La Rioja & Laguardia: Wine Tasting Day Trip from Bilbao

Summary

Bilbao to La Rioja day trip with winery visits pintxos lunch

You’ll sip Rioja wines straight from their source in two contrasting wineries (with a local guide), wander Laguardia’s cobbled streets, and share pintxos lunch under old balconies. Expect hands-on moments in cellars and easygoing company—plus hotel pickup from Bilbao for a relaxed start to your day.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought I knew Rioja wines before this day trip from Bilbao — but standing in that cool cellar, the air thick with oak and something sweetly earthy, I realized I’d only scratched the surface. Our guide, Ane, grew up nearby and had this easy way of explaining things without making it feel like a lesson. She let us touch the barrels (they’re rougher than you’d think), and laughed when my friend tried to guess the tasting notes — “vanilla?” he said, way too confidently. Ane just grinned and poured another glass.

The drive out from Bilbao was misty at first, then suddenly the hills opened up and there were vineyards everywhere. At the first winery — family-run, small — we met Marta who showed us how her grandfather still checks the fermentation by hand. It smelled sharp but warm inside, like fruit skins and old wood. The second stop was bigger, more polished, but honestly both felt personal in their own ways. I liked comparing them side by side; you start to notice things you wouldn’t if you just went to one.

Laguardia surprised me most. The streets are so narrow our van barely squeezed through (Ane joked she’s done it a hundred times but always holds her breath). Lunch was pintxos with a glass of something red and peppery — vegetarian options too, which I appreciated because my partner doesn’t eat meat. We ate outside under these crooked old balconies while locals wandered past speaking Basque and Spanish mixed together. There’s an underground cellar beneath every other house here; Ane pointed out one door where you could just smell wine drifting up even on the street.

I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable so quickly — maybe it’s the wine or maybe it’s just how everyone treats you like a neighbor for the day. On the way back to Bilbao I watched the vineyards blur past and kept thinking about that first glass in the cellar: cool air, quiet clinking of glasses, someone’s laughter echoing off stone walls. If you’re curious about Rioja wines or just want a day that feels real (and includes pickup), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and Laguardia visit

• Visit first winery and wine tasting
• Stop at Marques de Riscal viewpoint
• Visit second winery and wine tasting
• Arrive in Laguardia and have lunch

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Bilbao to La Rioja?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including travel time from Bilbao.

Are two wineries included on this wine tasting tour?

Yes, two wineries are visited unless you choose the Bilingual group option which includes only one.

Is hotel pickup included in this La Rioja wine tour?

Hotel pickup is included except for bookings on the Bilingual group option.

Is lunch provided during the Laguardia visit?

A light pintxos lunch paired with local wine is included unless you book the Bilingual group option.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available for lunch?

Yes, both vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request when booking.

Can children join this wine tasting tour?

Children can join but those under 18 cannot drink alcohol; child seats are available if requested in advance.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, small groups and flexible options make it suitable for solo travelers as well.

What languages are spoken by guides on this tour?

The main tour operates in English; a Bilingual (Spanish/English) option is also available on select dates.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (unless booked as bilingual group), private or small group transport with air conditioning, guided visits at two contrasting La Rioja wineries (one for bilingual group), all wine tastings, plus a traditional pintxos lunch with local wine in medieval Laguardia before heading back to Bilbao.