A Taste of Spain | The Rioja Alavesa Wine Route

The Rioja Alavesa region, located in the Basque Country (in northern Spain), produces some of the famous Rioja wines. Thanks to its geographical location between the River Ebro and the Cantabria mountain range, this territory has an exceptional microclimate for cultivating grapevines.

Red wine is the most characteristic product of this area, and most of it is based on the Tempranillo grape. These wines have a bright, brilliant colour, an intense but refined aroma and a fruity flavour, making them velvety and warm on the palate.

On the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route, you will be able to taste a wide range of wines, from those aged in Medieval caves to vintages produced in the most state-of-the-art wineries.

Rioja Alavesa Wine Route is one of many wine routes in Spain. The hilltop town of Laguardia, shown here, is the region's main town. Photo by Sima_ha/Canva

PHOTOS | (Top of post) Ysios Winery by Iñaki Aspiazu Iza. Photo courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office, Toronto. (Above) The hilltop town of Laguardia is encircled by walls built at the beginning of the 13th century. Photo by Sima_ha/Canva.

The region also boasts a significant cultural heritage, from historic quarters filled with Romanesque shrines and stately homes, to important archaeological sites, including Iron Age settlements and prehistoric dolmens.

The region’s capital, Laguardia, is a quaint town located close to the international airports of Vitoria and Bilbao, and well connected by road with Madrid and Barcelona. Other must-see towns in this route are Samaniego, Elciego and Labastida. They all share traditional links with wine culture and still preserve the charm of old medieval villages set between vineyards.

Rioja Alavesa Wine Route is one of many wine routes in Spain. It is home to several renowned vineyards and hotels, including the Wine City Complex by Frank Gehry for Marques de Riscal shown here. Photo by Daniel Tomlinson/Canva

Wine City Complex by Frank Gehry for Marques de Riscal. Photo by Daniel Tomlinson/Canva.

Alongside the medieval wineries, you will discover avant-garde art in facilities designed by the most famous architects: the Ysios Winery by Santiago Calatrava, the Wine City complex by Frank Gehry for Marqués de Riscal, and the Baigorri Winery by Iñaki Aspiazu Iza are some examples.

Other experiences you can enjoy to make the most out of this route are hot-air balloon rides, winery tours on horseback, wine therapy treatments, excursions to pine forests and nature reserves and, of course, savouring the delicious local cuisine!

For more information, please visit Spain.info