Complete wine route for the Spanish wine lover
La Rioja, Priorat, Penedes, Ribera del Duero, Ribeiro & more
Taste the best wines in both established & hidden wine regions
Guided winery visits, tastings & chauffeured tours
16 days/15 nights, boutique rural, 4* and 5* selected hotels
Tour description
Explore our favorite Spanish wine and food gems on this Tour of Spain’s Best Wine Regions & Wineries. This tour focuses on discovering off-the-beaten-track treasures as well as established ones; for discerning travelers who wish to have an authentic Spanish food and wine experience. Visit the best wine regions in Spain, from Emporda to Priorat, La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Ribeira Sacra and more! Take advantage of our insider access to historical Rioja wineries, exclusive Ribera del Duero winemakers and up-and-coming family-run Priorat cellars. Discover the varietals of Spain; be it Cabernet Sauvignon in the beautiful Somontano wine region or Alberte white in the tiny wine region of Ribeiro, whilst learning from the best in the trade.
Not only will you have the pleasure of visiting Spain’s most picturesque vineyards, you will also get to experience fantastic restaurants and boutique, hand-picked accommodation. Surely you will be a wine connoisseur after joining us on a private wine tour of Spain!
Your private Wine Lovers Tour of Spain begins when our chauffeur whisks you away from Barcelona to the beautiful Emporda wine region. Viticulture has thrived here since the Greeks arrived on the coast at Empúries in the sixth century BC. The Empordà wine region D.O. is one to watch and there are a number of new exciting Emporda wineries waiting to be discovered. The local Garnacha and Carinyena vines take advantage of an exceptional climate, which gives Emporda wine a unique character and savory bouquet. The landscape, flanked by the shimmering Mediterranean and dominated by the Pyrenees, which rise to the north, is equally distinctive and beautiful whichever wine route you choose.
You will be staying at a unique rural winery estate, embedded in the landscape; on the boundary between the vineyards and woods. Later this afternoon enjoy a private guided wine tour of your hotel’s underground cellar. The surrounding vineyards are cultivated organically, harvesting is done entirely by hand and there is a further exhaustive selection process to ensure that each and every grape is of the highest quality. Discover their exquisite Emporda wines during your complete tasting with their passionate sommelier. You will then enjoy a delicious country fare lunch prepared by the chef with their own fresh produce – sausages, marinated vegetables, honey, jams, tasty olive oil – all made at the hotel pantry in the traditional manner, and of course accompanied by some of their wine and relaxing sea views.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured transfers. One private Emporda wine tour. Overnight in a boutique winery hotel, in the heart of the Emporda wine region.
Today starts with a visit to a unique Emporda winery, with a beautiful castle and monastery dating back to the 14th century. Wine has been made here since the Middle Ages and their finest cava, the Grand Cloister, is still fermented with the same process and in the same location in which the Carmelite monks of the 14th century used to prepare it. Nowadays the most modern technology has been incorporated to create Emporda wines that make full use of the nuances of the soils and vines of the region. After a private guided tour of both an ancient wine press and the current wine and cava cellars, you will enjoy a tasting of their top cavas, as well as white and red wines.
Next, your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain offers a delicious picnic in the vineyards at another beautiful winery. Relax and lounge beneath the tall trees on the sun beds provided. Having selected the wine of your choice beforehand, everything will be delivered to you at the picnic area – local cheese, ham, pate, tomato, grapes and bread, a feast for two. With the sun filtering through the treetops, breathe in the fresh mountain air as you savour a truly relaxed picnic. Afterwards, the winery guide will accompany you on a private visit of this unique Emporda winery, with its raw concrete bodega embedded in a plateau, lying long and low with the mauve Pyrenees high above. It is recently built, but in time will surely hide itself entirely in its natural surroundings. Tour their ecologically run vineyards and winery and taste more of their fine Emporda wines, which have gained a fabulous reputation having resided on the wine lists of more than one Michelin 3 starred restaurant!
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Emporda wineries. Two private Emporda wine tours. Overnight in the Emporda wine region.
Depending on your preferences; our chauffeur will take you either to Alella, Conca de Barbera, or Pla de Bages wineries, to enjoy fantastic private winery visits. You will meet passionate boutique winemakers, and enjoy a regional fare lunch in between winery tours. The Alella wine region is currently one of the smallest appellations in Spain, producing great whites, as well as robust reds and fruity rosés. Winemaking arrived with the Romans in the 1st century but unfortunately in the late 19th Century the devastating phylloxera mite wiped out the vineyards. The Alella wine region has since made a comeback, producing unique high end Cava. The viticultural roots of the Conca de Barbera wine region come from the Abbey of Poblet and its order of the Templars. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by two rivers, the landscape is a sight for nature-loving eyes. This region’s alluvial and predominately calcareous soil helps provide the fresh zestiness typical of the Spanish white wines produced here. The popularity of Spain’s Pla de Bages wine region is building due to its excellent quality grapes. The low mountains, scant rainfall and broad fluctuation in temperature make this an ideal place for wine to build character.
Your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain then transfers you to a stunningly designed 5 star hotel on the outskirts of the Penedes wine region; Vilafranca del Penedes. This unique hotel has luxury contemporary rooms overlooking lovely vineyards, top notch cuisine and superb service. We recommend the hotel restaurant for dinner this evening, visually entertaining as their talented chef prepares your meals in his open kitchen using only fresh and local produce.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour. Two private wine tours with tastings. Regional lunch paired with wines. Overnight in a 5* winery hotel, in the heart of the Penedes wine region.
Your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain takes you to two leading Penedes wine producers, the perfect way to introduce you to the world of Spanish bubbly. One historical Penedes winery was designed by the famous architect Puig i Cadafalch at the turn of the 20th century. Their top-quality sparkling Spanish wines are made here using the traditional method of Champagne but with a blend of the classic Penedes grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada. During your private guided winery tour you will enjoy the beautiful grounds, as well as see part of their unique subterranean galleries, more than 18 miles long, where the cavas undergo their second fermentation. Your passionate guide will finalize your wine tour with tastings of their Penedes wines and cavas.
After a delicious regional lunch accompanied by magnificent Montserrat mountain views, you will continue to another exceptional vineyard, owned by one family since 1790 and situated in the centre of the Penedes wine region. Their guide will take you on a private tour of the vineyards, which have been ecologically cultivated for more than 300 years and officially certified as biodynamic since 2004. The grapes in this Penedes winery are all handpicked to ensure harvest at the ideal time for each vine. Back at the cellar, the in-house oenologist will show you the entire wine making process, then guide you through your tasting of their biodynamic varieties of wines and cavas. Additionally, the vineyard owners make their own olive oil, and they will gladly explain to you the process and properties of this “liquid gold” and will invite you for a tasting, accompanied by local sausages, bread and cheese.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Penedes wineries. Two Penedes wine tours with tastings. Regional lunch with wines. Overnight in the Penedes wine region.
Say farewell to Penedes as you head for the Priorat wine region, famous for its exceptional reds. Your first visit will be to a winery which dates back to the 12th century, situated close to Scala Dei Carthusian monastery; the birthplace of Priorat wines. The facilities are located in ancient buildings of the Carthusians and you may wish to have a glimpse at the monastery as well. The second visit of your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain today was awarded one of Robert Parker’s highest ratings and he regards it as one of his favorite vineyards. The family has built their winery on one of the oldest wine estates in Priorat. Recognizing a unique “terroir”, and a one thousand year old wine-making tradition, they started a project to re-awaken the spirit of Carthusian oenologists, by rebuilding the steep, slatey terraces and replanting the vines. One of the family members will be there to attend you and share the secrets of their world class Priorat wines, before granting you a wine tasting.
Next you will head to a nearby winery/restaurant, whose 18 hectares of vineyards include Carignan vines over 60 years old. You will enjoy a short visit to their boutique winery and see their unique cellar, followed by lunch in their restaurant. Your final visit is to a mythical Priorat winery, owned by Rene Barbier, one of the founders of the Priorat wine revolution. Robert Parker was one of the first to praise their incredible wines, which are almost nectars. Priorat wines are already highly concentrated and “normal” yields are incredibly small, but here they go even further – they press the grapes using an olive press, which means they extract only half of the amount of juice that a typical wine press would; making the wine 50% more concentrated!
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Priorat wineries. Three private Priorat wine tours with wine tastings. Gourmet lunch with wine. Overnight in a boutique hotel in the Priorat wine region.
Explore outside the Priorat wine region today, to discover the up-and-coming Montsant and Terra Alta wine appellations. Your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain will take you to a fantastic Montsant winery specializing in robust reds where you will have a private guided wine tour followed by tastings of some of the best wines in Catalonia.
Montsant, the shortened meaning of ‘Holy Mountain’, produces fantastic aromatic and fragrant Spanish wines derived from high-altitude vineyards in the countryside. Forming a crescent shape, almost enclosing the prestigious Priorat region, Montsant’s awarded vineyards are located on sloping terraces. This up and coming Spanish wine region was once a viticultural sub-region of Tarragona but local growers felt that the region deserved DO recognition in their own right, so in 2001 Montsant Wine D.O. was created.The Romans planted the very first vines here. Today complex reds are created thanks to the intense Mediterranean sun, and the mild evening temperatures.
Before visiting the Terra Alta wine region, you will stop to enjoy a delicious country fare lunch. Your private guided Terra Alta winery tour will divulge the secrets of this southernmost Catalan wine region, known for its “wine cathedral” cellars. This Spanish wine region mostly specializes in the harvesting of Garnacha Blanca grapes for wonderful white wines. But naturally sweet red wines, fortified wines and dry “rancios” from over-ripened grapes are also unique specialties of the Terra Alta wine region.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour. Montsant and Terra Alta private wine tours with tastings. Lunch paired with wines. Overnight in the Priorat countryside.
The beautiful Somontano wine region is yours to discover today on your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain. Starting with a private visit to one Costers del Segre winery, where you will have a guided wine tour of an exclusive cellar, followed by tastings of the best wines in Somontano. The Costers del Segre wine region is characterized by extremes, the topography of plains and mountains being so diverse that this D.O is split into 7 subzones. This Spanish wine region is challenging to find, but the wines tasted make it worthwhile! After your winery visits, you will stop for a great local lunch below the mountains. The youthful and dynamic Somontano Spanish wine region is based largely on private enterprise where architects have opted wholeheartedly for a modern approach which can be seen in the design of wine labels, through to the wineries, and well-tended vineyards. International grape varieties play a major role here, and during your guided wine tour, tasting a Cabernet Sauvignon, you will appreciate why. These grapes are well suited to Somontano wine regions soils and climate. Not to be overlooked, some producers also make impressive wines from Garnacha, especially from more mature vines and looking very promising here as well as Syrah; a recent arrival.
This evening you can relax at your charming 4* Art Nouveau hotel, located close to the Cathedral and the museum of wine, in Somontano’s centre. This evening we recommend that you enjoy a fantastic meal in the elegant restaurant of your hotel. We are so glad to be able to share with you the secrets of these lesser-known wine regions on your private wine lover’s vacation in Spain.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour. Costers del Segre and Somontano private wine tours with tastings. Lunch paired with wines. Overnight in a 4* Art Nouveau hotel, in the Somontano wine region.
This morning our chauffeur will transfer you north to the Navarra wine region, close to Pamplona. Here you will have a private guided tour followed by tastings of the best wines in Navarra. The cooler mountainous areas and warm, fertile valleys are significant influences on Navarra wine styles. Traditionally the Navarra wine region was the source of Spain’s rosé wines and some of the country’s best rosés are still made here mainly from the Garnacha grape. Nowadays Navarra red wine accounts for at least 75% of the region’s production and an eclectic mix of styles can be found, with predominance of a mix of local and international grapes with careful measures of oak. After your wine tour, you might wish to stop to admire the fairytale-like medieval parador at hidden rural hamlet of Olite, one of Spain’s finest historic monuments, before your chauffeur drives you through the Navarra wine route.
For lunch on this leg of your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain, you will surely enjoy the food at our favorite restaurant in Pamplona, the setting for the famous San Fermín festival which features eight days of bull running. Navarra is known as Spain’s vegetable basket, so take a chance to taste delicious asparagus and peppers accompanied by the local red blends. This late afternoon you will arrive in the famed La Rioja wine region, where you will check into your historical hotel.
Optional extension: To complete your discovery of Spanish food and wine, we can take you to our beloved San Sebastian, an international foodie mecca. We will provide a private San Sebastian tour with our charismatic guide, to show you the best of this beach in the city.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Navarra wineries. Lunch paired with wines. One Navarra private wine tour with tastings. Overnight in an historic 4* hotel, in the heart of La Rioja.
Two days of immersion into the best of la Rioja wineries and wines await you, a real treat for all Spanish wine lovers! Starting with a visit to a unique historical cellar in the mythical Barrio de la Estacion, in Haro. Proud of being old-fashioned, they still construct their own barrels on site and all wine is made traditionally – their la Rioja wines are truly outstanding! For over a hundred and thirty years, the family has been devoted to vineyard care, a scrupulous selection of grapes, and attention to ageing – the result being wines with an exceptional bouquet. Special mention ought to be made of their white wines – they age white wines in oak for as long as reds; the result is much more surprising than might be expected. Your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain includes an excellent guided tour of the facilities finalized with a wine tasting in their modern bodega.
After a delicious Riojan fare lunch at a reputed restaurant, you will enjoy a private guided tour of a refreshingly modern Rioja winery; a fascinating contrast with your morning visit! Well aware of the significant number of excellent traditional wineries in la Rioja, the owners create superb, modern red wines that embody something unique. Their high end la Rioja wines are released onto the market as Reservas. They also produce high quality extra virgin olive oils in the Emporda region and in Mallorca, which you will have an opportunity to sample during your la Rioja wine tasting with them. Our chauffeur will then take you back to your hotel. Take advantage of its perfect location in the heart of the most beautiful la Rioja village and enjoy the medieval atmosphere of its streets, squares and ancient wine cellars.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of la Rioja wineries. Two private La Rioja wine tours with tastings. Lunch paired with wine. Overnight in the Rioja wine region.
Your second day in la Rioja for your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain is in Rioja Alta, whose old Tempranillo vineyards are heavily influenced by the Atlantic. The day begins with a private guided wine tour of one of the smallest and youngest wineries in Spain, their first vintage released in 1994. Today their Rioja wines have a cult following, and the passionate owner, who always had a dream to create his own beautiful wines; will personally show you the winemaking facilities, including a wine tasting. Afterwards you might wish to take the opportunity to visit the nearby Dinastia Vivanco Wine Museum, the largest wine museum in Spain, containing multimedia information on everything from corks and how they are made to the blowing of bottles.
Your final La Rioja wine tour will be a visit to one of our favorite wineries, owned by a Spanish count, an affable and discreet man, who enjoys being hands-on in the vineyards. A divine lunch prepared by the family chef will start your time here. Discern the contrasts between their traditional bestseller Castillo de Ygay and their modern style Dalmau Reserva; a favorite of many Spanish wine lovers. Afterwards you will enjoy a private guided tour of their impressive wine estate; pristine cellars and vineyards. Their luscious high end Rioja wines taste even better in the gorgeous setting of their beautiful and painstakingly restored castle – creating a truly unforgettable la Rioja wine experience!
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of la Rioja wineries. Two private Rioja wine tours with tastings. Exquisite lunch with wine. Overnight in the Rioja wine region.
Your destination this morning will be the mythical Ribera del Duero wine region, unmissable on a Wine Lovers Tour of Spain. On arrival you will visit a family-owned prestigious winery which has been cultivating the same vineyards in the Ribera del Duero since the 1930s. The family has always advocated for the uniqueness of Tinto Fino, the indigenous Ribera del Duero Tempranillo grape; and their flagship wines come from only two single-vineyards. After a journey around their winery, you will be taken to lunch at a picturesque 16th Century Mill Restaurant. This restaurant is famous for great asados (grill/barbecue) and fresh produce; perfect to enjoy with Ribera del Duero wine!
Wine making is serious business here, so what better place to conceive the Ribera del Duero wine museum, than in the medieval castle of Penafiel, perched on a cliff above the Duero river? Tonight you will be staying at a very special Ribera del Duero winery/hotel, set like a jewel among the string of exclusive wine estates found along the Duero river. If the heart of the estate is the winery, its soul is the ancient 12th-century abbey, a beloved and carefully restored Spanish cultural heritage site, now a refined 5-star hotel. This afternoon, we have arranged for you to have a private guided tour of the winery which owns your hotel. Located in the heart of the Spanish winegrowing Golden Mile, they own over 200 hectares of vineyard and are one of Spain’s most modern wineries. After a visit to the vineyards and cellars, you will be able to taste their exceptional Pago (single vineyard) wines, whose quality is obtained from the unique terroir created by the Duero River and the valley’s extreme climatic conditions.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Ribera del Duero wineries. Two private Ribera del Duero wine tours with tastings. Lunch with wine. Overnight in a 5* luxury winery hotel in the Ribera del Duero wine region.
It wouldn’t be a Wine Lovers Tour of Spain if you didn’t venture to some lesser-known Spanish wine regions. Today you will encounter the wine region of Ribeira Sacra, as well as the up-and-coming Spanish wine regions of Rueda, Toro and Bierzo. The wine producers from the Rueda wine region have demonstrated that the cooler climate coupled with modern winemaking technology, results in fresh, fruity whites which are some of Spain’s best. Starting your day here with a private guided winery tour and tasting, your next stop is to a family owned Toro winery where you will enjoy a delicious country fare lunch, accompanied by their wine. The Toro Wine region has made great strides over the last 20 years based on the success of the powerful and expressive Tinta de Toro grape, a local take on Tempranillo. Wine producers in Toro also offer white wines; made from Malvasía and Verdejo grapes.
Next on the list is the Bierzo Wine Region where you are set for another winery tour followed by tastings. Red wines here are made from the Mencia grape and develop into something quite exciting. The Mencía vine combined with Bierzo’s mild climate and slate soils produces a Spanish red wine which has dark chocolate and blackberry flavors, enhanced by French oak. This evening you are staying in a former Benedictine monastery, situated between Ribeira Sacra vineyards. Built around the monastery’s main cloister, this spectacular property has rich, monumental heritage and neoclassical décor. This evening we suggest you take in panoramic views over the town as the sun sets and dine at your elegant hotel restaurant, with a great selection of Ribeira Sacra and Bierzo wines.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Spanish wine regions. Three wine tours with tastings. Regional lunch with wine. Overnight in a 4* converted monastery hotel, in the Ribeira Sacra wine region.
This morning you will learn about the Ribeira Sacra wine region, where you will have a private guided tour of a very special family run winery, followed by tastings of their best Ribeira Sacra wines. Ribeira Sacra means ‘sacred river’ and is a wine lover’s gem, tucked away in northern Galicia. Ribeira Sacra’s grape harvest is fully and meticulously manual, dating back 800 years. Throughout Galicia’s lush countryside the combination of picturesque terraced vineyards and optimal sunshine hours, produce red wines with aromatic, and peppery tones, which are predominantly from the local Mencia grape. Ribeira Sacra also produces an excellent variety of whites, principally made with the Albariños and Godellos varieties.
Following on your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain, you will continue to the Atlantic coast, to the Rias Baixas Spanish wine region, where you will have a fabulous Galician seafood lunch and a private guided winery tour. Rias Baixas is still a very young Spanish wine region, but irrespective of this fact, no top restaurant in Spain would exclude an Albariño from its wine list, as it often pairs with seafood perfectly. The damp climate of the Rias Baixas wine region helps to create fantastic fruity and aromatic Albariño wines with a perfect level of acidity. Next you will head to Santiago de Compostela, where you will check into an exquisite 5* hotel, a stunning 15th century medieval property, just a few steps away from Santiago de Compostela’s famous cathedral.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour of Ribeira Sacra wineries. Ribeira Sacra and Rias Baixas private wine tours with tastings. Lunch paired with wines. Overnight in a 5* hotel in Santiago de Compostela.
Today you are heading to the wine region of Ribeiro, where you will enjoy a fascinating visit to a winery cooperative that produces amazing Ribeiro wines. The Ribeiro appellation features a warmer climate with less rain than its coastal neighbor Rias Baixas, and most of its vineyards are planted on terraces along the river valleys. Increasingly the vines are trained on a modern trellis system, rather than on the traditional Galician-style pergola. White wines dominate in the Ribeiro wine region and the fruity, aromatic Treixadura is the main grape produced, sometimes used with a touch of Albariño, Godello, Torrontés or Loureira to enhance the blends. Although Ribeiro wines can reach 13˚C they have an ideal balancing acidity making them a perfect match for food.
This afternoon on your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain you will be taken back to Santiago de Compostela, where if you wish, our charismatic guide will take you on a private walking tour of this iconic town. On a private guided tour you can learn about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and visit the burial site of the biblical apostle St. James. The historic centre of Santiago de Compostela was made a World Heritage Site in 1985, and you will immediately understand why. This cosmopolitan city with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture is sure to inspire you, as you explore its historic squares, stunning churches and palaces, boutique shops, foodie hotspots and traditional markets.
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured tour. One private Ribeiro wine tour with tastings. Optional guided Santiago de Compostela tour. Overnight in the heart of Santiago de Compostela.
This morning your Wine Lovers Tour of Spain takes you from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid by train. On arrival in Madrid we can either arrange for our fantastic guide to take you on a private guided tour of Spain’s capital, or if you wish you can have the day at your leisure. Perhaps you desire to take in some art and visit the Reina Sofia Museum or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection? The Reina Sofia Museum is the national museum for 20th century art in Spain. The museum is named after the former Queen of Spain and contains more than 20,000 works from the late 19th century to the present day, mainly dedicated to Spanish art with highlights including two of the greatest 20th century masters; Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. The most famous painting displayed is Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ – incredible to see up close. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a collection of art amassed over the twentieth century by a central European collector beginning in 1920.
If you are in the mood for discovering some of Madrid’s excellent Spanish food, take a walk through Madrid’s old town to San Miguel market, the hottest gastronomic spot in Madrid. Here the selection of bars and restaurants on offer make it the place to meet! Take in the atmosphere, pause to enjoy some fantastic bites to eat, and a beverage or two; as you sample the best variety of tapas the city has on offer! Afterwards you can take a leisurely walk through El Retiro Park, a great place to enjoy the open air as you stroll along the paths, passing fountains, statues, the delicate Palacio de Cristal and the boating lake. This evening we have many recommendations for fine dining in Madrid, be it old style Spanish food or a Michelin starred extravaganza!
Tour in a nutshell: 1st class train tickets. Optional private guided tour of Madrid. Overnight in a 4* hotel in Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art.
This is the last day of your private Wine Lovers Tour of Spain and after breakfast our chauffeur will be waiting to transfer you to Madrid airport for your journey home. We hope that you will join us for this all-encompassing Spanish wine journey. You will surely take home with you some truly unforgettable memories and have discovered some fascinating and delicious Spanish wines and wineries!
Alternatively, if you wish to extend your Spanish wine lovers trip, we would be more than delighted to take you to some of our other favorite gems, if your vacation time frame permits, just let us know!
Tour in a nutshell: Chauffeured transfer to Madrid airport.
Tour quotation
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