Wine trail: a hike through the vineyards of La Rioja

Wine trail: a hike through the vineyards of La Rioja

April 11, 2025

La Rioja, a famous wine region in northern Spain, is a true paradise for wine and oenotourism lovers. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, and picturesque vineyard landscapes intertwine with avant-garde architecture. Our journey through the vineyards of La Rioja is not only a tasting of delicious wines, but also a fascinating lesson in wine history and culture. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will stimulate all your senses and leave you with indelible impressions. From traditional bodegas to ultra-modern wine complexes, La Rioja has something to offer for every wine lover, whether you are a novice enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur.

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From tradition to modernity -. The most interesting wineries of La Rioja

Our wine journey begins with a visit to the Winery - Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in Briones. This place is not just a winery, but a true wine education center. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, Vivanco offers a fascinating journey through the history of wine. Divided into 5 rooms, the museum showcases countless artifacts collected by the Vivanco family, including an impressive collection of more than 3,000 corkscrews. Visitors praise the interactive form of the exhibit and the passionate stories of the guides. This is an ideal place for families - children are sure to delight in the slide shaped like a bunch of grapes! The price of a visit is moderate, and wine tasting is often offered as part of the package.

The next stop is Bodegas Campo Viejo in Logroño. This modern winery, with an impressive 4.8 rating, impresses not only with the quality of its wines, but also with its architecture and location. The winery offers guided tours to learn about the details of winemaking and explore the impressive underground cellars. Visitors praise the professionalism of the guides and the opportunity to taste truly exceptional wines. Campo Viejo is known for its innovative approach to winemaking, combining traditional methods with modern technologies.

We can't leave out the traditional Bodegas Muga in Haro, one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region. With a rating of 4.6, Muga offers an authentic Riojan winemaking experience. It is one of the few remaining wineries that produce their own barrels, which adds a unique character to their wines. A visit to Muga is a trip back in time - you can see traditional winemaking methods and taste classic rioja. Prices are slightly higher than at other wineries, but the quality of the wines fully compensates for this.

Comparing the three wineries, we can see that each has its own unique character. Vivanco focuses on education and wine history, Campo Viejo focuses on modernity and innovation, and Muga represents tradition and authenticity. Visit prices vary, but all offer a quality experience. In terms of accessibility, Campo Viejo and Muga are easier to reach, being closer to major cities, while Vivanco requires a slightly longer trip. All three places are family-friendly, but Vivanco may be the most appealing to children due to its interactive displays.

Architectural pearls among the vineyards

The next stop on our wine trip is Bodegas Ysios in Laguardia - a true architectural gem among the vineyards of La Rioja. With a rating of 4.4, this avant-garde winery, designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, is a work of art in itself. The building blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape, creating an unforgettable visual experience. Guided tours offer not only quality wine tasting, but also the opportunity to admire the amazing architecture up close. Guests praise the professionalism of the guides and the opportunity to sample exclusive wines, which are usually not available in standard tastings. The price of the visit (about 50 euros) may seem high, but the quality of the experience fully compensates for this.

Speaking of architectural marvels, you can't leave out the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego. This luxury property, designed by Frank Gehry, is not just a hotel, but a true work of art. With a rating of 4.5, the hotel offers an unforgettable experience combining luxury, architecture and winemaking. Guests praise the unique design of the building, the comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the vineyards and the delicious cuisine in the hotel's restaurant. The hotel also offers tours of its own vineyard and wine tastings. Prices are high, but are in line with the luxury standard of the property.

Comparing Bodegas Ysios and Hotel Marqués de Riscal, we can see that both places focus on modern, avant-garde architecture, which is a tourist attraction in itself. Ysios focuses more on the wine experience, offering in-depth tours and tastings, while Marqués de Riscal offers an all-inclusive experience combining winemaking with a luxury stay.

Prices at both places are higher than at traditional wineries, but they offer a unique and luxurious experience instead. Bodegas Ysios may be a better choice for those who want to focus mainly on wine and architecture, while Hotel Marqués de Riscal is the ideal option for those looking for a luxury stay combined with winemaking.

The accessibility of both locations is good, although Hotel Marqués de Riscal, as a hotel property, offers more amenities for guests. Both locations are family-friendly, but Hotel Marqués de Riscal may be more suitable for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

It's worth noting that both locations offer unforgettable views of the surrounding vineyards and Sierra de Cantabria mountains, adding even more charm to your visit. Both Bodegas Ysios and Hotel Marqués de Riscal represent the new face of La Rioja - a region that respects tradition but is not afraid of modernity and innovation.

Summary of a wine tour of La Rioja

Our journey through the vineyards of La Rioja is a fascinating adventure that combines tasting delicious wines, admiring spectacular architecture and immersing ourselves in the region's rich wine culture. Each of the vineyards we visit offers a unique experience that will live long in the memory.

Winery - Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in Briones is the perfect place for those who want to explore the history and culture of wine. With interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of artifacts, this is a great place for both adults and children. It's a great starting point for our wine journey, offering a solid foundation of wine knowledge.

Bodegas Campo Viejo in Logroño represents the modern face of La Rioja. Its impressive architecture, advanced winemaking technologies and professional tasting tours make it a must-visit for any wine lover. This place shows how tradition can coexist harmoniously with innovation.

For those who value authenticity and tradition, Bodegas Muga in Haro is a must-stop. This family-owned winery offers a journey back in time, showcasing traditional winemaking methods, including making your own barrels. It's a place where you can truly feel the spirit of Riojan winemaking.

Bodegas Ysios in Laguardia is an architectural marvel that delights not only wine lovers, but also design enthusiasts. The spectacular building designed by Santiago Calatrava, combined with high-quality wines, creates an unforgettable experience. This is the perfect place for those who are looking for something special and are willing to pay more for a unique experience.

Finally, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego is the quintessential example of luxury and modernity in the world of wine. This architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry offers not only fine wines, but also a luxurious stay and excellent cuisine. It's the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway or for those who want to end their wine journey in style.

Comparing all the places we visited, we can see that each has its own unique character and offerings. Prices range from moderate in Vivanco and Campo Viejo to higher in Muga, Ysios and Marqués de Riscal. Accessibility is generally good, although some places, like Ysios and Marqués de Riscal, may require advance reservations.

All in all, La Rioja offers an incredibly diverse wine experience, from traditional bodegas to ultra-modern complexes. Whether you are a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, the region has something to offer for everyone. Remember, however, that the true beauty of La Rioja lies not only in the wine itself, but also in the hospitality of the locals, the picturesque landscapes and the rich culture. All of this makes a trip along the wine route in La Rioja an unforgettable adventure that will live long in the memory.

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