Exploring the Hidden Gems of Spanish Wine Culture

fawcech
Jun 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 13

Ultimate Food & Wine Adventure

Rioja & Bilboa, Spain | September 22 to 28, 2024

Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Northern Spain, where wine, food, history, art, and Basque culture converge to create an unforgettable experience. This rich and indulgent adventure promises life-long memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the world of wine. Join us from September 22 to September 28, 2024, for a captivating 7-day, 6-night tour that celebrates the best of Northern Spain's wine and culinary heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploration of renowned wineries and wine regions in Bilbao and Briones
Luxurious accommodations in boutique hotels in Bilbao and Briones
Dining at Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants
Guided tours of historic sites, markets, and museums
Visits to world-class wine museums and tastings at iconic wineries
An in-depth experience of Basque and Rioja culinary traditions

Introduction

Our adventure begins in the vibrant city of Bilbao, recognized as one of the "Great Wine Capitals," where we will spend two nights at the charming Bilder Boutique Hotel. From there, we will journey to the picturesque village of Briones, staying at the award-winning Santa Maria Briones Hotel. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and gourmet indulgence, with no long drives to endure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, September 22, 2024 – Bilbao

We gather in the heart of Bilbao's old city center, staying at the lovely Bilder Boutique Hotel. Known for its rich cultural scene and vibrant dining options, Bilbao offers the perfect start to our journey. During our two-night stay, we will explore the city, visit local markets, and tour the famous Guggenheim Museum. Our welcome dinner at Los Fueros, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, features a cooking demonstration by Chef Paul, followed by a multi-course, wine-paired menu.

Day 2: Monday – Bilbao

A day to immerse in Bilbao's vibrant atmosphere, with a city tour and time to explore its numerous attractions and culinary delights.

Day 3: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – Briones

We depart for Briones, checking into the fabulous Santa Maria Briones Hotel for a four-night stay. Named the 2023 Wine Tourism Hotel of the Year, this boutique hotel offers a luxurious retreat. Our first meal in Briones will be at Allegar, the hotel's Michelin-recommended restaurant, offering a unique take on traditional Rioja cuisine.

Day 4: Wednesday – Briones Wineries

Our exploration of Rioja's renowned wineries begins with a visit to Bodegas Vivanco, home to one of the world's most impressive wine museums. We also visit the small but esteemed Miquel Merino winery for a tasting with the family, followed by a tour of Bodegas Ysios, a modern winery designed by the famed architect Santiago Calatrava.

Day 5: Thursday – Elciego and Haro

A visit to Elciego takes us to the iconic Marques de Riscal winery, with its stunning hotel designed by Frank Gehry. We enjoy a tour, tasting, and a visit to the rooftop bar for bubbles, culminating in a dining experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant. The day continues in Haro, where we explore nine wineries within walking distance, including a lunch at Bodega Muga.

Day 6: Friday – Logroño

We visit the renowned Bodegas Faustino and Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta near Logroño, the heart of Rioja. This historic stop on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela offers a wealth of sights and experiences. In the evening, we explore Calle Laurel and Calle de San Juan, famous for their Pintxos bars, including Michelin-recommended spots Umm and Tastevin.

Day 7: Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Departure

Our tour concludes with a return to Bilbao for flight and train departures. We can also arrange transfers to Logroño for those wishing to extend their stay or find more convenient travel connections.

Package Pricing and Details

All-inclusive cost: $5500 per person in a shared room
Single supplement: $900
Plus, GST

This Package Includes:

6 nights hotel accommodation (2 nights at Bilder Boutique Hotel in Bilbao, 4 nights at Santa Maria Briones Hotel in Briones)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All wine tastings and tours
All ground transportation within Spain from the moment you arrive in Bilbao on September 22, 2024

The package does not include:

Airfare or other transportation to and from Bilbao, Spain
Items of a personal nature

This Package does not Include:

Spaces are limited to only 22 participants, so act quickly to secure your place. Contact Glenn Fawcett to put a temporary hold on your spot by emailing glennfawcett5@gmail.com. A 50% deposit is required by March 22, 2024, with final payments due by July 22, 2024. Deposits are refundable, minus $500, until the final payment date.

Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of one of the world's most beautiful and passionate wine and culinary destinations. We look forward to sharing this amazing adventure with you!