If you love wine, beautiful landscapes, and a good storey, this is your kind of day. We’re heading to La Rioja, following the Ebro River through medieval villages, boutique wineries, and some of the best wine-tasting spots in Spain. And yes, there’s plenty of wine along the way.
First stop: A medieval village straight out of a storybook
Leaving San Sebastián, we drive south into Rioja Alavesa, where the landscape shifts from green hills to endless vineyards. Our first stop is one of the region’s most beautiful medieval villages, perched on a hill with narrow stone streets and an imposing church watching over the valley. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a postcard, and history is built into the walls.
Boutique winery visit – small, charming, and full of character
Wine time starts early here, and our first tasting is at a boutique winery where tradition and craftsmanship come together to create something special. We’ll explore the cellars, learn about winemaking from people who have been doing it for generations, and, of course, taste a selection of their finest wines.
Samaniego: More wine, more stories
Next, we stop in Samaniego, a small village that’s big on wine. Here, we visit a family-run winery that blends old-school techniques with modern innovation. The result? Seriously good wine. We’ll enjoy another tasting while hearing about how this family has kept their winemaking traditions alive for centuries.
Haro & the legendary wine district
Onward to Haro, the heart of La Rioja’s wine scene. This town is famous for its Barrio de la Estación, where wineries set up shop right next to the railway tracks back in the day to easily ship their barrels of wine across Spain and beyond. We’ll visit a century-old winery with deep roots in the region, sampling wines that range from classic Riojan reds to bold, modern blends.
Lunch: A feast to remember
By now, you’ll be feeling like a true wine connoisseur, and what better way to finish the day than with an incredible meal? We sit down at a family-run restaurant where traditional Riojan cuisine meets a modern twist.
After a day filled with history, stunning scenery, and top-notch wine, we head back to San Sebastián, relaxed, happy, and maybe even a little bit wiser about what makes La Rioja so special.
