Rioja Alavesa Wine Travel Guide (Rioja, Spain)

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 stu

ing 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 i

ovative 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 i

ovative 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 tu

els Dolmen de la Hechicera: A prehistoric burial site near Elvillar Santa María de los Reyes Church in Laguardia: Features a stu

ing 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 pi

acle 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 ta

ins. 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, co

ecting 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 co

ect 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.