Curator’s statement
Rioja is rich with superior wineries to visit and food that you can't stop eating. The landscape is so easy to appreciate as you're tasting one of the many wineries Rioja has to offer. Rent a car, drive around, and taste some of the best wine in the world.
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Where to stay in Rioja
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Things to do in Rioja
A trip to Spain must include a visit to Rioja. The landscape is beautiful, and the terroir offers delicious wine. Start in Barcelona and rent a car. Driving from Barcelona to Rioja is like being in a movie and seeing all the secret, untouched old towns in the countryside.
Where to Stay:
When visiting Rioja, I recommend staying in the small town of Haro. It offers a local/less touristy feel.
Where to Taste:
Bodegas Beronia
It’s a neat experience to visit their underground cellar where monks chant to the wine to enhance the aging process.
Marques de Riscal
This winery also has a hotel on site, designed by Frank O. Gehry, one of the world’s top architects. Tour the winery, walk through the vineyard, and don’t leave before your photo op in front of the unique architecture.
Bodegas Baigorri
Plan on spending an afternoon here. This modern-style winery bases its entire winemaking process on gravity. They do not believe in any kind of mechanical lifting and letting the wine flow naturally from top to bottom. After your tour and tasting, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the winery’s restaurant. The food here is designed around the wine and offers beautiful views of the vineyard.
Where to Eat:
In the town of Haro, order the lamb at Terete. It has been operated by the same family for three generations and gives you a very local experience.
Restaurante Beethoven I is classic Rioja, rustic, and casual. Everything on the menu will pair well with local wine.
It’s best to visit 1-2 wineries per day, depending on your style of pace. This wine region is picturesque, and the best way to appreciate it is slowly.
Places to eat & drink in Rioja
Travel Advisor
Kathryn Jones
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain.