Main image of Bodega Gil Berzal (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Álava) Book Winery Visit

Bodega Gil Berzal
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

Provides 2 wine tastings and winery visit from €40.00
Bodega Gil Berzal is a family-run winery nestled in the historic village of Laguardia, in the heart of the Basque Country. Brothers Saúl and Benjamín Gil Berzal represent the fifth generation of dedicated winegrowers and winemakers, continuing a legacy that began over a century ago. Deeply rooted in tradition and driven by a passion for their land, they have inherited not only knowledge but also a profound respect for the vineyard and its rhythms. The entire estate is 100% organically farmed, reflecting the family’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and authenticity. Rejecting conventions and dogma, their mission is to craft wines most naturally and honestly as possible, allowing the unique character of their terroir to shine through in every bottle.
Main image of Bodegas Izadi (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Álava) Book Winery Visit

Bodegas Izadi
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

Provides 2 wine tastings and winery visit from €25.00
Bodegas Izadi nace en 1987 de la mano de Gonzalo Antón, quien, junto a un conjunto de amigos y empresarios vitorianos, crea un proyecto innovador en el corazón de Rioja Alavesa. Villabuena de Álava, where part of the family was already linked to the world of viticulture, was the chosen village to build an innovative winery focused on producing high-quality wines. Gonzalo Antón's vast knowledge of hospitality and catering led him to conceive a wine, Izadi, which soon became one of the most appreciated in the gastronomic world. At the same time, the incorporation of new winemaking techniques and his constant drive for improvement helped create a unique style that has been consolidated over time. In the year 2000, the incorporation of his son, Lalo Antón, into the business boosted international sales and led to the company's expansion. Under the name Artevino, the company took on new projects, including Finca Villacreces (D.O. Ribera del Duero), Bodegas Vetus (D.O. Toro), and Orben (D.O.Ca. Rioja). The commitment to quality, the connection to gastronomy, and the deep attachment to the land are the foundational pillars of Bodegas Izadi.
Main image of Bodegas Vallobera (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Álava) Book Winery Visit

Bodegas Vallobera
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

Provides 1 wine tasting and winery visit from €30.00
Bodegas Vallobera is the result of all the love, hard work, patience, and courage put together in a personal dream of creating absolutely unique wines. The project of Bodegas Vallobera was started over twenty-five years ago in 1992 by Javier San Pedro Randez, descendent of vine grower. Javier along with Ana Ortega gave the wings to their family winery whose dream was to achieve and distribute quality wine. Thus, Javier was the first one in the San Pedro family to bottle the wines made with the family’s tradition. The first batch of wines that were commercialized was made in the classic Rioja Alavesa way but from 1994, the winery started aging around 100 casks of their first vintages. The vineyards of Bodegas Vallobera lie nearly exclusively in the Rioja Alavesa subzone, in the shade of the Sierra de Cantabria, which shelters them from the ravages of northern storms. The vines are at an altitude from 500 to 700 meters above sea level and seek a higher quality of grapes than quantity. The main grape varieties grown in the Vallobera vines are Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha,  Viura, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc. Vallobera is well represented with its famous wines that have earned them recognition all over the world with prestigious awards and accolades.
Main image of Bodegas1808 - Casa Garabitero (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Álava) Book Winery Visit

Bodegas1808 - Casa Garabitero
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

5 (2 Reviews)
Provides 2 wine tastings and winery visit from €35.00
In the Southern Basque Country, surrounded by vineyards and small lakes, the medieval town of Laguardia rises on a fortifiled hill. Cars are not allowed in the town as it riddled with two hundred caves underneath the surface where, even nowadays, some of the best wines of Rioja Alavesa are kept.  In one of these caves, six metres below the surface, the Martinez family began their wine enterprise in age 16th century. From the 19th century onwards, Perfecto Martinez strarts a new project which, over five generations, has managed to respect tradition and which keeps on producing wines representative of their enviroment as an identity sign.  In 2002 the last generation shift take place, which implies a new wine project based on a human team that wants to adapt to new times without giving up their ancestral identity sings. 
Main image of Tobelos Bodegas Y Viñedos (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa)

Tobelos Bodegas Y Viñedos
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

4 (1 Review)
Tobelos Bodegas is located in Briñas, La Rioja, perched on a steep slope overlooking the Ebro River, with stunning views of Conchas de Haro and Peñas de Biliblio. The winery sources grapes from over 20-year-old vines in the Sonsierra region, near the Sierra de Cantabria, with small and challenging-to-access plots. Among its most notable vineyards are Mocotero, surrounding the winery, and Los Quiñones, with vines over 70 years old. This historical area includes remnants of an 11th-12th century necropolis and hermitage, adding a rich cultural layer to the estate.  
Main image of Bodegas Palacio (Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Álava)

Bodegas Palacio
(Winery in Rioja Alavesa)

At the foot of Laguardia, between the Sierra de Cantabria and the sinuous course of the Ebro, Bodegas Palacio keeps the dynamic spirit of its origins alive, the moment in 1894 when Cosme Palacio took charge of his family’s winery. Here the treasure lies in the vines. Protected by the imposing rocks of the Sierra Cantabria Mountains, Tempranillo and Viura vines find their ideal conditions here. High altitude, chalky-clay soils, south facing, a unique microclimate with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. A great potential for finesse, nurtured with the utmost care.

More information on Rioja Alavesa

Rioja Alavesa is a wine-producing region located in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. Its history dates back to the Roman era, and it has been a renowned wine-producing area since the 19th century. The region's wineries are known for their high-quality red wines, which are made primarily from the Tempranillo grape variety. Rioja Alavesa's vineyards are spread over a range of altitudes, from 300 to 800 meters above sea level, offering a unique location for wine tastings.

Rioja Alavesa is a popular destination for wine tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world. The region offers a variety of wine tours, which allow visitors to explore the vineyards, wineries, and cellars of the area's top producers. Many of these tours include wine tastings, where visitors can sample some of the region's most celebrated wines. The wine tourism industry in Rioja Alavesa is well-established, with many hotels and restaurants catering to wine-loving visitors.

Which food to taste in Rioja Alavesa?

The cuisine of Rioja Alavesa is as rich and diverse as its wines. The region is renowned for its lamb dishes, which are often slow-cooked over an open flame. Other local specialties include pintxos, a type of Basque tapa, and bacalao al pil pil, a dish made with cod in a garlic and olive oil sauce. Rioja Alavesa's cuisine is heavily influenced by its Basque heritage, and many of its restaurants serve traditional Basque dishes.

Which wines to taste in Rioja Alavesa?

The primary grape variety grown in Rioja Alavesa is Tempranillo, which is used by wineries to produce the region's renowned red wines. Other grape varieties grown in the region include Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The wines of Rioja Alavesa are known for their complexity and balance, with flavors ranging from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy, which wine lovers will be able to enjoy during wine tastings.

Which is the best season to visit Rioja Alavesa?

The best time to visit Rioja Alavesa is in the fall, when the grapes are harvested and the wineries are busy with the wine-making process. The months of September and October are particularly popular, as many wineries host special events and harvest festivals during this time, along with wine tours and wine tastings. The weather is mild and sunny in the fall, making it a pleasant time to explore the region's vineyards and countryside.

What things to do in Rioja Alavesa?

In addition to visiting wineries and vineyards, and taking part in wine tours and wine tastings, there are many other attractions to see in Rioja Alavesa. The region is home to several historic towns, including Laguardia, which is known for its medieval walls and underground wine cellars. Other popular attractions include the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz, a beautiful Romanesque church, and the Elciego Castle, a 16th-century fortress that now houses a winery. The region is also popular for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards.