We are returning to La Rioja for our final wine tour of the year which has always been a popular destination for both ourselves and our supporters. A perfect welcome, good food and wine awaits ,as ever, and we’d recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
We sail from Plymouth on Sunday at 1745 and after you’ve settled in and sniffed the sea airs we’ll have dinner together in the La Flora restaurant.
On Monday breakfast in La Flora is arranged and afterwards continue enjoying the sea cruise as we pass through the Bay of Biscay to Santander where we arrive at 1530. Following disembarkation we set off southwards for Logroño and anticipate arriving around 1800. After checking into the central Hotel Marques de Vallejo where we stay for 7 nights we will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Tuesday today we go east to Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) where at 1000 we will first visit Vina Herminia for a tour and tasting (with snacks!!) and then on to Fincas de Azabache where we will have a tour and tasting followed by lunch. Another free evening to enjoy the tapas bars of Calle Laurel.
Programme 1000 Visit to countryside. Sample wine with chorizo, salami and regional cheeses 1130 Visit Viña Hermina winery and tasting 1230 Fincas de Azerbache , wine tasting then lunch.
Wednesday - our first visit today is to the important wine village of San Vincente de la Sonsierra to visit Bodegas Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro situated between the mountains and the River Ebro.
From here we drive to Bodegas Baigorri in the Rioja Alavesa at Samaniego, this astonishing very modern winery sits like a glass box on top of a hill but descends into the ground through seven stories with each floor open at the centre, we will be able to see the whole wine making process from one floor. We will have a classic Riojan lunch accompanied by four of their highly rated wines. Return to hotel for a free evening.
Thursday our first visit today is to Bodega Eguren Ugarte recommended as one of the best vienyards in the World! After tasting we will have lunch on the estate before we resume our travels,this time to Cenicero and Marques de Caceres. Return to hotel for a free evening.
Friday We drive northwards this morning to Haro, generally referred to as the Home of Rioja and our first visit is to Bodegas Bilbainas in the town centre. For lunch we cross to the other side of the main road to Casalarreina and La Vieja Bodega, which is not a bodega but a restaurant where we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon we visit Bodega Muga, one of the oldest and most traditional wineries with their own cooperage.
Saturday This morning we will walk to Bodegas Franco Españolas ,another old estbalishment,over the bridge near the hotel. A feature here will be a comparison of Rioja and Ribera wines. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing and shopping. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Sunday A leisurely day with a sightseeing trip to the capital of the Basque region, Vitoria, recently voted as one of the most desirable towns in Spain in which to live. Its main feature is two cathedrals. Return to the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday We leave Logroño this morning and set off for the coast. We’’ ll stop in Haro en route to visit Bodegas Ramon Bilbao before continuing to the coast .Our final leg of the tour is to Santander where we catch the 1830 sailing to England. We’ll have dinner together in La Flora restaurant this evening.
Tuesday Once again it’s breakfast in La Flora then continue enjoying the cruise. The sea airs will tickle your appetite so we’ll have lunch together for the final time before we arrive at Plymouth at 1530 and then the coach will return to the original pick up points.
| September 15th | £1825 |
What’s included: travel by executive coach; ferry crossings with a 2-berth cabin; 7 nights accommodation at 3* hotel with breakfast; all visits as described; meals as described at sea and inland; Tour Escort
£300 (Cabin & Hotel room)
Pick up Points: Billingshurst-Salisbury-Exeter-Newton Abbot-Plymouth