Laguardia and Haro Day Trip from Bilbao with Two Wineries, 8 Hours

This day trip leaves from central Bilbao, near the Guggenheim Museum, for the wine towns of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Two wineries are on the route, one in Haro and one in Laguardia, and each visit includes a tasting. Haro comes first, regarded as the wine hub of Rioja. The visit is to the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, where the main sights are the barrel room designed by Gustave Eiffel and the underground cellars. A wine tasting closes the visit. The group then walks through Haro's old town, an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1975, passing the Bendaña Palace, the palace of the Counts of Haro, the town hall and Plaza de la Paz. Next is Laguardia, the medieval capital of Rioja Alavesa. The cobblestone streets lead to a traditional winery, where the wine-making process is explained and more wines are tasted. There is free time in Laguardia for a meal at a local restaurant. On the way back to Bilbao the group stops at Elciego to see the Marqués de Riscal winery, a landmark of Rioja Alavesa. The tour ends at the original meeting point after about 8 hours.