Private Rioja wine tour

Enjoy a private wine tour through Spain’s celebrated Rioja region, blending intimate family-run bodegas with renowned larger wineries. Travel through rolling vineyards, learn about Rioja’s winemaking traditions, and sample a range of elegant reds and whites. The experience also includes time in the medieval village of Laguardia, where cobbled streets, panoramic views, and local charm complete a relaxed, authentic day of wine, culture, and scenery. 🍷

Here’s a clear, practical overview of Rioja wines 🍷

🌍 What Is Rioja?
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, located in the north of the country along the Ebro River. It has Spain’s highest classification:
DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) — meaning consistently high quality.
Rioja is best known for elegant, oak-aged red wines, though it also produces whites and rosés.

🍇 Main Grape Varieties
Reds
Tempranillo – the star grape (cherry, plum, leather, spice)
Garnacha (Grenache) – adds body and warmth
Graciano – acidity and aromatics
Mazuelo (Carignan) – structure and color
Whites
Viura (Macabeo) – fresh, citrus, floral
Malvasía
Garnacha Blanca
Tempranillo Blanco

🗺 Rioja Sub-Regions
Rioja Alta
Cooler climate
Elegant, fresh, long-aging wines
Rioja Alavesa
High altitude
Aromatic, refined, bright acidity
Rioja Oriental (formerly Baja)
Warmer
Riper, fuller, higher alcohol wines

🕰 Aging Classifications (Very Important in Rioja)
Rioja is famous for labeling wines by oak aging:
Style
Aging Requirement
Character
Joven
Little/no oak
Fresh, fruity
Crianza
2 years total, 1 in oak
Balanced, classic
Reserva
3 years total, 1 in oak
More complex
Gran Reserva
5 years total, 2 in oak
Elegant, mature
Many producers also specify French vs American oak, which affects flavor:
American oak → vanilla, coconut, dill
French oak → spice, toast, cedar

🍒 Flavor Profile (Typical Rioja Red)
Expect:
Red cherry & plum
Vanilla, tobacco, leather
Baking spice
Medium body
Smooth tannins
Good acidity
Whites tend to show:
Citrus, pear, almond
Sometimes creamy from barrel aging

🍽 Food Pairing
Great with:
Grilled lamb
Jamón ibérico
Roast chicken
Mushroom dishes
Aged cheeses

💡 Why Rioja Is Popular
Excellent value
Food-friendly
Consistent quality
Styles range from fresh to long-aged collectors’ wines

🥂 Quick Buying Tips
Everyday: Crianza
Special dinner: Reserva
Cellaring: Gran Reserva
Fresh & modern: Look for single-vineyard or “Viñedo Singular”

If you want, tell me:
Are you buying, studying, or tasting Rioja?
Prefer classic or modern styles?
Red, white, or rosé?