Rioja Wine Experience: the harvest and the spirit of Northern Spain

An exclusive wine journey — the time when wine is born


Dates

September 15–30On request

Estimated price

€1,500/person

An exclusive journey into the heart of the region — the time when wine is born. The Rioja harvest is an event that happens only once a year. We don't just watch — we take part: picking grape clusters, pressing grapes the old-fashioned way, and tasting the young must. This trip is for those who appreciate aesthetics: from the ancient cellars of Laguardia to the red carpets of the San Sebastián Film Festival. We open up Northern Spain through taste, style, and the unhurried rhythm of life in our countryside house.


Heritage
A unique chance to live through Rioja's main season — picking and pressing grapes using ancient traditions. A hands-on winemaking experience that turns an ordinary trip into a personal story.

Style
Immersion into the social life of San Sebastián during its prestigious film festival — among stars and red carpets. Ocean breeze, oysters, and cozy evenings in our designer house among friends.

Aesthetics
A journey through golden vineyards in vintage off-road vehicles with tastings in deep 14th-century caves. The atmosphere of old cinema, retro style, and the unhurried rhythm of a Spanish autumn.

Exclusive
A visit to the restricted salt terraces of Añana and the medieval castle of Olite, steeped in the aromas of wine. We open doors that Michelin-starred chefs and true lovers of authenticity choose for themselves.

The script for your best trip

  • Group checking into Casa Rural countryside house — start of Rioja wine harvest tour, Viajes del Norte

    Day 1

    Arrival, new faces and first taste of the North

    We arrive and settle into the countryside house near Pamplona. This day is for recovering from the journey and getting to know each other.
    In the evening — dinner for the whole group at an authentic restaurant on a hilltop with panoramic views. Local cuisine, wine, and that easy atmosphere that marks the beginning of the best trips.

      Activity level: ⚡️

  • Grape picking in Rioja vineyards and visit to Añana salt valley terraces — wine harvest tour

    Day 2

    Harvest day

    Today we start with the main event. Grape picking, pressing clusters the old-fashioned way, and tasting young wine right where it's born. The autumn atmosphere, the scent of wine, and the unhurried rhythm of rural Spain create a mood you simply can't pause.
    Then — a drive to the salt valley. This is where the salt used by Michelin-starred restaurants is harvested. White terraces, clean air, and the feeling of a rare place where time moves differently.

    In the evening — dinner and good conversations over wine.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: ~ 3 h. 30 m. 

  • Rioja vineyards vintage jeep Laguardia fortress city wine cellars Spain

    Day 3 

    Vineyards and the fortress city

    The day starts among endless rows of vines. Jeeps, vintage machinery, soft light — all like frames from an old film about wine and stylish living. We drive through the vineyards, stop at ancient caves where barrels are stored, and taste aged wine straight from the source.
    Then — Laguardia, a fortress city built on wine cellars. Under every house — a cellar where wine is stored, and above ground — cobblestone streets, pintxos bars, and an atmosphere unchanged for centuries.
    In the evening — dinner at a local restaurant with history. Simple food, good wine, and conversations that are in no hurry to end.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: ~2 h. 20 m. 

  • Pamplona old town pintxos Olite medieval castle Navarra wine Spain

    Day 4

    Navarra and its flavors

    Today we discover Navarra — a land of contrasts where history and gastronomy always go hand in hand. A walk through Pamplona: the old town, stone streets, and local favorite bars serving the best pintxos and young wine.
    Then — Olite, the wine capital of the region. A medieval castle, narrow alleyways, and an atmosphere where time seems to have stopped. The city is soaked in wine — from ancient cellars to small shops with local produce.

    In the evening we head back — dinner as the familiar finale to a full day.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: 1 h. 30 m. 

  • San Sebastián film festival Hondarribia border France Basque Country ocean

    Day 5

    San Sebastián and Hondarribia

    The final day is packed with impressions. We head to the ocean — to San Sebastián, the most elegant city in Spain. At this time of year the international film festival is in full swing. Who knows — we might spot a star or two.
    Then — Hondarribia, a town right on the border with France. Colorful facades, walks along the water, a glass of white wine and fresh seafood. The cozy, effortless atmosphere the north is known for.

    In the evening — dinner with the whole group. One of those moments when you just don't want the trip to end.

      Activity level: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

      Travel time: 2 h. 40 m. 

  • Final day of Northern Spain wine tour — farewell breakfast and transfer to Bilbao airport

    Day 6

    Farewell to the North

    Breakfast, coffee, packed bags and last conversations around the table. One more look at the green hills, a farewell glass of wine, and that particular feeling when a trip comes to an end — but the taste of the North stays with you and so does the desire to come back.

      Activity level: ⚡️

Not just accommodation — part of the experience

The house is about atmosphere, not just a place to sleep.It's yours alone for the whole group — secluded, warm, with a terrace and mountain views that make you want to stay longer.Everyone gets their own cozy bedroom (2 people per room). Full comfort inside.
And outside — summer evenings under string lights, a shared table, the sound of the grill, and conversations that go on until dark.We choose eco-friendly stays — small, local, low-impact. The kind of place that respects the landscape it sits in.
Note: photos of the house may vary, but the level of comfort and atmosphere will always be the same.

For those who seek experiences, not standard tours

1

For those who prefer an intimate format: Life in a small group of like-minded people, where every day is filled with style and flavor.

2

Harvest with your own hands: Not just watching — pressing grapes the old-fashioned way, right where wine is born.

3

Wine aesthetics in a vintage vehicle: Riding through endless golden vineyards in a retro off-roader.

4

Michelin secrets: Tasting the very salt from the Añana valley used by the world's best chefs.

5

Comfort without worries: The entire route and every detail is taken care of — you simply enjoy autumn in Spain.

What are you paying for?

What's included

● Accommodation in the countryside house — shared rooms for two and common spaces for evening gatherings and relaxing● Breakfasts and lunch at one of the wineries included● All transfers and transportation along the route● Entry tickets and activities: grape picking and pressing, visits to two wineries, vintage off-road vehicle tour through the vineyards, wine tasting, visit to the salt valley and Olite castle● We're always with you — as guides, organizers, and friends● Photographer at the winery. For other moments Karina will help with angles or take a shot on her phone

What's not included

● Flight to Spain● Meals beyond what's included (average cost ~€10-30)● Personal expenses (souvenirs, wine, shopping)● Travel insurance (~€15)

Карина и Андрей — организаторы авторских гастрономических туров Viajes del Norte по Испании и Франции.

Who is behind all of this?

Andrei — insider of Northern Spain.Not an "office organizer." A guide who is personally in love with every turn of this road. I live in the house with you, make breakfast, open the wine, and share stories you won't find in any guidebook.
My goal is simple: make you feel like you've come to visit an old friend who knows every secret spot in the region.

Ready to go?

A unique tour that happens only once a year. Write to us — we'll tell you how to get to the place where wine is born and the Spanish autumn begins.

Reviews

FAQ

  • This Rioja wine harvest tour starts from your choice of airport or train station: Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastián, or Vitoria. We meet you there — no need to figure out transfers on your own.

  • The Rioja Wine Experience costs approximately €1,500/person — all pricing is calculated individually based on your group. We accept crypto and European bank transfers.

  • Your deposit is fully refunded if you cancel 50 days or more before the trip. After that — no refund. We recommend travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations.

  • The itinerary is well balanced — enough to see and enough to rest. No overload. Comfortable pace throughout.

  • Yes. Children aged 10 and above will be comfortable on this wine harvest tour of Northern Spain. Wineries offer non-alcoholic drinks for kids, and the program includes locations that work well for both adults and teenagers.

  • Yes. The house is fully equipped for everyday living — everything you need is there.

  • We'll match you with a roommate from the group. Want your own room — add approximately +15% to the tour price. Maximum comfort, like a private mini-hotel just for you.