When a wine region has not one, but two wineries featured in the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 ranking, you know it’s something special. And when one of them takes the top spot as the best vineyard in the world? Well, that’s when you book your Rioja wine tasting experience.
Centuries of winemaking tradition blend with cutting-edge innovation, and thousands of bottles of the finest wine await uncorking in Rioja Alavesa. Get ready to raise your glass, and savor every sip (responsibly, of course) like a true connoisseur.
Rioja Ala… what? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our top 5 Rioja wine tasting experiences, handpicked from over 220 wineries scattered across the region, so you can go straight to the good stuff.
Rioja Wine Tasting – Qualified Designation of Origin (QDO)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each winery, let’s talk a bit about what makes Rioja Alavesa so special. All of the wineries we’ll highlight in this post are part of the Qualified Designation of Origin (QDO) of Rioja. What does that mean, you ask? It’s the official recognition of the wine’s origin and quality.
The QDO certification ensures that the wine you’re sipping comes from a region with centuries-old traditions and strict quality standards. So when you’re indulging in a Rioja wine tasting, rest assured that you’re experiencing some of the finest wines in the world, crafted with passion and expertise.
Best Wineries for Rioja Wine Tasting
Rioja Wine Tasting at Marqués de Riscal
If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of Rioja wine tasting, look no further than Marqués de Riscal. Not only is this winery a historic gem, but it was crowned Best Vineyard in the World and Best Vineyard in Europe 2024 at the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards awards, as we mentioned earlier. Surprise revealed—I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Located in Elciego, Marqués de Riscal is the oldest winemaking company in Álava (dating back to 1858), and it has earned a reputation for producing exceptional wines. The stunning architecture of the winery—designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, also the architect of the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao—adds a modern twist to the historic surroundings. But it’s not just the architecture and the luxury hotel; the wines are world-class, and the whole experience is unforgettable.
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine tasting experience is “Visit Marqués de Riscal 3“.
Wine Tasting Experience at Ysios
Next up, we have Ysios, which may just be one of the most architecturally stunning wineries in all of Rioja Alavesa. Designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the winery’s undulating roof almost looks like a work of art—perhaps even a modern-day cathedral dedicated to wine. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, Ysios is part of the so-called Golden Mile of Rioja Alavesa, a stretch of land home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the region.
If you appreciate both art and wine, this winery is made for you. But if you’re just a wine lover… well, this place is for you too. Irresistibly delicious. Ysios is the other winery on the World’s Best Vineyards list, claiming an impressive fourth place!
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine tasting experience is “Architreasures Trail“.
Stellar Marriage at Bodegas Valdelana
For a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience, Bodegas Valdelana is the place to be. This family-run winery offers one of the most unique wine tasting experiences in Rioja Alavesa. Imagine being high on a hill in the Jardín de las Variedades, surrounded by vines and stunning Riojan views. The winery even has a hilltop swing for Instagram-worthy photos while you sip on fine wines.
Bodegas Valdelana offers a Stellar Marriage experience, combining wine and stargazing in one unforgettable evening. Isn’t that super cool? This activity was recently awarded the Best of Wine Tourism in the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences category. Honestly, the winery is the perfect mix of innovation and tradition.
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine tasting experience is, of course, “Stellar Marriage“.
Gravity Experience at Bodegas Baigorri
Using the force of gravity as its star player, Bodegas Baigorri takes winemaking to a whole new level. This innovative winery in Samaniego follows a vertical process where grapes are handpicked and transported without pumps, preserving their natural integrity. From the top of the stunning glass building, witness the winemaking process unfold with a bird’s-eye view.
Nestled under the Sierra de Cantabria, the winery’s design seamlessly blends into the landscape, providing panoramic vistas of the vineyards and the Ebro River. It’s the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the art of winemaking and, of course, to taste some of the best wines of the region.
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine tasting experience is the “Guided Tour + Tasting Menu“.
Rioja Wine Tasting at Bodegas Izadi
In the heart of Villabuena de Álava, the town with the most wineries per capita in the world, lies Bodegas Izadi. Founded in 1987, this winery stands out for its perfect blend of modern winemaking techniques and a deep respect for the land.
Izadi’s wines have earned global recognition, including a spot on Wine & Spirits’ prestigious list of the world’s top 100 wineries. The Izadi Selección was also chosen as the official wine for the 2025 Michelin Guide ceremony in the UK and Ireland.
For a truly immersive experience, explore the picturesque Rioja Alavesa on an electric bike ride to Finca El Regalo, a 1936 vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a unique wine experience.
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine tasting experience is the “El Regalo vineyard by e-bike“.
Our Bonus Recommendation: Marqués de Murrieta
Fine, Marqués de Murrieta isn’t technically part of Rioja Alavesa, but we love this wine so much that we couldn’t leave it off the list. While the winery is located in Rioja Alta, once you taste their wines, you’ll quickly agree that great wine knows no boundaries.
Founded in 1852, Marqués de Murrieta is one of the region’s most historic wineries, renowned for producing some of Rioja’s most iconic wines. Their flagship, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva, is a true masterpiece, aged to perfection and rich in character. The winery, set in a beautiful estate with stunning views, offers a tasting experience. It perfectly blends history with modern Rioja. Trust us, this place is a must-visit.
🍷 Our recommended Rioja wine (and food) tasting experience is “Gourmet Menu Tasting of 4 Wines“.
Map of Wineries for Rioja Wine Tasting
Here’s a map to guide you through Rioja Alavesa, making your wine-tasting adventure easier and more enjoyable.
We hope you enjoy our top 5 Rioja wine tasting recommendations in Rioja Alavesa as much as we did. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.