The region
Rioja at vine level
Immerse yourself in a sea of century-old vineyards at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria. Discover the history of its medieval villages, the boldness of its architecture and the winemaking soul of a land where every road opens up a new perspective.
A winemaking soul
A mosaic of wine and heritage
Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta form one of the most spectacular wine landscapes in northern Spain. A region where vineyards stretch to the horizon, medieval villages hold centuries of history, and every road leads to another viewpoint, an emblematic winery or a corner full of tradition.
At LAGA Rioja we want you to discover this landscape differently: away from the main roads, along rural tracks, farm paths and scenery that usually stays hidden from most visitors.
The landscape
Vines and scenery
For centuries, the vine has defined the identity of this land.
Thousands of hectares of vineyard cover the slopes between the Sierra de Cantabria and the Ebro valley, creating a shifting landscape that looks different in every season.
Spring, summer, harvest or winter… Rioja is never the same twice.
Travelling these tracks means discovering a living region, where farming still sets the daily rhythm and where respect for the environment is part of the experience itself.
D.O.Ca. RIOJA
Spain's most iconic and oldest Qualified Designation of Origin. A mark of international excellence covering more than 65,000 hectares of vineyard across Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental.
The Tempranillo grape
The queen of our region and the heart of its great wines. Grown here for centuries, it finds in the clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta the perfect cradle for its aromas and elegance.
A microclimate and a singular vineyard
The imposing wall of the Sierra de Cantabria holds back the cold northern winds and retains moisture, creating an exceptional microclimate. Historic sites where old vines produce single-estate wines of immeasurable value.
Your experience, your way
Tours designed for you
Everything you imagine about this land, lived from the inside. Aboard our buggies, with local guides, stopping at the most spectacular viewpoints.
ContactPlaces along the way
Heritage, villages and viewpoints
Medieval walled town
Laguardia
The heart of Rioja Alavesa and the starting point of our tours. A 10th-century walled town set on a hilltop and riddled with dozens of traditional underground wine cellars.
Panoramic view
Elciego viewpoint
A privileged panorama over rolling vineyard slopes and the avant-garde silhouette of the Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry. One of the most photographed landscapes in the region.
Architectural landmark
Ysios winery
A masterpiece by the architect Santiago Calatrava. Its iconic undulating roof of aluminium and wood blends seamlessly into the outline of the Sierra de Cantabria.
History and winemaking tradition
Labastida
A historic stronghold at the foot of the mountains, with one of the largest expanses of vineyard in the area. Home to centuries-old wineries, stately palaces and rich monumental heritage.
A balcony at 1,000 metres
La Rioja's balcony
A natural viewpoint perched on the mountainside, offering a clear perspective at 800 metres above sea level. The finest 180° panorama over the vast sea of vineyards of the Ebro valley.
Megalithic dolmen
Dolmen Alto de la Huesera
One of the most important megalithic monuments in Rioja Alavesa, dated between the late Neolithic and the Bronze Age. Used as a collective burial site, it is notable for an anthropomorphic stele unique in the Basque Country.
Medieval village
Ábalos
Villa medieval que destaca por sus numerosas casonas de piedra, palacios, señoriales e hidalgos, además de construcciones religiosas como la ermita románica de San Felices.
Medieval heritage
San Vicente de la Sonsierra Castle
A 12th-century medieval fortress set on a hilltop commanding the Ebro valley in La Rioja, built as a frontier defence against the Kingdom of Castile.
Romanesque heritage
Hermitage of Santa María de La Piscina
Located in the hamlet of Peciña, it is one of the purest and best-preserved 12th-century Romanesque sites in the whole region.
Things to do here
What to do in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta
Wineries and wine culture
Immerse yourself in wine culture at avant-garde landmarks such as Ysios or Marqués de Riscal, historic wineries like Remelluri, and medieval underground cellars in Laguardia and Labastida.
Food and local produce
Enjoy Riojan cooking: lamb chops grilled over vine shoots, pochas white beans, garden vegetables, artisan cheeses and local cured meats, paired with the region's finest wines.
Heritage and history
Walk the medieval walls of Laguardia, the fortified town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Davalillo Castle or the Romanesque jewel of Santa María de la Piscina in Peciña.
Nature and viewpoints
Take in 180° panoramic views from the Balcón de La Rioja at 800 metres, or explore the trails at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria.
Our recommendations
Where to stay
Our personal selection of places to stay in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. Rest somewhere with character, chosen among those who share our outlook and round off your experience.
Partner network
Do you run a business in the area?
Offer your customers an exclusive experience, respectful of the environment and genuinely different. We work with local businesses across Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta to enrich what the region has to offer and build value together.
Partner with us