I cannot say enough good things about this wine tour experience. My boyfriend and I traveled to Rioja because we’ve always loved Spanish wines, but we didn’t know anything about it (just that it’s good). I emailed Rioja wine tours and was unsure of which tour to choose, Inma was incredibly helpful and kind. She helped us create a tailored unusual suspects tour according to what I told her our tastes and interests were. I also got really lucky that they had an open day, because I cut it pretty close. Book early! They are busy and popular.
On the day of the tour, Mel was our host. He picked us up right from our hotel and the day started. The tour was far far beyond our expectations. Mel is an expert, but was able to simplify everything and was very good at teaching us rookies about Rioja wines. We learned so much throughout the day and will never drink wine the same way again. Our experience gave us a much deeper appreciation for the perfect bottle of wine. We went to 3 different wineries that we would have never found or even been able to get in on our own.
At first, I was skeptical. Only 3 wineries for the tour? Be aware this is nothing like a wine tour from the states. It’s so much more! The samples are more like full glasses of wine. We spent the entire day at the different wineries. We had around 3 glasses at each one, not samples, full glasses. Some places would even pour another glass or 2 after the tasting was over and also had an additional glass at lunch.
We spent quite some tome at each winery learning and pairing with meats and cheeses. The glasses were spaced out and the timing of lunch and coffee before the last winery was perfect. We never once felt like it was too much wine!
We were able to buy a couple bottles from one amazing family owned winery and even tour a cellar/cave where some of the wines are aged. It was a very cool experience that we had never seen before. The wineries were very happy to work with Mel to let us taste some of the more authentic family wines you cannot get anywhere else.
Everything about this day was perfect. Please don’t be turned off by the price, it is worth every penny, in fact I think it’s worth more than they charge. If I even come back to this area, I will be doing this again. This is an experience you will never forget!
A few days after the tour, Mel and Inma went out of their way to have a bottle of a wine we loved personally delivered to our hotel room after we discovered a bad cork. My experience with issues like this in the states would have resulted in a “too bad you already paid” however Mel and Inma went above and beyond to ensure the issue was corrected.
One more thing, Inma even helped us to find our way around and gave us some excellent recommendations for the rest of our trip in Madrid.
I am so incredibly happy with them and the experience they...
Read moreI have had the privilege of taking two wine tours in the Rioja region of Spain with Inma as my guide, courtesy of Rioja Wine Trips. Let me tell you, this tour is extraordinary. I first embarked on this journey back in 2019, and I was blown away by the meticulous care taken to craft a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Inma, the tour guide, is nothing short of a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to all things Rioja. Her connections with the local wineries and winemakers are like golden tickets to an unforgettable adventure you won't find anywhere else. She effortlessly weaves together the history, culture, and the art of winemaking into an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself back in Spain with one mission in mind: recreating that exceptional experience all over again. I practically built my entire trip around this tour, that's how much it means to me. Rioja has truly captured my heart, all thanks to this incredible adventure.
I must admit, this review has been long overdue, but it's been lingering on my mind to write this. It's one of those experiences that stay with you, a hidden gem that deserves all the recognition it can get.
To anyone reading this, if you're searching for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, that connects you with the soul of a place through its wines, landscapes, and people, then this tour is an absolute must. Don't let the tardiness of this review fool you – the impact of this adventure is timeless and will stay with you, just as it has stayed with me.
Without a doubt, I can confidently say that I will be back to Rioja, and hopefully many more times in the future. The allure of this region, as experienced through the exceptional tours provided by Inma and Rioja Wine Trips, is simply irresistible. It's become a pilgrimage of sorts, a journey I eagerly anticipate repeating time and time again. Cheers to Rioja Wine Trips and Inma for making my trips to Rioja truly...
Read moreThis was the best wine tour we’ve been on, and our tour guide, Inmacudala (aka. “Inma”), was exceptionally good. She has a master’s degree in wine studies; her passion and knowledge show in her explanations of the wine, the Rioja region, and the vineyards. If you are interested in going deeper than the surface about wine and getting an authentic Spanish wine experience, then this is the tour for you. Inma picked us up in Logrono, where we were staying. We went to three wineries Valserrano, Puelles, and Gómez Cruzado: all family-owned wineries. In each winery we tried five different wines, including crianza, reserva, gran reserve, white varieties of Rioja, and some special wines. They were all very different and all good; we found some exception as well, which varies by pallet. There was no pressure to buy any wine, and in most places, we were greeted by the owners themselves. They took the time to explain the wines and tell us about the history of the winery and their families. It was very special. We also had stops along the road to see the vineyards, taste the grapes, and learn about the types of vines (bush versus trellis), soil, the struggling vine theory and different parts of the Rioja region. The tour was very relaxed while academic. The “cherry” on top came at the end of the tour when Inma took us to the medieval hill-top town of San Vicente for an authentic Spanish lunch at a traditional Spanish house. We had tortilla, different cuts of preserved meats, olives, bread, and of course Rioja wine. After lunch we walked up the hill to see the old church and the medieval castle. While many tours claim to be educational, Inma’s is truly academic – a strong “must see” recommendation from us!...
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