Rioja Icons: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios Wine Tour from Bilbao

Experience Rioja through its most iconic wineries, world famous architecture and timeless villages on this full day small group wine journey from Bilbao, guided entirely in English. Begin at Marqués de Riscal, one of Spain’s most celebrated wineries, where you will enjoy a complete guided visit inside the estate, discovering both its winemaking traditions and the extraordinary design that made it an international landmark. Be aware that visits are organised directly by the estate and in peak season may take place in groups of up to approximately 20 guests. Continue into the heart of Rioja to the striking Ysios winery, admired for its dramatic architecture set against the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Here you will enjoy a carefully selected wine tasting experience showcasing the elegant character of the newer style of Rioja wines. Along the way, stroll through one of Rioja’s charming medieval villages and relax over a traditional tapas lunch included as part of the day.

Itinerary

1. The tour starts from Bilbao and includes a scenic drive along the dramatic ridge of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains on our way to the Rioja wine region — a beautiful journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. Marqués de Riscal is one of Rioja’s most historic and influential wineries, founded in 1858 and known for combining tradition with bold innovation. Its wines helped put Rioja on the world map, and today the estate is instantly recognisable thanks to the spectacular titanium-and-steel hotel designed by Frank Gehry. During your complete guided visit, you’ll explore one of the region’s pioneering wineries, learn about its winemaking legacy and enjoy a tasting of some of their emblematic wines. (1h 30min) Admission included
3. Our next stop is Ysios Winery, one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the world. Designed by the celebrated Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the building sits dramatically at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, its long, undulating roof mirroring the mountain range behind it. Calatrava — known for his sculptural, light-filled works across the world — created Ysios as a kind of “temple to wine,” combining engineering precision with graceful, wave-like forms. Here we will enjoy a tasting of 2 to 3 wines while admiring the winery both inside and outside. The exterior plays with rhythm, curves and changing light, while the interior offers a calm, linear space designed to showcase the winemaking process and the ageing rooms. (1h 15min) Admission included
4. We will also visit a medieval village in Rioja, with its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and quietly charming squares. Here you’ll enjoy a tapas lunch, included in the tour price — a relaxed way to taste regional bites while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic setting. (1h 0min)

Meeting & end point