Description
Private Tour 
7 Days 
Sun- Sat
Taste Spain As A Local: Land and Sea Edition – Rioja & the Basque Coast
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind journey where wine, food, culture, and unforgettable moments come together in the heart of Rioja and San Sebastián.
Immerse yourself in northern Spain’s bold spirit, where the prestigious wines of DOCa Rioja meet the salty air of Txakolina country—and every bite tells a story. From vineyard-studded hills to seaside pintxo bars and golden beaches, you’ll experience rich traditions, vibrant flavors, and local flair.
We’ll start in lively Madrid before heading to Rioja’s rolling vineyards, underground cellars, medieval villages, and world-class restaurants—including Michelin-starred gems. Expect private tastings, behind-the-scenes access, new friendships, and meals that linger in your memory.
In Rioja, discover dramatic landscapes and time-honored dishes like patatas a la riojana and lamb grilled over vine cuttings. You’ll explore the region’s three subzones—Alta, Alavesa, and Oriental—and taste expressive Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo while learning how terroir and tradition shape each bottle.
Wander through historic towns like Logroño and Haro, soak in tapas culture, and feel the soul of Spain’s most iconic wine region.
Then, it’s off to the coast. In San Sebastián, sip zesty Txakoli and savor grilled steak with padrón peppers, octopus, hake, salt cod, and the city’s famous cheesecake. Enjoy lively pintxo bars, relax on the beach, and dive into Basque coastal cuisine.
We’ll finish in Bilbao, where tradition and creativity collide. Explore its colorful streets, take in the Guggenheim, and toast to a week of flavor, stories, and inspiration.
Hosted by chef, author, and wine educator Doreen Colondres, this 7-day experience is more than a wine tour—it’s a sensory journey full of laughter, discovery, and a touch of magic.
Come curious, leave inspired.
Get to ready to:
- Explore two of Spain’s premier wine regions: Rioja & San Sebastián
- Stay at charming 4-5 stars local boutique hotels (some Michelin Awarded)
- Enjoy all breakfasts, 5 lunch & 5 dinners (lunch and dinner includes wine)
- Visit 8 family owned, award winning and prestige producers producers
- Superb local food, including a Michelin restaurant
- Taste 70+ hand-selected wines representing the diversity of the region
- An interactive food experience (we don’t want to spoil surprises)
- Deluxe transportation
- Max of 8 travelers
Price
$5,190 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.
Tour description
The perfect week to indulge yourself with traditional food, wine, culture, and stunning landscapes. The final itinerary will be shared via email a month before departure date.
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 gentle, organic wake-up call from the valley and a light, nourishing breakfast, get ready to dive deep into the essence of Rioja. We’ll explore the richness of all three subregions, from the terroir to the people shaping its future.
We begin in the historic heart of Haro with a visit to one of the smallest producers in the area — a hidden gem crafting collectible wines in tiny batches. Then, the road will take us to an internationally renowned estate that’s become a symbol of Rioja’s global appeal. Along the way, a few familiar (and famous) local faces may join us for a toast or two.
Expect intimate stories, inspiring tastings, and a front-row seat to Rioja’s past, present, and future.
DAY 3 – Rioja
After breakfast, we will drive to one of the Grande Pagos of Spain, located in the “Golden Mile“. We will tour the spectacular estate in a private 4×4 vehicle, visiting their vineyards, the Duero river, the pine forests and exploring the flora and fauna of the area. The experience will not end until we make a stop to have a “farm-to-table” lunch and a tasting of their wines produced under the Grandes Pagos classification (collectors items). After that we will go back to the hotel for a show cooking with a “vino en porrón” class for lunch/dinner. The late afternoon will be open for you to explore nature, the Peñaranda town and Castle or the Monastery Santa María de La Vid on your own. Although you can also exercise, take a siesta or schedule another visit at the spa on your own.
DAY 4 – From Rioja to the Basque Coast
Rise and shine! We’re heading out early to catch the first coastal breezes. In San Sebastián, we trade red for white—Txakoli, the zesty local wine that pairs perfectly with seafood and sunshine.
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, 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.
To wrap up the day, indulge in San Sebastián’s world-famous food scene with a curated pintxos crawl and coastal views on your own.
DAY 5 – From Rioja to the Basque Coast
Rise and shine! We’re heading out early to catch the first coastal breezes. In San Sebastián, we trade red for white—Txakoli, the zesty local wine that pairs perfectly with seafood and sunshine.
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, 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.
To wrap up the day, indulge in San Sebastián’s world-famous food scene with a curated pintxos crawl and coastal views on your own.
DAY 6 – San Sebastián
Your day, your pace — let the sea breeze guide you, the golden beach invite you, the boutiques tempt you, and the city’s quiet elegance steal your heart. Today is yours to drift, delight, and discover.
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.
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.
Deposit/Payments
$1,000 deposit is needed to secure your spot. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due 90 days before the trip. No cancellations allowed.
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!“
Sandra 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 Trujillo
“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”
