8 reasons to visit Bilbao-Rioja wine regions
- Bilbao and Rioja share past and present in the history of
winemaking, having been linked since the Middle Ages by trade and investments.
- Rioja offers visitors a surprising blend of tradition and innovation that contributes to the singular character of its wines and wineries.
- The first document to make reference to the safeguarding of quality and to guarantee Rioja wines dates from
1102. Rioja is the first and only wine to attain the category of “Denominación de Origen
Calificada”.
- The secret of the excellence of Rioja wines lies in the natural selection of those varieties of grape which are best suited to Riojan soils and climate: tempranillo, garnacha, mazuelo and graciano and in ageing periods in oak that allow wines to be
crianza, reserva or gran reserva.
- The patchwork of vineyards and open valleys that are spread out over Rioja contrasts with the rugged coast and hills surrounding Bilbao. Here you find the appellation of Txakoli, a white wine, unique to the Basque area.
- The excellent pairing of local food and wine is present in both wine makers and chef’s minds, offering exciting combinations.
- Winery tourism is popular in Rioja and visitors can enjoy tours, wine tastings, wine appreciation classes, meals and even overnight
stays. Travelling through Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa you will learn firsthand why Rioja is so popular!
- Rioja not only produces wine, but lives wine!
8 icons not to miss in Bilbao-Rioja &
surroundings
 Bilbao offers visitors the chance to enjoy the futuristic architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry,
the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. For art lovers, Bilbao houses the best collection in Spain, after El Prado, in its Fine Arts Museum that can ideally be combined with the pleasures of the excellent opera season or many performances that take place in the city all year round.
 Traditional religious architecture: Route of the Monasteries reaches its maximum expression at
San Millan de la Cogolla, where the first words of Spanish were written.
 Rioja is famous for the design and architecture of its wineries, from 16th century underground cellars to 19th century steel and stone buildings to futuristic structures designed by world famous architects. To enjoy a complete and entertaining view of the most relevant aspects of this long lived tradition of winemaking through a spectacular display, we recommend a visit to the
Dinastia Vivanco Wine Museum.
 Pilgrim
Route to Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrims have traveled this route since the 10th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romanesque architecture route is also noteworthy.
 The rich diversity of natural sceneries: the rugged coast with the Reserve of the
Biosphere of Urdaibai , Gorbea Natural Park, Sierra de Cameros, the magnificence of the Pyrenees or the haunting beauty of Las Bardenas desert.
 In summer the cities of Bilbao- Rioja come alive with daily celebrations of their heritage during a week in their
"fiestas": Semana Grande in Bilbao celebrated in August ,
San Mateo in Logroño in September, in July, Pamplona with the Running of the Bulls during San Fermín and the
Feast of the Virgen Blanca in Vitoria as well as festivals in every town and village in the region throughout the
summer.
 The
charm of small villages like the walled town of Laguardia which is
as related to the history of the area as it is to the history of
winemaking, San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Briones with spectacular views
over the vines that surround them the architecture of Ezcaray and Viana
and much more.
 The
warm hospitality of the people of Bilbao- Rioja makes visitors feel really welcome to this area, assuring an authentic traveling experience for those who enjoy living local culture...
8 taste sensations in Bilbao-Rioja
 The
traditional local gastronomy that is the result of the interaction of generations with the local produce to create dishes so delicious and diverse as baby lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings to add flavor and aroma to the meat, squid in its ink or menestra (vegetable stew).- Innovation also awaits those who wish to discover the most creative side of local cuisine at the several
Michelin-starred restaurants and by the hand of the many excellent chefs to be found in this area.
- Pintxos; small culinary delicacies presented in a colorful display along the counter of most bars which are best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
- Vegetables from the Ebro Valley: a rich variety of vegetables come from the Ebro Valley year round; each has its season and its culinary application. Worth special mention is white asparagus that has achieved worldwide fame.
- The quality, texture and freshness of the fish caught along the coast of the Bay of Biscay and the care with which it is prepared have made Basque seafood the best in the world, full of creativity, for example with hundreds of recipes for fish.
- Amongst the vines stand olive trees that supply their golden treasure,
olive oil that blends all the flavors of the local cuisine since Roman times.
- Treat your eyes to the bountiful display of local produce at food markets throughout the region, both in cities and small local fairs. Many of these products are protected by denominations of origin.
- The way food and wine is blended into the local culture is reflected by the many
gastronomic societies and “txokos”, where friends meet to cook a meal together in a convivial atmosphere, where guests are always welcome.
To organise your tour and
experience Bilbao-Rioja's many delights, please contact our preferred
agent:
Romotur
Euskalduna 11
Ppal Izq. Dpto.6,
48008 Bilbao (Bizkaia)
Spain
Ph: (34) 944 433 463
Fax: (34) 944 420 022
www.romotur.com
david@romotur.com
More information about Bilbao-Rioja...
Best of Wine Tourism Winners
Bilbao-Rioja Photo Album
Links and resources for the
independent traveller.
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