Rioja Alavesa Wine Travel Guide Wine Region Guide

Discovering Rioja Alavesa: A Wine Lover's Paradise

Rioja Alavesa, nestled in the Basque Country of northern Spain, offers a captivating blend of rich winemaking history and stunning landscapes. This subregion of Rioja is known for producing some of Spain's finest wines.

Towns and Villages

Laguardia stands out as the jewel of Rioja Alavesa. This medieval walled town perched on a hilltop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

Elciego is home to the iconic Marqués de Riscal winery and its Frank Gehry-designed hotel. The town's blend of traditional architecture and modern design is a must-see.

Wine Producers

• Bodegas Ysios: Known for its striking architecture and premium wines
• Bodegas Luis Cañas: A family-run winery producing high-quality Tempranillo-based wines
• Ostatu: Offers organic wines and picturesque vineyard tours
• Remírez de Ganuza: Renowned for its innovative winemaking techniques

Accommodations

The Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego offers a luxurious stay amidst the vineyards. Its unique design and Michelin-starred restaurant make it a top choice for wine enthusiasts.

For a more intimate experience, consider Villa de Laguardia, a charming hotel with a spa featuring wine-based treatments.

Dining

Héctor Oribe in Páganos serves innovative Basque-Riojan cuisine paired with local wines. The restaurant's tasting menu showcases the best of regional flavors.

In Laguardia, Amelibia offers traditional Riojan dishes with a modern twist. Their wine list features an extensive selection of Rioja Alavesa wines.

Wine Shops & Bars

Rioja Alavesa boasts several excellent wine shops and bars for tasting local vintages:

• La Vinoteca in Laguardia offers an extensive selection of regional wines
• El Fabulista combines a wine shop with a historic cellar tour
• Vinotécnica in Elciego features a wide range of Rioja wines and hosts regular tastings

For a unique experience, visit La Bodega de la Plaza in Laguardia, a bar carved into the rock beneath the town.

Other Shops

While wine dominates, Rioja Alavesa offers other shopping experiences:

• Gourmet shops selling local cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils
• Artisanal craft stores featuring Basque pottery and textiles
• Wine-related gift shops offering unique souvenirs

Visit the Laguardia Market on Tuesdays for fresh local produce and artisanal products.

Attractions

Beyond wineries, Rioja Alavesa offers diverse attractions:

• Laguardia's underground cellars: A network of ancient wine storage tunnels
• Dolmen de la Hechicera: A prehistoric burial site near Elvillar
• Santa María de los Reyes Church in Laguardia: Features a stunning Gothic-Renaissance portico

Don't miss the Villa-Lucia Wine Museum in Laguardia for an interactive wine experience.

Events

Rioja Alavesa's calendar is filled with wine-related events:

• Rioja Alavesa Wine Harvest Festival (September): Celebrates the grape harvest with parades and tastings
• Laguardia Medieval Market (June): Transforms the town into a medieval fair
• Wine Battle of Haro (June): A unique wine-throwing festival in nearby Haro

Check local winery calendars for special tastings and vineyard tours throughout the year.

Appellations

Rioja Alavesa is part of the larger Rioja DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada).

The region's wines fall under three quality levels:

• Rioja: Wines aged for at least one year
• Crianza: Red wines aged for at least two years, with one year in oak
• Reserva: Red wines aged for at least three years, with one year in oak

Gran Reserva wines, aged for at least five years, represent the pinnacle of Rioja production.

Grape Varieties

Rioja Alavesa's wines primarily feature Tempranillo, the region's star grape. This variety thrives in the area's chalky soils and continental climate.

Other red grapes include Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. White wines often blend Viura, Malvasia, and Garnacha Blanca.

Main Wine Styles

Rioja Alavesa produces red, white, and rosé wines. Reds dominate, ranging from young Joven to aged Reserva and Gran Reserva.

The region is known for its oak-aged reds with rich fruit flavors and smooth tannins. White wines are typically fresh and aromatic.

Food Specialties

Local cuisine pairs perfectly with Rioja Alavesa wines. Try cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew) or patatas a la riojana (potatoes with chorizo).

Don't miss the region's olive oil, chorizo, and sheep's milk cheese. Visit local markets for fresh produce and artisanal products.

Drives & Walks

Take a scenic drive along the Ruta del Vino, connecting charming villages and wineries. Stop at viewpoints to admire the vineyards and Sierra de Cantabria mountains.

For walkers, the GR-38 Wine and Fish Route offers beautiful trails through vineyards and medieval towns.

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

• Day 1: Explore Laguardia, visit Ysios winery
• Day 2: Tour Marqués de Riscal, enjoy Elciego
• Day 3: Discover Labastida, taste at Remelluri

5-Day Cultural & Wine Experience

• Day 1-2: Laguardia's old town and nearby wineries
• Day 3: Elciego and Marqués de Riscal City of Wine
• Day 4: Samaniego and Villabuena de Álava
• Day 5: Labastida and mountain villages

Getting There & Around

Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), the nearest international gateway. Rent a car for easy exploration of Rioja Alavesa's wineries and villages.

Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited. Consider joining organized wine tours for hassle-free transportation between wineries.

Best Time to Visit

September to October offers ideal weather and harvest activities. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures and blooming vineyards.

Avoid August, when many businesses close for holidays. Winter can be chilly but offers peaceful, crowd-free experiences.

Sustainability Efforts

Many Rioja Alavesa wineries practice organic and biodynamic viticulture. Look for eco-certified producers like Remelluri and Ostatu.

Support local initiatives by choosing accommodations with green certifications and dining at farm-to-table restaurants.

Language Tips

Spanish is widely spoken, but learning a few Basque phrases will be appreciated. Key wine terms: "Tinto" (red), "Blanco" (white), "Bodega" (winery).

Download a translation app for menu deciphering. Most wineries offer tours in English, but booking in advance is recommended.

Further Resources

Visit the official Rioja Alavesa Wine Route website for up-to-date information on wineries, events, and tours.

Download the Rioja Wine App for a comprehensive guide to the region's wines and producers. Wine-Searcher offers detailed insights into Rioja Alavesa's wines and vintages.