Tailor-Made Wine Tastings in La Rioja: Explore Spain’s Finest Vineyards
Nestled between the Cantabrian mountains and the Ebro River, La Rioja is the soul of Spanish winemaking — a land where time-honored tradition and cutting-edge innovation meet. At Avelia Travel, we design tailor-made wine experiences in Rioja, combining access to the most sought-after bodegas, gourmet pairings, and curated stays at the region’s finest boutique hotels.
Whether you’re drawn to Rioja’s legendary Tempranillo, the avant-garde architecture of its modern wineries, or a quiet lunch surrounded by rolling vineyards, this is where Spain’s wine story comes to life. To explore more, discover our comprehensive guide to Spain’s wine regions, featuring Rioja and other exceptional areas.
Why Travel to Rioja?
As Spain’s most prestigious wine region, La Rioja is defined by its diversity. The region is split into three distinct subzones — Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental — each with its own microclimate and terroir.
Beyond the vineyards, you’ll find medieval villages like Laguardia, culinary hotspots in Logroño, and the historic wine capital of Haro. This is not just a wine region — it’s a world unto itself.
From cellar tastings to vineyard hikes, Avelia crafts custom Rioja itineraries that reflect your pace, your palate, and your preferences.
Discover Rioja’s unique character and how it compares to other top wine regions in Spain by exploring our Best Wine Regions of Spain guide.
The Best Wine Experiences in Rioja
Private Tastings at Iconic Bodegas
Gain exclusive access to the region’s most historic and architecturally stunning wineries. From the family-run cellars of López de Heredia to the elegantly restored Marqués de Murrieta estate, each visit is privately hosted and curated to your interests.
Vertical tastings of Gran Reservas
Walkthroughs of century-old wine libraries
Sommelier-led introductions to Rioja varietals
Contemporary Wine & Design
Rioja is as much about innovation as tradition. Visit striking architectural landmarks like Bodegas Ysios, Baigorri, and Marqués de Riscal, where design and wine come together in unforgettable ways. These experiences are perfect for travelers who appreciate art, architecture, and modern winemaking.
Vineyard Lunches & Gourmet Pairings
Savor multi-course tasting menus paired with curated wine flights — either inside Michelin-starred winery restaurants or al fresco among the vines. Avelia arranges vineyard picnics, wine-paired tapas tours, and even private lunches with the winemaker.
Dietary preferences, including vegetarian and pescatarian options, are fully accommodated.
Seasonal Grape Harvest & Vineyard Walks
If you're visiting in late summer or early autumn, take part in Rioja’s grape harvest. Walk through the vines with a local viticulturist, taste grapes off the vine, and even join in traditional stomping rituals — always in private, relaxed settings.
Where to Stay: Boutique Hotels in Rioja
Your accommodations are part of the experience. We work with a handpicked collection of luxury boutique hotels in Rioja, ranging from 18th-century wine estates to design-forward retreats overlooking the vineyards.
Spa hotels near Laguardia
Heritage estates with private tasting rooms
Vineyard stays with panoramic views
Each property is selected for comfort, style, and proximity to the region’s top wineries.
Explore luxury hotels in La Rioja →
Looking beyond Rioja? Discover our full collection of luxury hotels in Spain →
When to Visit Rioja for Wine Tasting
Each season offers a different lens on Rioja’s wine culture:
Spring (April–May): Bud break, wildflowers, fewer crowds
Summer (June–August): Private tastings, golden vineyard dinners
Autumn (September–October): Harvest time — perfect for immersive wine experiences
Winter (December–February): Quiet cellar visits, cozy fireside meals, truffle pairings
Sample Itinerary: A 3-Day Luxury Wine Trip in Rioja
Here’s a sample outline of a fully private Rioja wine itinerary we might design:
Day 1
Arrival in Rioja (via Bilbao or Logroño)
Private tasting at a historic winery
Wine-paired dinner in a boutique hotel
Day 2
Two architecturally unique winery visits with vertical tastings
Gourmet vineyard lunch
Guided walk through medieval Laguardia
Optional sunset wine tasting
Day 3
Morning vineyard stroll or harvest experience (seasonal)
Spa and leisure time
Departure or transfer to your next destination
All trips are 100% customized — this is simply a starting point.
Want to experience La Rioja as part of a longer journey? Discover our Spain’s Culinary Heritage itinerary, where wine, architecture, and gastronomy meet across Spain’s top regions.
Combine La Rioja with These Exceptional Spanish Destinations
Extend your luxury Spain journey by pairing the sophisticated wine experiences of La Rioja with these remarkable regions:
Basque Country: Just north of Rioja, enjoy world-class gastronomy in San Sebastián and Bilbao’s architectural wonders. Perfect for food and culture lovers.
Madrid: Spain’s capital offers elegant museums, exclusive shopping, and refined dining — a cosmopolitan contrast to Rioja’s rustic charm.
Barcelona: Blend your wine tasting with coastal luxury, stunning architecture, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Duero Valley: South of Rioja, discover another prestigious wine region famed for Ribera del Duero wines, historic castles, and breathtaking river landscapes.
Canary Islands: For travelers seeking to combine wine with sun-soaked luxury beach escapes and nature.
Plan Your Exclusive Rioja Wine Journey
At Avelia Travel, your Rioja wine experience goes beyond tastings — it becomes a personalized journey crafted just for you. From private cellar tours and bilingual guides to luxury accommodations and seamless transportation, every detail is tailored to your tastes and desires.
Are you ready to uncover the best of Rioja in unmatched style? Share your vision with us, and let’s create your bespoke wine itinerary.