Since pre-Roman times, La Rioja has been known for its wine. With its rich soil, ocean moisture, and sun, the region offers perfect conditions to grow high quality grapes. Here, you can find world-class wines at astonishing prices. The wine is a perfect accompaniment to the cuisine of this area…hearty country fare based on the freshest of ingredients. The cooking is simple and delicious, leaving plenty of time to enjoy wine and friends.
During this exceptional wine tour we will taste some of the most sophisticated and celebrated wines, visiting wineries which are world famous and others which are special for their historic and cultural value, dating back to the 1890's. The journey will offer you the opportunity to witness for yourself the old tradition of winemaking, along with the latest techniques and also to enrich your knowledge of Spanish wines during turotred tastings. All this set amongst the background of medieval villages and breathtaking scenery, along with gourmet meals at some of the country's best restaurants.
Accommodations for the week are in our selected "wine" hotel, which make the gourmet experience even more unique. Located in Laguardia, in a completely preserved medieval town, you will stay in a five star hotel with spectacular views of the vineyards.
Transfer from Madrid Airport to our luxurious five star wine hotel in the magical medieval town of Laguardia. Briefing of the trip over an aperitif and our first toast of wine followed by a Gourmet dinner.
Visit the “centro temático del vino” a lovely villa with a wine museum and where we will have an interesting introductory wine tasting class, including different aged and vintage wines from la Rioja, accompanied with some typical regional products.
Lunch will be at one of the best restaurants in Laguardia, with spectacular views of the vineyards.
Visit to the Dinastía Vivanco Museum of the Culture of Wine, located in Briones. Here we will discover how wine is made, the work of the coopers and bottle makers, methods of storing and transporting wine, the history of wine and the wines of the world, and, above all, the vast cultural legacy which wine has inspired all over the world, from the ancient Egyptians to modern Picassos.
Today we will enjoy a fabulous wine activity right in the vineyards . We will learn about the winemaking process at first hand with the agriculture and we will participate
in some activities depending on the season. After we will visit an ancient winery to taste its wine as well as the typical Spanish sweet liqueur “Patxarán” along with tapa as an aperitivo before lunch.
Lunch will be at a renowned restaurant.
Rest of the afternoon free for you to explore this fascinating region.
Today we will visit one of the many century-old wineries that exist in the region and taste the legendary Rioja wine.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at our exquisite hotel restaurant.
In the afternoon we will have the chance to enjoy a guided tour in Laguardia ending up with a visit to a stunning XIIth century cellar,one of the many they have underneath the town. A tasting tutored by a professional will follow.
Today we will drive through spectacular La Rioja wine countryside before reaching San Millán de la Cogolla, home of the monasteries of Suso and Yuso and birthplace of Castilian language. On the way to San Millán we will pass through Berceo, birthplace of Gonzalo de Berceo, the first poet in the Spanish language .
Then we will continue to a charming mountainous village where we will enjoy a creative lunch at one of the best restaurants in the region,
(Michelin star ). The day ends back in Santo Domingo de La Calzada with its famous 13th century cathedral, where you will see the tomb of the saint and a chicken coop right inside the church! Ask about the miracle of the cock and the hen and you will find out why.
Back to Laguardia. Evening free.
Today we will visit a famous winery, known not only for the quality of its wine but for its fascinating architecture. We will taste two of its magnificent wines.
After this fabulous experience we will enjoy a farewell traditional dinner in a cellar. You won't want to miss the lamb chops grilled over vine twigs or potatoes with chorizo sausages, typical Rioja cuisine which can be enjoyed in some bodegas¡
Remainder of the afternoon free.
Savour your last Spanish breakfast. Check out and transfer to airport.
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