Discovering Rioja
Monday 26th October – Thursday 29th October 2026
At the end of October, we’ll embark on an intimate journey to Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated fine wine region, to see how tradition and modernity converge through the lens of Tempranillo.
Stretching along the River Ebro and framed by the Sierra de Cantabria, today, Rioja offers a wide diversity of styles. Taking in its varied sub-regions – Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental – we will discover everything from classically aged Reservas shaped by time in oak to contemporary, site-driven expressions. Over four days, Members will explore historic cellars, progressive estates and the cultural fabric that underpins Rioja’s global reputation.
Across the itinerary, Members will be welcomed by some of the region’s most respected producers, among them Artadi, CVNE, Bodegas Conde de los Andes, Miguel Merino, La Rioja Alta, Finca Allende and Remelluri. Alongside private tastings, we will enjoy a curated culinary programme, from traditional Riojan fare to more contemporary interpretations.
ACCOMMODATION
Members will stay at the historic Hotel Los Agustinos in Haro – the heart of Rioja Alta. Set within a former 14th-century convent, the hotel is perfectly positioned within walking distance of the Barrio de la Estación – the railway station that acted as a hub for the region’s original producers – providing an ideal base for the journey.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Monday 26th October 2026
– The journey begins in Bilbao, where Members are welcomed by a 67 host and our tour guide Beth Willard, and transferred to Rioja.
– We commence with a visit to Bodegas Conde de los Andes, where, over a leisurely lunch in their historic underground cellars, Members will be introduced to the breadth of Rioja’s expression via a selection of whites and rosés through to structured, age-worthy reds.
– We then continue to Haro for check-in at Hotel Los Agustinos, followed by a guided tasting led by your host for an overview of Rioja’s stylistic spectrum, before dinner paired with a selection of wines from both traditional and emerging producers.
Day 2 – Tuesday 27th October 2026
– We begin the day in Briones with a visit to Miguel Merino, a small yet highly regarded producer working across a mosaic of old-vine parcels.
– We then continue to the highly acclaimed Artadi in Rioja Alavesa, a pioneering estate centred on single-vineyard expression and organic, biodynamic viticulture for a tasting and lunch.
– The afternoon allows time at leisure in the medieval village of Laguardia, where cobbled streets, subterranean cellars and expansive views provide a sense of place and history.
– In the evening, we’ll visit La Rioja Alta, one of the region’s benchmark estates, renowned for its long-aged Reservas, before a relaxed, tapas-style dinner in a local setting.
Day 3 – Wednesday 28th October 2026
– The morning opens at Finca Allende, owned by brother & sister Mercedes and Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, whose wine is notable for marrying traditional grape varieties with new French (rather than American) oak.
– We then continue to Remelluri, a historic estate set beneath the Sierra de Cantabria, for a tasting and lunch. Founded in 14th century by monks, Remelluri was the first single estate vineyard in Rioja.
– The afternoon is taken at leisure in Haro – Rioja’s historic wine capital – with time to explore the Barrio de la Estación or enjoy the town’s cafés and wine bars.
– We’ll end the day with a tasting and dinner at CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), one of Rioja’s most classic estates. Founded in 1879, the house balances its tradition with early innovation, notably by pioneering gravity-fed winemaking in Spain.
Day 4 – Thursday 29th October 2026
– Our final day begins with a visit to one of Rioja’s leading names – a fitting farewell – whose identity we’ll keep as a surprise for now, before we depart north to Bilbao for a closing lunch at one of the city’s leading restaurants. Over its renowned dry-aged steaks, we’ll enjoy the final selection of wines followed by a transport back to the airport.
MEET OUR HOST
Our host across these four days will be Beth Willard, a highly respected authority on Spanish wines. Based in Spain, Beth is a prominent figure within the industry, leading tastings and presentations in both English and Spanish. Beth collaborates closely with Tim Atkin MW on his annual reports, covering Spain’s key wine regions and producers. A contributing writer to Decanter, she is widely recognised for her expertise and has served as Regional Chair at the Decanter World Wine Awards. She is also a member of Spain’s prestigious Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.
Tour price per person
Double occupancy: £4,265
Sole occupancy of double room: £4,415
What’s included
Three nights at Hotel Los Agustinos, including breakfast
All meals, wine pairings and tastings as per itinerary
Transfers between all locations in a private coach
Guided tours, seminars and exclusive events
What’s not included
Flights, travel insurance and baggage insurance
Hotel extras and additional wines not listed in the programme
Optional gratuities for guides, drivers and restaurants
You may wish to extend your trip, either before or after our tour, with a couple of days in Bilbao – a city that has undergone a real renaissance since the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum opened on the banks of the River Nervión. The traditional narrow streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town) are lined with pintxos bars as well as superb fish restaurants, while the Funicular de Artxanda offers fantastic views. For further recommendations and insights into Bilbao-based activities and accommodation, please contact [email protected].