Private Rioja History & Wine Experience, San Sebastián

Visit two of Rioja's famous wineries and the historic town of Laguardia on this private day trip from San Sebastián. You'll start by visiting the Marques del Riscal winery, an architectural marvel, followed by a trip to a 15th-century estate with underground wine caves. At each vineyard, you'll enjoy a wine-tasting session with an expert guide. Conclude your journey with more wine and pintxos (small Spanish dishes) in the medieval town of Laguardia before returning to San Sebastián.

Your journey to Rioja, one of Spain's most famous wine regions, begins with a hotel pickup from San Sebastián. Travel two hours south with your private guide in a comfy, air-conditioned vehicle, enjoying views of the area's rolling countryside grooved with vineyards. Rioja's wine history dates back to Roman times, and the region is now home to over 500 wineries thanks to its climate and fertile soil. Rioja is Spain's oldest Designation of Origin (DO), which was established in 1925.

Your first stop is Marques del Riscal winery, designed by the same architect behind the Mueso Guggenheim, Frank Gehry. Admire the building's distinctive curved, titanium-and-steel structure, reminiscent of Gehry's other famous works. Here, the owners will take you on a walk through the vineyards, teaching you how their signature varieties are produced, concluding with a wine-tasting session. 

Next, you'll continue to one of the area's oldest estates, a 15th-century vineyard with wine caves and cellars over 26 feet (8 m) below the ground. Meet the resident viticulturists and explore the facilities to learn about the entire wine production process, from vine to bottle. End with a second wine tasting guided by your expert sommelier. 

Afterward, your driver will continue to Laguardia, a medieval walled town set on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards and the Cantabrian Mountains. Take a walk through this atmospheric town, which was founded in the 10th century during the kingdom of Navarra, with defensive tunnels built into the hillside, which are now primarily used as wine cellars. Interesting sites in Laguardia include the Iglesia de San Juan and Plaza Nueva in front of the Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes.

Your guide will take you to a popular eatery in town, where you'll savor a light lunch of regional cuisine. Enjoy three wines accompanied by three typical pintxos, such as tortilla (Spanish omelet) and patatas bravas (fried potato). Afterward, it's time to return to San Sebastián, where your guide will drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your day trip to a close.