Our Guide to La Rioja Wine Region
There are so many things to see and do in La Rioja that, even if wine tourism isn't your main interest, we usually recommend at least two or three nights, whether visiting on a short break or as part of a broader northern Spain holiday or a tour around the Spanish Pyrenees.
At Caminos by Casas Cantábricas, we design bespoke touring journeys and in Rioja, we’ve uncovered captivating destinations along with exceptional places to stay. With more than 40 years of experience arranging holidays in Spain and Portugal, we are ideally positioned to help you craft the perfect itinerary and get the most out of your time in the region.
The La Rioja wine region spans three provinces in northern Spain, but it is the areas of La Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, stretching west of Logroño along the Ebro Valley, that we find most rewarding for a self-drive tour. Here, medieval villages, traditional bodegas and vineyard landscapes combine with outstanding food and wine, while the mountains to the north and south are always close at hand, one of the reasons we return to this region so often.
Below is our guide to the places, landscapes and experiences that travellers often miss in the La Rioja wine region.
About the author
Antonio Cortijo
Antonio is the latest addition to the team at Caminos by Casas Cantábricas, and his connection with La Rioja goes back many years. Born in neighbouring Aragón, he regularly heads west in search of Rioja’s gastronomy, distinctive architecture, and outdoor landscapes, from hiking and mountain biking around the vineyards to visiting boutique bodegas.
“Growing up just next door in Aragón meant La Rioja was always close at hand, and over the years it has become one of the regions I return to most often. Whether it’s discovering a new family-run bodega or simply enjoying tapas with a good bottle of Rioja, it’s a region that always rewards slower travel.”
La Rioja at a Glance
- Best for: wine culture, vineyard landscapes, scenic drives, gastronomy, historic villages, boutique bodegas
- Ideal stay: 2 to 5 nights but many travellers end up wishing they had stayed longer
- Experiences not to miss: wine tastings, vineyard drives, traditional tapas bars, architectural wineries, harvest season visits
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October
- Combines well with: Basque Country, Navarra, Pyrenees, Picos de Europa, Ribera del Duero
- What makes Rioja special: a unique mix of world-class wine, medieval towns and northern Spanish culture
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Laguardia - A historic wine village at the heart of Rioja Alavesa
- Haro - The wine capital of La Rioja
- Logroño - Home of Calle Laurel tapas culture
- Briones - A historic hilltop village above the Rioja wine region
- San Vicente de la Sonsierra - A fortified hilltop town overlooking the Ebro vineyards
- Nájera - A former royal capital with deep monastic heritage in Rioja Alta
- Santo Domingo de la Calzada - A medieval walled town famous for its Camino legend
- Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón - A quiet Rioja Alta village with a medieval castle and river walks
- San Millán de la Cogolla - A UNESCO World Heritage monastery complex in La Rioja
Introducing La Rioja Wine Region
La Rioja Alavesa
La Rioja Alavesa lies at the southern edge of the Basque Country, sheltered beneath the Sierra de Toloño and overlooking the vineyards of the Ebro valley. This unique position gives it a character that blends northern and inland Spain, combining medieval hilltop villages, renowned wineries and dramatic vineyard landscapes.
The region is especially known for its wine culture, where traditional family-run bodegas sit alongside striking contemporary winery architecture. One of the most iconic examples is Frank Gehry’s Marqués de Riscal Hotel in Elciego, a landmark of modern wine tourism.
Beyond the vineyards, La Rioja Alavesa also offers a rich historical landscape, with prehistoric remains and Camino de Santiago routes crossing the region. The walled village of Laguardia is its best-known centre, while Labastida and San Vicente de la Sonsierra offer quieter streets, vineyard views and a more traditional side of Rioja wine country.
La Rioja Alta
La Rioja is home to countless wineries, historic towns and atmospheric wine villages, making it one of the most pleasing regions in northern Spain to explore. At the heart of the region, Haro is the centre of Rioja wine production and the best place to visit traditional bodegas, many of which offer tastings and guided visits.
For a more lively contrast, the regional capital Logroño is known for its vibrant food scene and bustling tapas culture, especially around Calle Laurel. Meanwhile, the nearby village of Briones is home to the excellent Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, offering one of the most complete insights into Rioja’s wine history and traditions.
Into the Mountains
La Rioja is surrounded by a remarkable variety of mountain landscapes, offering a striking contrast to its vineyard-covered valleys. From the southern edge of La Rioja Alavesa, it is easy to reach the steep and rocky ridges of the Sierra de Toloño or the forested trails of Izki Natural Park, a protected area known for its oak woodland, walking routes and peaceful rural landscapes.
Further south towards Soria, the Sierra de Cameros offers a more rugged and remote setting, with deep valleys, native forests and traditional villages. The area is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, mushroom foraging and trout fishing, making it an ideal way to experience a more natural side of La Rioja beyond the vineyards.
Our Favourite Villages to Visit in La Rioja
La Rioja is often associated with vineyards and wine villages, but beyond the famous bodegas it offers a remarkably varied landscape of river valleys, mountain ranges, forests and quiet rural roads. From the vineyard-covered scenery of the Valle de Najerilla to the rugged peaks of the Sierra de Cameros and the greener highland landscapes around Ezcaray and the Valle de Oja, the region offers far more than wine tourism alone, which is why we return time and again.
Scenic drives, walking routes, traditional villages, and mountain biking trails, along with quieter natural areas, make La Rioja an ideal destination for travellers looking to combine gastronomy, culture and outdoor landscapes in northern Spain.
Laguardia
A historic wine village at the heart of Rioja Alavesa
Strategically placed upon a small hill looking out over the plains, the historic walled town of Laguardia is the perfect base from which to explore the Rioja wine region. Populated since Neolithic times, as the local remains and dolmens prove, the town became particularly important in the Middle Ages when the kings of Navarra built an important palace / fortress there to defend against the Moorish and Castilian invaders. In the 15th century Laguardia passed into Castilian hands and was incorporated into Alava. This began a period of peace and the development of the wine industry with bodegas directly underneath the streets and houses.
Today Laguardia is a pedestrian town, as vehicles cannot enter the town walls due to the risk of these cellars caving in! The town itself is perfectly preserved and a joy to wander around. There are several bodegas, the fortifications and don’t miss the well preserved polychromic archway in the church of Santa Maria. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants and interesting shopping especially for those with an interest in wine. Nearby there is plenty to explore with several dolmens and a Bronze Age settlement within a short drive. There are, of course, a wide selection of vineyards nearby some of which have employed the world’s best architects.
Hiking tip: there are plenty of trails in amongst the vines just below the town or for the more adventurous there are the nearby Cantabrian Mountains and the Natural Park of Izki with mountains in excess of 1000m.
Don’t miss: The remarkably well-preserved 14th-century polychrome doorway of the Church of Santa María de los Reyes.
Haro
The wine capital of La Rioja
The attractive old town of Haro, capital of La Rioja Alta, home to many of the great bodegas of La Rioja (Cune, Bodegas Bilbainas, Martinez LaCuesta, Paternina..), though prosperous, has a pleasant, laid back air. It is very relaxing just to sit at one of the cafes, sampling the “local tipple” in the arcaded Plaza de la Paz with its old fashioned bandstand and soak in the gentle, unhurried atmosphere. Off the square is the Renaissance church of Santo Tomas with its Plateresque façade and the Baroque Basilica de la Vega and some fine old palaces.
The first town in Spain to have electric street lighting, it naturally has a good range of bars serving delicious tapas of the region and some memorable restaurants including the long established and atmospheric Casa Terete which just serves exquisite roast baby lamb with salad and bread. There are some wonderful food and wine shops too, full of beautifully bottled delights of the local area.
Wine tip: Just outside the town centre, El Barrio de la Estación is the heart of Rioja’s historic wine trade and home to some of its most famous wineries.
Batalla de Vino, La Rioja’s most famous summer festival: For a completely different atmosphere, the best time to come is the last week in July when the fiestas of San Juan, San Pedro and San Felices are celebrated with a grand “Batalla de Vino” (Battle of wine) The result is a massive, joyful “wine fight” where everyone ends up completely covered in purple-red wine stains. It’s not about drinking, it’s more of a playful, chaotic celebration of wine culture and local tradition
Logroño
Home of Calle Laurel tapas culture
The capital of La Rioja, Logroño is a modern city often overlooked by visitors; yet it is an important staging post on the Camino de Santiago with a pleasant old town and a lively bar scene centred on the famous Calle Laurel which boasts over 200 bars – the pilgrims favourite!
There are of course interesting bodegas to visit, perhaps the best being Marques de Murrieta y Gay, and for modern art fans there’s the Museo Wurth on the outskirts of the city.
Local food tip: For a casual lunch, head to Calle Laurel in Logroño for some of the best tapas in La Rioja. Order a couple of pinchos with a drink, then move from bar to bar like the locals do.
Briones
A historic hilltop village above the Rioja wine region
On a bend in the Rio Ebro, the impressive old village of Briones has been declared a ‘Conjunto Artístico-Histórico’ (effectively a ‘listed’ village) due to its well-preserved medieval streets and numerous buildings of historical interest. It has several colourful fiestas throughout the year, and there are a few good restaurants in the village.
Museum tip: The Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, located just below Briones, is one of the most important wine museums in La Rioja and well worth a visit.
San Vicente de la Sonsierra
A fortified hilltop town overlooking the Ebro vineyards
Perched above the Ebro valley in the heart of Rioja wine country, San Vicente de la Sonsierra is one of the most atmospheric villages in Rioja Alta. This pleasant little village is a peaceful place of medieval streets, stone houses and commanding lovely views over the vineyards. Its hilltop church, castle remains and medieval bridge make it an excellent stop for travellers exploring the historic wine villages of La Rioja.
The village is also known for its unusual Easter traditions, when the disciplinantes, penitents who practise ritual self-flagellation during Holy Week processions, take part in ceremonies that have attracted attention across Spain for centuries.
Nájera
A former royal capital with deep monastic heritage in Rioja Alta
The town is best known for the impressive Monastery of Santa María la Real, founded in the 11th century and home to the royal tombs of the Navarrese kings and queens. Its peaceful cloisters, Gothic architecture and strong royal connections make it one of the most significant monastic sites in La Rioja. Nearby, the quieter Monastery of Santa Elena adds another layer to the town’s rich religious heritage.
Beyond its monasteries, Nájera has a lively atmosphere shaped by pilgrims, local cafés and traditional streets running beneath the distinctive red sandstone cliffs that frame the town. Its strategic importance throughout medieval Spain also saw it become the setting for the Battle of Nájera in 1367, when Edward, the Black Prince, intervened in the Castilian Civil War in support of Pedro of Castile.
Historical tip: Take time to explore the cloisters of Santa María la Real, considered among the finest in northern Spain, before wandering through the old quarter and riverside walks that give Nájera its relaxed Camino atmosphere.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
A medieval walled town famous for its Camino legend
One of the most important pilgrimage towns on the Camino de Santiago through La Rioja, Santo Domingo de la Calzada has welcomed travellers and pilgrims for centuries. Founded in the 11th century by Saint Dominic of the Causeway, the town grew around the pilgrimage route and still preserves much of its medieval atmosphere, with historic streets, stone buildings and sections of its original walls.
The town’s main landmark is the impressive Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a fascinating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture built to serve pilgrims travelling towards Santiago de Compostela. Inside, visitors will find the town’s most famous tradition: the legend of the “chicken that sang after being roasted”, commemorated by a live cock and hen kept in an ornate cage within the cathedral itself.
Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón
A quiet Rioja Alta village with a medieval castle and river walks
Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón is a pretty, unspoilt village in Rioja Alta, known for its quiet atmosphere, riverside setting and impressive stone-built houses decorated with coats of arms dating back to the 18th century. Small enough to explore on foot, the village combines historic architecture with a slower pace of life, making it a rewarding stop for travellers looking to experience a more traditional side of La Rioja. Its medieval castle, pleasant riverside walks and handful of excellent local restaurants add to the appeal, all set within the vineyard landscapes of Rioja Alta.
Stroll tip: Enjoy a pleasant riverside walk through Cuzcurrita, following the river past postcard views of the village and its castle, before finishing with a couple of excellent local restaurants for a relaxed meal.
Our recommendation: Hotel Teatrisso is an excellent base for exploring Rioja Alta, with friendly hosts always on hand to help you make the most of your stay.
San Millán de la Cogolla
A UNESCO World Heritage monastery complex in La Rioja
At the bottom of the village of San Millán has developed around two monasteries. Suso, which has Romanesque and Mozarabic features, dates from the 10th century, was built on the site of an earlier 6th-century temple and holds the tomb of St Emilian, whilst Yuso, the “Escorial de la Rioja”, was built in the 16th century by Benedictine abbots. Both are now World Heritage Sites and said to be the cradle of the Castilian language, housing some of the earliest manuscripts ever written in the Spanish language. The town’s name “de Cogolla” derives from a slang word for the monk’s habit.
Exploring the Landscapes of La Rioja
Beyond its renowned wine villages and historic bodegas, La Rioja reveals a remarkable variety of landscapes that we find just as rewarding as its wine culture. From vineyard valleys to forested mountains and quiet rural roads, this is a region best explored slowly, following scenic routes and discovering its more natural side.
The Valle de Najerilla is one of Rioja’s classic vineyard landscapes, defined by rolling hills and traditional wine towns at its heart. To the south, the Sierra de Cameros offers a more rugged contrast, with deep valleys, woodland and remote villages.
In the north, Ezcaray and the Valle de Oja combine mountains, rivers and forests, creating one of the most appealing outdoor areas in La Rioja. Nearby, Izki Golf sits within a striking natural setting, offering golf alongside open countryside.
Together, these areas highlight the diversity of La Rioja’s landscapes and why we so often include them in our itineraries.
Valle de Najerilla
One of Rioja’s classic vineyard landscapes
To really get away from it all the Valle de Najerilla, between Nájera and the Urbión mountains, is another vast unspoilt wooded valley, idyllic and very popular with walkers and nature lovers, where the sheep and cattle wander freely. Visit the picturesque villages of Viniegra de Arriba and Viniegra de Abajo, the latter right on the Najerilla river and seemingly lost in time (a paradise for fishermen). You can canoe down the river and the area is very popular for cyclists and mountain-bikers. For walkers there are signposted paths, the longest from Viniegra de Abajo through to Ortigosa de Cameros.
Festival tip: The small village of Arguiano is worth a visit for its traditional atmosphere and proximity to the 15th-century Monastery of Valvanera. It also hosts the lively Fiestas de la Magdalena on 22 July, when local celebrations fill the streets with music, processions, and traditional stilt dancers weaving through the cobbled lanes in a spectacular display of balance and skill.
Sierra de Cameros
A rugged mountain region in the south of La Rioja
Sparsely populated and covered with immense native woodlands the Sierra de Cameros Nature Park, south of Logroño towards Soria, is a wonderful place to get back to nature Criss-crossed by ancient paths and drovers roads it’s a walker’s paradise and there are six well-marked routes within the park itself. Nature lovers will find plenty to marvel at with many birds of prey, deer, otters, and rarities such as the Iberian muskrat and European mink.
The area is ideal for mountain-biking, there’s horseriding in Nevera de Cameros and watersports at the Gonzaléz Lacasa reservoir. All along the valley are interesting, well preserved, stone-built villages; Torrecilla de Cameros, Ortigosa de Cameros, Villoslada de Cameros and Lumbreras, the highest village in La Rioja. All are quiet rural communities but have some kind of shop and bar/restaurant.
Scenic viewpoint: Viguera, with its castle and hilltop viewpoint, offers spectacular views over the surrounding cliffs and valley.
Truffle tip: Sierra de Cameros is one of the main areas in La Rioja for summer truffle production. The village of Soto en Cameros is at the centre of this tradition, hosting Spain’s only summer truffle fair and offering truffle-hunting experiences in the surrounding countryside.
Ezcaray and Valle de Oja
A scenic mountain valley of rivers, forests and traditional villages
Head south from Santo Domingo de la Calzada into the beautiful valley of the river Oja and you’ll come to the lovely village of Ezcaray. Once wealthy from the wool trade (and still famous for its fine blankets) the town is now a popular resort, both in the winter for skiers at nearby Valdezcaray, and in the summer when it is popular with the Basques in particular.
There’s good walking, cycling and all mountain activities in the Sierra de la Demanda just above the town as well as plenty of picnic spots. There’s a nice swimming spot in the river as it passes the village or there are outdoor pools in Ezcaray itself and nearby Valgañon (the latter has a reasonable restaurant and good grounds to relax in).
Food tip: One of the highlights here is the Basque-style ‘poteo’, a relaxed social tradition of moving from bar to bar enjoying small plates of tapas alongside local wines. The streets and terraces are lively and welcoming, creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. For a more formal dining experience, the town is also home to excellent restaurants, including the renowned Echaurren restaurant, which offers several dining options ranging from its Michelin-starred restaurant to traditional cuisine and more informal tapas-style dining.
Izki Golf
Golf Course Amid Stunning Landscapes
Designed by Seve Ballesteros and set in the beautiful nature park of Izki in the Sierra Cantábrica, halfway between La Rioja Alavesa and Vitoria, Izki Golf is actually two courses in one - Urturi, a full 18-hole course, and Lagran, a 9-hole par 4. There is a driving range as well as a bar and restaurant offering good local fare.
Wine, Bodegas and La Rioja Wine Culture
Volumes could be written about the Riojan wines, not possible to do that here, but we hope the following might be useful. Most wine drunk in La Rioja is red (though whites and rosés are also made) and on a wine list in a restaurant they will be divided into the following categories:
- Cosechero/joven/del año – Wine from the harvest of the year.
- Crianza – This category corresponds to wines which are in at least their third year and have spent a minimum of one year in oak casks.
- Reserva – Wines with a minimum of three years’ ageing between cask and bottle and at least one year in the oak cask.
- Gran Reserva – These are wines from exceptional vintages which have been aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks and three years in the bottle.
"Temples of Wine" - Modern Architecture Among the Vines
In recent years the region, and in particular La Rioja Alavesa, has seen a fashion where the leading wineries have called upon top-flight modern architects to design their bodegas for them – they’ve become known collectively as ‘Temples of Wine’. Here are a few of the most outstanding…
Bodegas Ysios
The Modern Face of Traditional Rioja
Designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, the undulating forms of the Ysios winery building harmonise well with the rolling vineyard landscape and the Sierra de Toloña behind. Visiting times: Monday to Friday: 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00; Saturday & Sundays: 11:00 and 13:00 (prior arrangement).
Address: Laguardia
Tel: +34 945 600 640
Web: www.bodegasysios.com
Email:
Baigorri
Gravity-Fed Wine, Crafted with Precision
Designed by Basque architect Iñaki Aspiazu Iza and almost entirely underground, the Baigorri bodega is quite unique. The entire production process is developed vertically using gravity to drive the process in such a way as to allow the grapes to ferment without damaging them.
Visiting times: From Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00
Address: Samaniego (on the road from Laguardia to Labastida)
Tel: +34 945 609 420
Email:
Web: www.bodegasbaigorri.com
Marqués de Riscal
Where Tradition Meets Frank Gehry’s Vision
The Marqués de Riscal ‘Ciudad del Vino’ in Elciego, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry (he of Guggenheim fame), is certainly not to be missed. Perhaps somewhat incongruous in its rural surroundings, you’ll either love it or hate it. Visits are to the bodega itself; you can only view the hotel complex from the outside.
Visiting times: Consult web
Address: Elciego
Tel: +34 945 180 888
Viña Real
A Modern Icon Among Classic Vineyards
Designed by the Bordeaux architect Philippe Mazieres, the imposing Viña Real bodega takes the form of a giant wine barrel in wood, steel and concrete. Part of the Cune group.
Visiting times: Monday to Sunday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 11:00-15:00
Address: Ctra. Logroño–Laguardia
Tel: +34 941 304 809
Web: www.cvne.com
Bodegas Eguren Ugarte
Heritage, Innovation, and Exceptional Rioja Wines
Another underground bodega with a network of caves and tunnels reaching two kilometres long and 20 metres deep.
Visiting times: From Monday to Friday: one visit at 12:00 (in August also at 17:00). Saturdays and Sundays: three visits 10:30, 12:00 and 13:15. From Easter onwards: visit with tasting Saturdays at 16:30.
Address: Paganos
Tel: +34 945 28 28 44
Web: https://egurenugarte.com
Email:
Bodegas Campillo
Where Heritage Inspires Excellence
The first winery in La Rioja to have an architect-designed bodega, nowadays so common in the area. Just down the hill from Laguardia and one of our favourite Riojas, difficult to find in the UK.
Visiting times: Monday to Friday: 11:00, 12:00 & 16:00. Saturdays: 11:00, 13:00 (tasting course) (No booking required)
Address: Laguardia
Tel: +34 945 60 12 28
Traditional Bodegas - a Few Timeless Favourites
If modern architecture isn’t your thing or you just fancy seeing the more traditional side of Riojan winemaking, there are plenty of bodegas still doing it the old way…
Bodegas El Fabulista
Bold Wines Inspired by Tradition
In the town of Laguardia itself, seven metres beneath the birthplace of ‘El Fabulista’, this bodega offers a peek into what goes on under the streets and houses of the town. Offers tours in English. Visiting times: Monday to Saturday: 11:30, 13:00, 17:30 and 19:00; Sundays: 11:30 and 13:00.
Address: Laguardia
Tel: +34 945 62 11 92
Bodegas Carlos San Pedro Perez de Viñaspre
Family, History, and Wine
Also in Laguardia, eight metres under the streets in a building dating back over 200 years, is one of the few working bodegas in the town itself. Visiting times: Visits in English: Monday & Wednesday 13:15; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 12:15; Friday & Saturday 17:15.
Address: Laguardia
Tel: +34 945 60 01 46 / +34 605 03 30 43
Bodegas Remelluri
A Legacy in the Heart of Rioja
Near Labastida, this is a very traditional bodega, small and friendly, with a nice Hermita and a 10th century necropolis on the site. Visits include the possibility of a walk around the vineyard and surroundings. Address: Labastida. Visiting times: Visits last 30 to 90 minutes depending on the walk included. Call to arrange.
Tel: +34 945 331 801
Web: www.remelluri.com
Dinastia Vivanco Wine Culture Museum
The Story of Rioja Wine
If you’re in the Rioja you’re probably a wine fan and you’ve probably already seen your share of wine museums, or worse still been dragged around by a friend or partner whose enthusiasm exceeds your own… this one is very different.
Opened by the King of Spain in 2005, this is surely one of the world’s best wine museums. Not only are there the expected artefacts associated with the making, tasting and drinking of wine, and the educational videos and displays regarding the history and modern practice of viniculture, but also a wealth of treasures associated with the culture of wine from Baccus to the present day and from all over the world.
Food tip: If you can, allow a few hours and enjoy lunch in their renowned restaurant, and don’t miss Briones, one of the prettiest villages in La Rioja.
Other Bodegas to Visit
Bodegas Bilbainas – near Haro, one of the oldest wineries.
Tel: +34 941 310 147
Bodegas Roda – near Haro and well set up for visits. Also offers visits in 4x4 to the vineyards themselves.
Tel: +34 941 303 001
Web: www.roda.es
Bodegas Cune – another of the older wineries, just north of Haro – interesting art exhibitions.
Tel: +34 941 304 800
Web: www.cvne.com
Recommendations
There are nearly 600 producers in total but here are a few favourites: Campillo, Remelluri, Ysios, Tondonia, Ardanza, Cune, Viña Arana, Izadi, Samaniego, Remirez de y Ganuza, Marques de Riscal, Marques de Murrieta, Salceda, Muga, Ondarre, Baron de Ley, 200 Monjes.
Winery Visits
Some require advance booking and all have limited visiting hours, so we recommend that you consult the web page or ask your hotel for assistance.
Our Recommended Lesser-Known Places in La Rioja
Tucked among rolling vineyards and quiet country roads, the villages of Ábalos, Navaridas, Lanciego, Samaniego and Labastida offer a slower, more authentic side of La Rioja Alavesa. These charming wine villages may not have the fame of larger towns such as Haro or Laguardia, but they reward curious travellers with peaceful streets, traditional stone architecture and a strong connection to the region’s wine-making heritage.
Abalos, Navaridas, Lanciego, Samaniego, Labastida
Hidden Corners of La Rioja Alavesa
Wandering through these villages you’ll find centuries-old churches, noble houses, hidden squares and family-run bodegas surrounded by vineyards stretching towards the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. They are the kind of places where long lunches drift into evening drinks, where locals still gather in small bars for pintxos and Rioja wine, and where every village fiesta feels genuinely rooted in tradition.
Labastida is perhaps the liveliest of the group, with an attractive historic centre, excellent local restaurants and easy access to nearby wineries. Samaniego and Lanciego are ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll among medieval streets and vineyard views, while Navaridas remains wonderfully peaceful and largely untouched by tourism. Just across the regional border, Ábalos shares the same atmosphere of old stone houses, quiet plazas and deep-rooted wine culture.
These villages are especially rewarding during local fiestas and harvest season, when the streets come alive with music, traditional food and celebrations linked to Rioja wine culture.
Architectural highlight: Elciego is home to Frank Gehry’s iconic Marqués de Riscal building, one of the most striking examples of contemporary wine architecture in Spain.
Fiestas tip: If your visit happens to coincide with a village fiesta, make the most of it. Even the quietest villages suddenly fill with music, dancing, long outdoor dinners and plenty of Rioja wine. It’s one of the best ways to experience the warm, welcoming spirit of La Rioja Alavesa.
Getting there
By Air
The nearest major airports with good international connections are Bilbao and Vitoria:
Bilbao – the main gateway to the region, with flights from Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol with EasyJet; from Heathrow with British Airways; and from Gatwick with Vueling. The drive to Logroño or Haro takes roughly 1.5–2 hours.
Vitoria – a smaller airport that occasionally operates seasonal flights from the UK, generally through charter or low-cost airlines. From Vitoria, it’s about 1–1.5 hours to most towns in La Rioja, depending on your final destination.
Getting around
As part of your package we will include a hire car. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
Make it happen...
We hope we’ve inspired you to explore the characterful and welcoming Rioja wine region. For a focused, one-week getaway including the Rioja Alavesa and the surrounding sub-regions of Rioja Alta, our Discover the Basque Country tour offers an ideal introduction, combining famous wineries with World-class gastronomy destinations, elegant cities and scenic vineyard landscapes. Or head west and explore coastal Cantabria as part of the experience... our Taste of the North tour is a great option.
If your best connection to Spain is Madrid, please take a look at our Wine and Castles tour, which links Spain´s capital with the most prestigious wine regions.
Contact us - or give us a call on 01223 328721 to discuss your requirements - we're more than happy to combine and adapt the tours to suit your personal needs and ensure you get the perfect south Spain itinerary!
