Is transportation included from Bilbao?

Yes, the tour includes transport from the meeting point in Bilbao’s Abando district.

How many wines will we taste?

Participants taste at least seven different wines across two wineries.

Are meals included on the tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch featuring traditional Spanish delicacies is served at one of the wineries.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The tour is designed for all levels, whether new to wine tasting or experienced.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?

It’s best to inform Northern Spain Gastronomy in advance to accommodate dietary needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation details are provided directly by Northern Spain Gastronomy at booking.

Rioja Wine Tour & Picnic from Bilbao with Northern Spain Gastronomy | Guided Tour | Food Tour

Set against the rolling vineyards of Spain’s famed Rioja region, Northern Spain Gastronomy offers an immersive 8-hour journey that marries wine tasting with cultural discovery. Departing from Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66 in Bilbao’s Abando district, this tour ventures into the heart of Rioja’s landscape—a patchwork of chalky soils and gentle hills fostering some of Spain’s most celebrated wines. The region’s winemaking legacy stretches centuries, with vineyards shaping the terrain and enriching local traditions.

Your day unfolds through visits to two renowned wineries, where expert guides lead tastings spanning a minimum of seven wines. Each sip reveals distinct varietals and winemaking styles rooted in the unique terroir. Between tastings, a charming picnic lunch awaits, spotlighting classic Spanish fare like Iberian ham, tomato salad, and Spanish omelet—simple dishes that pair perfectly with the wines and the surroundings.

The itinerary includes time in Laguardia, a medieval village perched above the vineyards, offering panoramic views that overlook a landscape shaped by centuries of cultivation. Narrow cobblestone streets and ancient stone walls evoke the region’s deep past, enhancing the sensory experience of taste and sight.

Northern Spain Gastronomy distinguishes itself through its intimate integration of transport from Bilbao, expert knowledge of Rioja’s viticulture, and carefully curated food pairings, all crafted for visitors seeking a balanced cultural and outdoor adventure. This trip steps beyond typical wine tours by connecting travelers to the land and heritage behind every bottle. Whether you’re a wine novice or aficionado, this day trip rewards curiosity and palate alike, making it an essential encounter with one of Spain’s premier wine regions.

About Northern Spain Gastronomy

Northern Spain Gastronomy is a Bilbo-based tour operator specializing in curated food, wine and cultural experiences across the Basque Country, Rioja and Cantabria. From Bilbao as a launch point, the company organizes guided trips that showcase regional specialties such as Basque pintxos, Txuleta steak, Txakoli wines and traditional dishes like cocido montañes.

Highlights include private and guided visits: exclusive access to the Guggenheim Museum with certified guides; wine tours through Rioja visiting family wineries and landmark architecture; coastal excursions to Getaria and the cliffs of Zumaia; and full-day journeys to San Sebastian with cider-house lunches. Several itineraries combine tastings with scenic walks, medieval villages (Laguardia, Santillana del Mar, Comillas) and cultural landmarks including El Capricho and Castro Urdiales.

Meals and tastings are integrated into most itineraries, ranging from gourmet restaurant lunches to picnic spreads and multi-pintxo meals in Bilbao’s Old Town. Options explicitly listed include private winery visits, gourmet lunches, cheese farm tastings, and specialized Guggenheim tours.

Northern Spain Gastronomy operates from Bilbo, Euskadi, offering experiences that range from 1.5-hour private museum visits to full-day (up to nine-hour) excursions. The operator’s published itineraries emphasize local producers, regional wines and authentic Basque culinary traditions, presenting travelers with focused food-and-wine itineraries that connect culture, landscape and cuisine.

Published itineraries list fifteen distinct trips covering Basque wine regions, coastal landmarks, Rioja wineries, San Sebastian excursions and Cantabrian villages. Typical group sizes and booking details are available per itinerary; specific durations and inclusions vary by trip and are stated with each offering. See listings.