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Rioja & Txakoli

Vitis House — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:40:48 +0000

Description

Private Tour 7 Days Sun- Sat

From the rolling hills of Rioja—Spain’s first DO (1925) and the first to earn DOCa status (1991), with centuries of winemaking tradition—we’ll explore Rioja Alta, Alavesa, Oriental and then, we’ll head to the salty elegance of the Basque coast, home of zesty Txakoli wines in DO Getariako Txakolina.

Along the way, indulge in world-class cuisine, including Michelin-awarded hotels and Michelin-stared restaurants, and build unforgettable memories with fellow travelers.

In Rioja savor traditional dishes like patatas a la riojana and lamb grilled over vine cuttings, while tasting expressive Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. You’ll explore Briones, Haro, Logroño, El Ciego—with private tastings and behind-the-scenes access at some of the region’s most exclusive wineries (a dream for collectors).

Then it’s off to the coast—where Basque magic takes over. Along the way, we’ll visit stunning Txakoli wineries nestled in the hillsides, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and dramatic seaside cliffs. In San Sebastián, relax on golden beaches, bar-hop your way through iconic pintxo spots, and taste coastal gems like grilled Txuleta (the famous ribeye) with padrón peppers, hake, octopus, salt cod, and the city’s legendary cheesecake—all paired with crisp, refreshing Txakoli.

We’ll wrap up in vibrant Bilbao, just steps from the Guggenheim, where creativity, tradition, and one last glass of wine await.

This isn’t just a wine tour—it’s a 7-day sensory journey filled with laughter, flavor, and that unforgettable sparkle only Spain can deliver.

Come curious, leave inspired:

Stay at charming 4-5 stars local boutique hotels (some Michelin Awarded)

Includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunch & 4 dinners (with wine) and snacks everyday

Taste your way through 8–10 wineries and 80+ wines showcasing the rich diversity of both regions

Deluxe transportation for a maximum of 10 travelers

Tour description

DAY 1 – Sunday, from Madrid to Rioja

After landing in Madrid, we’ll journey north to a hidden corner of Rioja Alta, where you’ll sleep surrounded by ancient vines, nature, and absolute tranquility. Once owned by a legendary Empress whose passion for wine left a lasting mark on history, this magical estate will be our first home. Savor a private lunch to immediately immerse yourself in the region’s vibe, enjoy a restorative siesta, take a sunset walk through the vines, and perhaps a special interactive surprise before bedtime.

DAY 2 – A Journey Through Rioja’s Soul

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head deep into the soul of Rioja, where medieval villages and world-class wines meet dramatic landscapes. Our day begins with a visit to a family-run bodega, where tradition and innovation blend in every glass. From there, we’ll continue to two more exceptional wineries—each offering a distinct expression of the region’s terroir and winemaking heritage. Between tastings, stroll through cobblestone streets, sip wines born from centuries-old vines, and enjoy a seasonal lunch that celebrates the flavors of the land.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll journey toward our next destination—a hidden gem tucked into the heart of Rioja Alta. With architectural elegance, whispers of old-world romance, and the quiet prestige of Michelin recognition, this luxurious retreat promises a night of indulgence and magic. Let yourself be seduced by its charm.

DAY 3 – Hidden Gems & Tapas After Sunset

Our Rioja adventure continues with a deeper dive into the diversity of the region’s three distinct winemaking zones. Today’s visits will reveal the contrasts and connections between tradition and innovation, terroir and technique.

Lunch will be a truly special moment. We’ll share a table with the owners of one of the region’s most coveted boutique wineries—a hidden gem whose limited-production wines are prized by collectors around the world. Intimate, authentic, and unforgettable.

As the day winds down, we’ll make our way to Logroño, the lively capital of La Rioja and a true mecca for tapas lovers. Like the locals do, we’ll head out de copas to explore the iconic Calle Laurel, where every doorway leads to another bite, another glass, and another reason to fall in love with the rhythm of Spanish life.

DAY 4 – Farewell Rioja, Hello Coastal Breezes

It’s time to say goodbye to Rioja—but not without one last unforgettable stop. Before crossing the mountains toward the coast, we’ll visit a singular boutique winery perched high among the vines. With breathtaking views and a story that ties the landscape to centuries of tradition, this experience will offer the perfect closing note to our time in wine country.

From there, we’ll journey north, watching the scenery shift from ochre to emerald as we make our way to the Basque Coast. Rise and shine to your first encounter with Txakoli, the region’s zesty, sea-kissed wine. Set against the backdrop of ocean breezes and rolling vineyards, this immersive tasting introduces a whole new expression of terroir—brighter, saltier, and full of life.

Discover the beauty of San Sebastián. Whether you crave a quiet walk along La Concha or a pintxo crawl through the vibrant Old Town, this city is best savored slowly.

DAY 5 – Salt & Soul

Our first stop is a historic winery that’s been making wine since 1820. Think old barrels, the scent of wood, bottles clinking, and laughter echoing through the cellar. Affectionately known as “Criquet,” this winery is a true symbol of joy, pride, and Basque identity.

After lunch, we’ll slow down and reconnect with nature through a guided forest bathing experience among vineyards and native trees—an immersive journey designed to awaken your senses and restore your well-being. Breathe, taste, listen, and feel one of the most spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea around you as you sip local wines paired with regional flavors.

Explore the vibrant pintxo culture of San Sebastián, linger in the sea breeze with a glass of Txakoli, or let the city’s rhythm guide you to your next unforgettable bite. Whether you venture out or join an optional shared experience, the night is yours to savor.

DAY 6 – San Sebastián

Today is yours—unstructured, unhurried, and unforgettable. Wake up in a refined boutique hotel tucked just steps from the sea, where understated luxury, panoramic rooftop views, and a serene pool invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you spend the day exploring the Old Town, lounging by the beach, indulging in pintxos, or simply doing nothing at all, San Sebastián offers the perfect backdrop for reflection, discovery, and quiet indulgence—at your own pace.

DAY 7 – San Sebastian-Bilbao

It is time to say good bye or hasta pronto! We’ll wrap up the trip in Bilbao, home of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. You should plan the rest of your trip or your return to Madrid or Barcelona, either via train, plane or car. We are happy to share recommendations.

In other words, This is the perfect week to indulge yourself with traditional food, wine, culture, and stunning landscapes. The final itinerary will be shared via email two months before departure date.

Price/Deposit

$5,390 Total p/person double occupancy
$1,000 Deposit p/p
$1,000 deposit is needed to secure your spot. Unfortunately, this trip is designed for 2 guests per room only. If you have a question, contact us. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due 90 days before the trip. No cancellations allowed.

Important Notes

Not included: Air tickets, travel insurance (health, flight cancellations), tips, additional food and alcoholic beverages other than the ones included on the agenda and of course, expenses during your free time.
We strongly recommend not to fly via London to avoid taxes and delays.
You can bring your wine luggage or you can ship wines from Spain using Cargo Wine for an additional cost. We can assist you with that.

Detailed itinerary, health, safety & dietary restrictions

We will share a questionnaire for you to fill out in advance. We want to learn about any special needs (allergies or food intolerances) prior the trip. You will receive your official/detailed itinerary via email, in addition to several documents to be signed before departure date. In case you are planning to extend your stay in Spain, we can assist you with recommendations from our local tour operators.

Others

The itinerary could suffer minor changes. We will keep a few activities out of the agenda as a surprise. This trip could be subject to changes caused by unexpected issues from our providers, weather conditions, road closures or safety issues. Do you have any question? Send us an email to cheers@vitishouse.com.

Reviews:

Pk Book

“Best trip of our lives…no exaggeration! We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Doreen and Vitis House to Spain – what an immense treat!! We were treated like VIPs with curated, insider-only access that made the entire experience very rich and memorable. Not a bad thing to say other than it went by way too fast so we just have to book another trip with Vitis House again!“

S. Hill

“How does one capture the beauty of a week in Spain with Doreen? I’ve traveled Spain and toured vineyards extensively; however, Vitis House and Doreen elevated the experience into memories that cannot be made independently. We savored Spain’s wine, food, history, and culture. We learned and laughed. My heart will forever be full of the memories. It is a truly unique experience. We are excited about future trips with Vitis House!”

Felicia T.

“I have taken a class at Vitis House, received my WSET level I and experienced Spain with Doreen in the fall of 2023. Every experience has been an amazing one – especially the trip to Spain. The hotels were fabulous, the transport was easy and comfortable, the food was incredible, the learning and social opportunities for incomparable and it was so wonderful to travel with a group of people I had never met! I wish I could swing doing a trip like this every time it was offered”

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Taste Ribera & Rueda Like a Local

Vitis House — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:48:44 +0000

Description

Private Tour 6 Days Mon- Sat

Travel like a local with us! Immerse yourself in the wines, cuisine, culture, and traditions of Castilla y León like a true local.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey where each day is packed with extraordinary experiences that are nearly impossible to replicate. You’ll witness the full winemaking process firsthand, gaining a profound understanding of the craft. As you sip exceptional wines, you’ll feel the vibrant energy and passion of the winemakers, chefs, and farmers who bring them to life.

This trip takes you through one of the most diverse natural landscapes in Europe, home to majestic castles, world-class wines, and culinary masterpieces. Picture yourself indulging in traditional delights like roasted milk-fed lamb, black sausage, and suckling pig, while savoring artisan cheeses, wild mushrooms, and the finest jamón. Trust me, you’ll eat and drink just as they do in Spain!

Our adventure leads us through the iconic wine regions of Ribera del Duero and Rueda, including the famous (yet not exactly a mile-long) Golden Mile, where some of the world’s most esteemed Tempranillo wines are born. Along the way, we’ll discover the charm of historic towns, including Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every moment of this journey is curated to offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Pack your bags and get to ready to:

Explore two of Spain’s premier wine regions
Stay at superb 4 and 5 stars boutique hotels
4 breakfast, 5 lunch & 3 dinners (lunch and dinner includes wine)
6 unique experiences at family owned, award winning and Grandes Pagos wineries
Amazing local food, including an experience at a Michelin restaurant
Taste 70+ hand-selected wines representing the diversity of the region
Extra Virgen Olive Oil and Jamón Tasting Class
Fantastic scenery with time for pictures
One spa circuit
Deluxe transportation
Max of 10 travelers

Tour description

DAY 1 – Madrid, Ribera del Duero

We will meet at Madrid International Airport in the morning (T4). Doreen, (your friendly guide), will be there waiting for you in a private luxury van to start the journey. Lunch with a guided tasting of the best tapas in the Ribera del Duero will be paired with local birra (beer) and a chance to meet the wonderful Albillo Mayor. After check-in at a local family owned hotel you can relax at their spa, where you will be treated “as” one of the best grapes in Spain. After your body is set to Spain zone, you will be ready to meet a wonderful local family that will show you how big the passion for food and wine is in this region. Lucky you, after a winery tour and a private barrel tasting, they are cooking the most delicious local food you can imagine. Then, make sure you get a good night’s sleep because the itinerary awaits you.

DAY 2 – Peñafiel & Aranda del Duero

Wake up! After breakfast, we are driving to the Golden Mile. Our first stop is an awarded winery led by one of Spain’s most prestigious winemakers. You’ll follow the same path the grapes take during harvest as we explore the five levels of their gravity-led winery, ending with a tasting of their collector gems. Next, we’ll visit one of the Grandes Pagos de España, located just outside the DO Ribera del Duero. We’ll tour the spectacular estate in a private 4×4, visiting vineyards, the Duero River, pine and acorn forests, and exploring the flora and fauna before a guided tasting of their finest collector wines in the estate’s stunning tasting room.

Then we’ll head to the town of Traspinedo, where a local chef will prepare a lunch impossible to recreate outside the region—dessert details will remain a sweet surprise.

If you still have room for more, we’ll drive to Aranda del Duero to visit a 15th-century underground cellar for an unforgettable tasting with an award-winning winemaker, followed by dinner at one of Spain’s top asadores. You’ll end the night hugging the female chef behind this incredible hidden gem.

DAY 3 – Sardón del Duero & Soria

After breakfast, we will drive to another Grandes Pagos de España, located on the “Golden Mile,” to visit a unique winery where the extraordinary conditions capture the landscape in every bottle. During a tour of the estate, you’ll explore the history of each project, its vineyards, and winemaking processes, followed by a magical gastronomic experience at their Michelin-starred restaurant paired with a superb tasting from vineyards across Spain.

After that, we’ll stop for a fun vino en porrón class in Peñaranda, Peñafiel, or at the Monastery of Santa María de La Vid—perfect for photos and plenty of laughs!

Before heading back, we’ll explore a winery at nearly 3,300 feet above sea level in Soria, a region considered an ethnographic jewel of viticulture. Here, you’ll find pre-phylloxera vines of a unique ancestral Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) clone preserved for centuries. After a tasting paired with one of Spain’s most protected cheeses, we’ll return to the hotel.

If you can allow yourself another bite, unwind at the hotel and enjoy a tapas night on your own—naturally with a glass of local wine or beer.

DAY 4 – Soria, Rueda & Segovia

After an early breakfast, we’ll say ‘adios’ to Ribera del Duero and head to Rueda. A fun and friendly host will be waiting to take you on an exclusive tour of two impressive wineries, where you’ll taste super unique wines straight from the barrels. This visit will offer the perfect chance to discover how Verdejo pairs exquisitely with local dishes. And for dessert, a magical view awaits! You’ll then have some free time to check in and enjoy your first free evening of the trip.

DAY 5 – Segovia & Madrid

Enjoy a free morning to explore a stunning UNESCO site. Visit the iconic Romanesque aqueduct, a former royal palace, or a Gothic cathedral—or simply go shopping and capture some beautiful photos. At noon, we’ll head back to Madrid, but first, we’re stopping in a small village to taste a traditional fall dish from the region. This private lunch will be lovingly prepared by a wonderful family who has been making the dish for generations in their 300+ year-old home.

Then we are taking you to the hotel in Madrid. Free time in Madrid, with maybe a farewell happy hour in one of the top awarded bars in the world by the World’s 50th Best.

DAY 6 – Madrid

Free morning in Madrid. You should schedule your returning trip for this afternoon, unless you prefer to enjoy a Saturday in Madrid and depart on Sunday (strongly recommended).

The perfect week to indulge yourself with traditional food, wine, culture, and stunning landscapes. The final itinerary will be shared via email.

Price/Deposit

2026 – $5,390.00 p/p double occupancy ($750.00 add supplement p/p single occupancy)
$1,000 deposit is needed to secure your spot. Unfortunately, this trip is designed for 2 guests per room only. If you have a question, contact us. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due 90 days before the trip. No cancellations allowed.

Important Notes

Not included: Air tickets, travel insurance (health, flight cancellations), tips, additional food and alcoholic beverages other than the ones included on the agenda and of course, expenses during your free time.
We strongly recommend not to fly via London to avoid taxes and delays.
You can bring your wine luggage or you can ship wines from Spain using Cargo Wine for an additional cost. We can assist you with that.