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Tour Spain's Rioja Wine Region
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When we think of Spanish wines, we think of Rioja wines.
This is Spain's historic wine region. If you are traveling in
Spain and are a wine lover, at least a two-day stay in this wine
region is a must. There is so much to see: Bodegas, architectural
wonders, mountain beauty, ancient wine towns, and of course the vineyards
winding along the Ebro River. The most important grape is the red grape Tempranillo.
Rioja also makes some delicious white wines from the Viura and Malvasia grapes.
We have listed only a handful of the Rioja bodegas to visit.
These are ones you are sure to enjoy. Finally, be sure not to
miss the most fantastic wine museum in the world, the Dinastia
Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino in the ancient Rioja town of Briones.
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Bodegas Ysios
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Tips for Visiting Bodegas on the Rioja Wine Trail
Always call ahead to make an appointment, at least one day in advance, better yet two days or more. This is important for getting a guide that speaks English.
A visit to Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino (wine museum) is highly recommended. You must call ahead to reserve tickets to the museum.
When you call, inquire if there is a fee for the tour or tasting.
Some Bodegas have stores (tiendas), which need no reservation.
You can buy wine at the tienda for at, what one winery told us, is distributor price.
Lunch hours are usually 1:30 to 3:30; plan your tour so that you can have
lunch either at the winery or nearby.
On Sundays the wineries are usually closed. Saturday is mixed.
If you visit one to two bodegas, that should be enough to get to know the wine region and its characteristics.
If you see an official tourist office, don't pass it up. You can usually get a plethora of
information regarding wineries and the Ruta de Vino (wine route).
At harvest time, most wineries are closed to visitors. Harvest can last a week to several weeks.
On renting a car, we highly recommend, if you can afford it, renting a car with a GPS system.
It will save much time and frustration by keeping you from getting lost less often.
Be sure you have a designated driver.
This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Call ahead or visit the winery and/or lodging Web sites for the latest information.
See Rioja Wine Road Map for Location, Driving Directions,
and Contact Information: Rioja Wine Map
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