture is stunning, a must see.
• Marques de Riscal – A Frank Gehry design, hotel, gift shop
• Bodegas Muga – Make their own barrels, gift shop
• Marques de Murrieta – Established in 1852, Logrono
• Miquel Merino – Very small bodega in historic town of Briones
• Vina Real – Another spectacular bodega and a must see
• Bodegas Baigorri – Modern day wine making
• Bodegas Martinez Corta – Four generations of winemaking




Don't miss the wine muesum in Briones, Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino.

Rioja wine museum

Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la
Cultura del Vino


Tips for Visiting Bodegas on the Rioja Wine Trail

Always call ahead to make an appointment, at least one day in advance, better yet two days or more. This is important for getting a guide that speaks English.

A visit to Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino (wine museum) is highly recommended. You must call ahead to reserve tickets to the museum.

When you call, inquire if there is a fee for the tour or tasting.

Some Bodegas have stores (tiendas), which need no reservation. You can buy wine at the tienda for at, what one winery told us, is distributor price.

Lunch hours are usually 1:30 to 3:30; plan your tour so that you can have lunch either at the winery or nearby.

On Sundays the wineries are usually closed. Saturday is mixed.

If you visit one to two bodegas, that should be enough to get to know the wine region and its characteristics.

If you see an official tourist office, don't pass it up. You can usually get a plethora of information regarding wineries and the Ruta de Vino (wine route).

At harvest time, most wineries are closed to visitors. Harvest can last a week to several weeks.

On renting a car, we highly recommend, if you can afford it, renting a car with a GPS system. It will save much time and frustration by keeping you from getting lost less often.

Be sure you have a designated driver.

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Call ahead or visit the winery and/or lodging Web sites for the latest information.


See Rioja Wine Road Map for Location, Driving Directions,
and Contact Information: Rioja Wine Map

   

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