Past Tour
Rioja Wine Tour: Beyond the Famous Names
May & June 2026
A Rioja wine tour is one of the best ways to discover the diversity of Spain’s most famous wine region. For many wine lovers, the name immediately brings to mind oak-aged Tempranillo, historic bodegas and long-established traditions.
Yet spending time in the region reveals a far more complex and fascinating story.
Our recent Rioja wine tour demonstrated just how diverse this celebrated wine region has become. Over several days we explored both Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, meeting producers whose approaches ranged from deeply traditional to strikingly innovative. What united them all was a commitment to quality and a profound connection to their vineyards.
Meeting the People Behind the Wines
One of the highlights was visiting Valenciso, where owner and winemaker Luis Valentín provided an excellent introduction to the region. Founded in the late 1990s, Valenciso combines modern precision with respect for Rioja’s heritage, producing elegant wines from organically farmed vineyards. It was an ideal reminder that Rioja continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its history.
Family ownership remains at the heart of many of the region’s finest wineries. At Valserrano in Villabuena de Álava, fifth-generation winemaker María de Simón shared the story of a winery whose history stretches back more than a century. Exploring the atmospheric underground cellars and tasting wines alongside generous local tapas offered an insight into the hospitality and traditions that remain central to life in Rioja.
A short distance away, we encountered a very different expression of the region at Sierra de Toloño. Founded by Sandra Bravo, the winery has become one of the most talked-about small projects in Rioja. Working biodynamically with old vineyards located high in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, Sandra’s wines reflect a growing movement within Rioja towards site-specific winemaking and a stronger focus on terroir. Her passion and clarity of vision made this one of the most memorable encounters of the tour.
Another standout visit was to Miguel Merino in the picturesque village of Briones. Producing only around 50,000 bottles annually, this boutique winery has quietly earned a reputation among serious Rioja enthusiasts. Walking through the historic cellars while learning about the family’s journey from wine merchants to highly regarded producers illustrated the dedication required to create wines of exceptional quality on such a small scale.
More Than Just Wine
Beyond the wineries themselves, Rioja offers a wealth of cultural and historical interest. The UNESCO-listed Monastery of Yuso provided a fascinating glimpse into the region’s heritage and its importance in the development of the Spanish language. Meanwhile, the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture demonstrated that wine is not simply an agricultural product here, but an integral part of the region’s history, art and identity.
The villages of Rioja also contribute significantly to the visitor experience. Places such as Laguardia and Briones are destinations in their own right, with their stone streets, historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Wandering through these communities between winery visits helps explain why Rioja remains one of Europe’s most rewarding wine regions to explore.
Why Rioja Continues to Captivate Wine Lovers
Perhaps the most striking impression from the tour was the sheer diversity found within a relatively small geographical area. From multi-generational family estates to pioneering biodynamic producers, from historic underground cellars to contemporary winemaking philosophies, Rioja offers an extraordinary range of experiences for anyone interested in wine.
For those who have only encountered Rioja through the wines on a shop shelf or restaurant list, a visit to the region on a Rioja wine tour provides a completely different perspective. Meeting the people behind the labels, walking through the vineyards and hearing the stories that shape each winery brings the wines to life in a way that no bottle alone ever can.
Rioja remains one of the world’s great wine regions, not because it stands still, but because it continues to balance tradition, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality. That combination makes it a destination that rewards repeat visits and always offers something new to discover.
Interested in experiencing Rioja for yourself? Discover our escorted Rioja Wine Tour and explore the wineries, villages and vineyards featured in this article.