An overview of the 2026 Rioja harvest, from production forecasts and the inventory-to-sales ratio to grape prices and the measures adopted by the Rioja Regulatory Board.
Rioja Wine Tourism Grows Smarter — and Leads Spain’s Wine Destinations
The numbers are in, and they tell a compelling story. According to the Wine Tourism Monitor published by the Regulatory Council of Rioja QDO, wine tourism in Bilbao-Rioja is not just holding steady — it is generating more value, attracting more international visitors, and drawing greater investment than at any previous point in the designation’s history. For wine lovers planning their next trip, the case for Bilbao and Rioja has never been stronger.
Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Shines Through Constant Innovation
Bodegas Ramón Bilbao is breaking the mold of traditional enotourism. Backed by the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism award, the winery combines interactive 3D mapping, sensory vineyard tours, and WSET-trained hospitality to connect with today’s demanding wine traveler before they even step foot in Haro.
Enjoy Wine Festivals and Events in Bilbao and Rioja
Bilbao and Rioja host wine harvest festivals, wine battles, music events and local celebrations that reflect the region’s wine culture, gastronomy and traditions throughout the year.
Bilbao-Rioja Gathers the Great Wine Capitals to Prepare for the Next Challenges
Bilbao-Rioja brought together representatives from eleven Great Wine Capitals member regions for the 2026 Midterm Meeting, reinforcing its role as a leading wine tourism destination and advancing the network’s shared agenda for international cooperation.
Best Of Club Bilbao-Rioja: Collaboration and Premium Wine Tourism Take Center Stage
Great Wine Capitals Bilbao-Rioja hosted a new edition of the Best Of Club at Palacios Vinos de Finca in Nalda, La Rioja, gathering industry professionals to explore the future of premium wine tourism and celebrating Bilbao-Rioja’s outstanding track record at the international People’s Choice Awards.
Meet the Bilbao-Rioja Team
Since joining the Great Wine Capitals network in 2002, Bilbao-Rioja has become one of its most established and active members. Discover the institutions, wine tourism experts and communication professionals shaping the alliance’s international strategy, premium wine tourism initiatives and global visibility across Rioja and Bilbao.
The Business of Wine Tourism in Rioja
As traditional consumption habits shift, the wine business is turning toward tourism for growth. In Rioja, the industry has moved beyond the “gift shop” model to offer creative, personalized experiences that align with modern traveler demands. With over €131 million in total regional economic impact, we evaluate the strategic steps needed to sustain this momentum and attract new consumer generations.
The Hotel Viura: Art and Culture from the Ground Up
Hotel Viura creates a sharp, intentional contrast with the traditional wine village of Villabuena de Álava. Learn how this modern building, operating as a living art gallery, earned the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism award for Art and Culture.
Sustainability Is Much More Than a Theory in Rioja
Sustainability in Rioja is moving beyond theory and into everyday action. The region’s top award-winning wineries are embracing eco-friendly viticulture, preserving historic vineyards, and offering unforgettable, sustainable wine tourism experiences for the modern traveler.
Building Destination Bilbao-Rioja With a Wine Tourism Package for Passengers on Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries and DOCa Rioja launch “The Rioja Wine Experience,” an award-winning 4-day self-drive package for UK and Irish travelers arriving in Bilbao. This exclusive itinerary features three nights at a winery, culinary tours, and visits to the renowned Haro Train Station District.
From Urban To Rural: Moving Tourists Around Rioja
Rioja tourism hit record levels in 2025, with winery visitors expected to surpass one million this year. This guide breaks down the most reliable ways to get from your hotel to the wineries, including expert-led tours, private VTC drivers, and cycling routes through the vineyards.