Fall in Love with La Rioja in 3 Days — Spain’s Wine Country

If you get to La Rioja by car, you will be awe-struck by the abundance of vineyards you’ll see along the road. Take it in and realize that throughout this stunning region, this is the prevailing sight. Amazing!

I suggest you spend some time relaxing in your hotel. I stayed at Hotel Viura, where every aspect was a delight: the wine-evoking decoration, the panoramic town vistas from the rooftop and the exceptional care the staff provided to each guest. Nestled in a quaint medieval town, this boutique hotel exudes the charm reminiscent of scenes from classic European films.

As the sun begins to set, head to a nearby bar and embark on a wine-tasting journey led by your instincts. Don’t overthink it. Just ask the server to suggest something based on your liking and go with it! I went to the hotel’s cava and it just kept surprising me. Prepare for a delightful exploration of learning and savoring a variety of wines.

Then enjoy your dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, where the entire ceiling is adorned with wine barrels. Don’t miss the croquetas and some more wine.

This day can be all about wine education. So, I suggest you start the day with a morning tour and tasting at Marqués de Riscal, a winery that preserves Spanish heritage and tradition while crafting exceptional wines in Elciego. Plus, in the early 2000s, the winery gained international attention by introducing modern architectural designs. The addition of the City of Wine complex, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, transformed the winery into an iconic and unique destination for wine enthusiasts.

Once you finish the tour and the guided tasting that you will have with some “aperitivo” (a tray of dried meats and cheeses), head to one of the Hotel Marqués de Riscal’s restaurants for lunch and savor Spanish food.

Later in the day, go for your second tour and tasting. I suggest you visit Vivanco, where you can explore their wine museum before or after the tour. I did it before the tour and I was captivated by the experience. Even with just an hour, you'll be fascinated by the rich history of wine, the evolution of winemaking tools, interactive exhibits and more.

Once you start the tour, you will get to see the grape fields and the wine-making process and conclude the experience with a guided tasting. Afterward, don't miss their wine bar, where you can indulge in additional wines not included in the tasting. I highly recommend trying their Late Harvest; it's an outstanding wine, exceptionally unique, with rich flavors and delightful sweetness.

If you're interested in purchasing wine-related tools or accessories, this is the perfect place to do so!

In the evening, make your way to Logroño, the primary town in La Rioja, and treat yourself to some delicious tapas. Whether it's Patatas bravas, Croquetas de Serrano or any other choice, remember not to overanalyze it!

One of the wonderful aspects of Spain is that everything is incredible and bursting with flavor. Embrace their culture and simply go with the flow.

On your final day in La Rioja, kickstart your morning with a visit to Roda, a charming and distinctive winery. While their facilities may be smaller compared to the ones you explored the day before, they are fully equipped to create exceptional small-batch wines. Roda has gained recognition for crafting single vineyard wines, including their renowned "Cirsion" wine, meticulously sourced from a specific vineyard plot. After the tour, you'll have the pleasure of sampling a selection of their wines, along with a complimentary tasting of the olive oils produced by the company.

Take a leisurely drive through the region, allowing yourself to soak in the picturesque vineyards. For lunch, go to La Vieja Bodega in Casalarreina. This charming restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 17th-century house, where it excels in offering regional specialties made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as Rioja-style lamb, chorizo and various tapas. It also has an extensive wine menu.

In the afternoon, visit Cune (CVNE - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), a winery that has a long and storied history dating back to its founding in 1879. The winery's cellars and buildings are architecturally impressive, with elements designed by the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. The combination of history and architectural beauty creates a unique atmosphere