The wines from Rioja, Spain are some of our most recommended here at Reverse Wine Snob. And while those wines are a great find at your local shop, there's nothing quite like tasting them right where they are made. That's why we're happy to present today's sponsored from GoEuro on exploring all this historic region has to offer.
Spain has an abundance of rich cultural history and vibrant urban cities that offer both first-time tourists, and experienced travelers alike top travel destinations - not to mention an abundance of sun, delicious food and wine!
Selecting just one travel destination can be quite a feat. It is recommended you start your planning process by selecting one province in Spain to explore. Don’t fret, traveling from one region to another isn’t a problem with Spain’s network of high speed trains, bus routes, and airports. Create your own itinerary, setting the pace for a trip through paradise.
The northern Spanish province of La Rioja is a fabulous choice for travelers interested in world-renowned wine and tapas. The region is known for their excellent wine, and picturesque vineyards that are sure to take your breath away. Clever and independent travelers looking for a local experience, removed from crowded tourist filled-streets, look no further.
Commence your dream wine tour through superior vineyards of northern Spanish cities including Haro, Logroño, Calahorra, and Alfaro with GoEuro’s La Rioja wine tour guide.
Begin your journey just outside of the La Rioja’s winemaking province, Bilbao. It is the de facto capital of the Basque country, which conveniently hosts an international airport. While passing through, don’t forget to check out the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and their local wine Txakoli.
After a pleasant landing, take the train from Bilbao to Haro for just under 2 hours. Haro is often referred to as the wine capital of La Rioja. Many wineries in Haro are located nearby, allowing travelers to sample several different wines. A take a moment to have a picnic to soak up the scenery at in the eight-hectare vineyard located in Cerro de la Mesa.
Continue on your journey to the capital of the La Rioja province, Logroño. Hop on the next train from Haro to Logroño to reach your next stop in just 40 minutes. Visit Bodega Olarra, one of the most popular wineries located on the outskirts of the city. In the city center, be sure to explore the city’s famous landmarks, such as Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda, and the Church of San Bartolomé.
After a 30-minute train ride your next destination, Calahorra awaits! As the second largest city in the region, Calahorra is known for its historic charm. Between viewing the city’s 15th century cathedral and 16th century church of Santiago, stop by one of the most acclaimed wineries Bodegas Dunviro.
The final stop on the wine route is Alfaro, which is only 14 minutes away with the train. End your tour with an education trip to the Ilurce Winery, which walks visitors through the complete wine production process.
Your wine tour doesn’t need to end here -- you decide where your journey shall take you! For travelers interested in going off the beaten path, other notable destinations include Aldeanueva de Ebro, Briones, Cenicero, and San Asensio, all of which feature wineries yielding some of the finest Spanish vintages.
This post was sponsored by GoEuro and written by Dagmar Irrig.
