What are the wines like?
Red wine is the most characteristic product of Rioja Alavesa. Most of it is based on the Tempranillo grape. These wines have a bright, brilliant colour, a refined, intense bouquet and a fruity flavour, making them velvety and warm on the palate. The result is a balanced wine, which leaves you with a sensation you want to feel again.
Bodegas Ysios. Rioja Alavesa wine route
What I can find
Along with medieval wineries, you will also discover avant-garde art in buildings designed by world-famous architects: Bodegas Ysios, by Santiago Calatrava; the Wine City complex by Frank Gehry for Marqués de Riscal; and Bodegas Baigorri by Iñaki Aspiazu Iza, are a few examples.The Wine Museum in Laguardia will show you the rituals and history of wine in an enjoyable way.Wine therapy treatments in Elciego and Laguardia.Internationally renowned cuisine: the food of the Basque Country.Significant cultural heritage, particularly the historic quarter of Laguardia, ranging from Romanesque shrines and stately homes to archaeological sites, such as Poblado de la Hoya and the prehistoric dolmens in Elvillar/Bilar and Leza.Excursions to places such as the Pinar de Dueñas pine forest in Labraza and Urbasa Natural Park near Kripan to enjoy contact with nature.For more information, ask at any of the Tourist Offices.
Mobile phone photographing the door of a church. Rioja Alavesa wine route
How to get here
The Rioja Alavesa Wine Route is located in the Basque Country to the south of the province of Álava, next to La Rioja. The region’s capital is Laguardia, which lies 45 kilometres away from the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and 18 kilometres away from Logroño. The international airports of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao facilitate access by air. Road links are also excellent: from Madrid you can get there by the A-1 motorway (362 kilometres), and from Barcelona by the A-68 motorway (502 kilometres).Samaniego, Laguardia, Elciego and Labastida/Bastida are some of the towns that form part of this route. These are towns traditionally linked to the wine culture, which still preserve the charm of medieval villages nestled among vineyards. You will find more than fifty establishments that will allow you to get to know one of the Spanish wines with the greatest international prestige. You can even sleep among the vineyards, staying in old bodegas, hotels and historic buildings. Use the map on this page to see all the destinations on the Rioja Alvesa Wine Route.
Tourists taking a selfie. Rioja Alavesa wine route