Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios

Two of Rioja's most famous wineries are architectural landmarks designed by world-renowned architects.

This 8-hour wine tour from Bilbao takes you to three Rioja wineries (the historic Marqués de Riscal, the iconic Ysios, and the family-run Javier San Pedro Ortega) with tastings of at least 8 wines and a light tapas lunch in the medieval village of Laguardia. A professional English-speaking guide leads the full day, handling all transport and winery visits so you move between stops without planning logistics yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rioja wineries and medieval village visit

• Drive from Bilbao to Rioja region
• Guided visit and tasting at Marqués de Riscal
• Visit and tasting at Ysios Winery
• Tour and tasting at Javier San Pedro Ortega winery
• Light tapas lunch and stroll in Laguardia

The experience

The drive from Bilbao to Rioja takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, following the dramatic ridge of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Your first stop is Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858 and one of the wineries that put Rioja on the world map. The estate is instantly recognizable by its striking titanium-and-steel hotel designed by Frank Gehry. A building that has become as famous as the wines themselves. During your guided visit, you'll explore the winery's pioneering legacy and taste 4 of their emblematic wines.

Ysios Winery comes next, and it is one of the most photographed wineries in the world. The Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed its wave-shaped roof to mirror the Sierra de Cantabria mountains, making the building itself part of the landscape. You'll step inside to learn the story behind the design and taste one of Ysios' most iconic wines. Then you move to Javier San Pedro Ortega, a family-run boutique winery representing the new generation of Rioja winemakers. Here the focus is on how younger producers are redefining the region by combining tradition with innovation and a strong emphasis on terroir. This final tasting includes 4 wines paired with a selection of local Rioja appetizers.

The day ends in Laguardia, one of Spain's most beautiful medieval villages, where you'll have a light tapas lunch and time to stroll the charming cobbled streets. The combination of three very different wineries (a historic giant, an architectural icon, and a modern boutique producer) means you taste at least 8 wines across the full day and see how Rioja's winemaking has evolved.

What’s included

• All transport from Bilbao to the three wineries and Laguardia.
• professional English-speaking guide for the full day.
• complete guided visits to Marqués de Riscal, Ysios, and Javier San Pedro Ortega.
• tastings of at least 8 wines across the three stops.
• light tapas lunch in Laguardia.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see both Rioja's landmark wineries and its newer boutique producers in one day. The guide handles all stops and tastings while you focus on tasting across the full spectrum of the region's styles.

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Top questions

How many wines will I taste on this Rioja tour from Bilbao?

You'll taste at least 8 wines across the three wineries: 4 at Marqués de Riscal, 1 at Ysios, and 4 at Javier San Pedro Ortega paired with local appetizers.

What makes Marqués de Riscal and Ysios different from other Rioja wineries?

Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858, is one of the historic wineries that established Rioja's reputation internationally, and it features the striking Frank Gehry-designed titanium hotel. Ysios is an architectural landmark designed by Santiago Calatrava, with a wave-shaped roof that mirrors the surrounding mountains and makes it one of the world's most photographed wineries.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes all transport from Bilbao, professional English-speaking guide, complete guided visits to all three wineries, wine tastings at each stop, bottled water throughout the day, and a light tapas lunch in Laguardia.

How long is the drive from Bilbao to the wineries?

The scenic drive from Bilbao to the Rioja wine region takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, following the dramatic ridge of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains.

What is Laguardia and what do we do there?

Laguardia is one of Spain's most beautiful medieval villages, where the tour concludes with a light tapas lunch and free time to stroll its charming cobbled streets and take photos of the vineyards and architecture.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited wine knowledge?

Yes, the tour is designed as a perfect introduction to Rioja and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The professional guide explains the region's history, terroir, and winemaking traditions throughout the day, so no prior wine experience is necessary.