Finish this sentence: Bordeaux is to France as ______ is to Spain. The answer? La Rioja. Located less than an hour and a half south of Bilbao, Spain’s most prized wine region is home to more than 500 wineries (or, “bodegas”), mind-bending modern architecture, dramatic landscapes, and sun-drenched medieval cities and towns. Like Logroño, the capital of La Rioja and an ideal home base. Check into the Áurea Palacio de Correos, then stroll winding cobblestone streets, pop into ancient churches and art galleries, sip impossibly affordable wine, and walk a small stretch of the Camino de Santiago. And if all that sounds a bit exhausting? Remember, you’re in the land of the siesta.
🍷 Let’s start with the reason you’re here: the bold reds. Whether you join a guided tour or do your own thing, your first stop should be Bodegas Ysios — with its women-led wine-making team, postcard-worthy mountain views, and eye-popping building designed by Santiago Calatrava. Two other spots where the architecture is almost as epic as the pours? Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, which topped the World’s Best Vineyards list in 2024 and includes an avant-garde masterpiece by Frank Gehry. Plus, R. López de Heredia, known for its aged wines and Zaha Hadid-designed tasting room in nearby Haro. There, you’ll also find Barrio de la Estación, a historic district with six approximately century-old wineries in walking distance, like family-run Bodegas Muga.
🗺️ La Rioja is filled with ridiculously idyllic towns and villages, many of which are less than an hour’s drive away. Head to Laguardia to wander around mazelike streets, browse cute boutiques, and soak up what some say is the area’s most picturesque town. Though teeny-tiny Briones is equally worthy of that title, thanks to its medieval buildings, stunning scenery, and impressive wine museum showcasing some 220 grape varieties from around the world. Finally, design enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Ezcaray. Specifically, Mantas Ezcaray, a textile company famous for mohair blankets and scarves — and collabs with high-end fashion brands, like Hermès and Loewe.
🍴If there’s one thing Logroño takes more seriously than wine, it’s pintxos — or bite-sized snacks that should be eaten while standing (we don’t make the rules). Head to Calle del Laurel and Calle San Juan, which are lined with dozens of bars focused on one or two specialties: Bar Soriano serves garlicky mushrooms topped with prawns, Bar Lorenzo is popular for its marinated pork sandwich, and Bar Sebas offers a Spanish tortilla with spicy sauce. Ready for a sit-down meal? Try Michelin-starred Ikaro, where the husband-and-wife chefs draw inspiration from their respective Basque and Ecuadorian roots. And don’t leave without sampling DellaSera’s inventive ice cream flavors, like lemon cream with olive oil and aged goat cheese with berries.