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We climb up to the superb viewpoint above the Rioja Alavesa called the Balcon de Rioja. There will also be a fascinating walk through the mountains above Rioja where we will come across a ruined monastery. As we walk, we see the dramatic differences in terroir of Rioja, between the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. Although these regions are de½ned politically, it is the geological difference that is noticeable; Alavesa has white clay lime soils, whereas those of Alta can be shocking dark red betraying the presence of iron. The wines of Alavesa tend to be elegant and those of the Alta more forceful, as you will see in the series of excellent tastings along the route at notable smaller bodegas such as Remelluri, Vina Iljaba, Luis Canas and Bodegas Sonsierra. Some of these bodegas when we ½rst visited them were fairly unknown and have since been recognised as stars. Our base for exploring Rioja Alta is a comfortable hotel with a Michelin* restaurant. We then stay in a 4* in Haro, and ½nally in the village of Samaniego in a delightful family-run Palacio (very good 2*) with an outstanding restaurant.
Vineyard Walks
Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Vineyard Walk
Sunday 7 - Saturday 13 September
Day 1 The vineyards of Rioja are set in huge tracts of land that make for excellent walking countryside. This is a fascinating region to visit on foot, you will see this from a privileged view-point. Apart from the wines you will be tasting along the way, which are very high quality, you will see nature at close hand. We have seen bee-eaters and other rare birds, and are often escorted by a posse of partridges with kites and eagles soaring over head. We meet in Bilbao and our ½rst walk gives us a dramatic entry into Rioja Alta as we stride down to Castillo de Sajazarra. Over the next couple of days we cover the ground between the Monasterio de Yuso (where the Spanish language is supposed to have been ½rst written down) and Cordovin, a village of small cellars surrounded by classic red earth Rioja Alta vineyards. We visit a couple of small cellars including a Cosechero (grower). This is an end of the day tasting at which we are often joined by locals from the village. We continue to walk through Rioja Alavesa and then below the Sierra de Cantabria. Well see the roof line of Ysios, the dramatic building in ¾ashing titanium that matches the jagged line of the mountains behind it. Later we explore the medieval hill town of Laguardia.
The walk starts in the Rioja Alta
Outline Itinerary
Meet Bilbao & Airport. Call for details. Transfer. PM walk Rioja Alta. Michelin* dinner. 2* hotel Ezcaray Walk, visits & lunch in Rioja Alta. Visits & lunch in Rioja Alavesa. 4* in Haro. Walk, visit & lunch in Rioja Alavesa. Walk & visit in Rioja Alavesa. Dinner. Very good 2* palacio hotel. Walk, visit & lunch in Rioja Alavesa. Dinner Return to Bilbao for morning ¾ight.
Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Includes
4 nights good 2*, 2 nights 4*, breakfasts, 7 meals with wines, visits & tastings. Mini bus support. Transfers from & to Bilbao. Walk Guide. The maximum party size is 16. Rating - Moderate with steep sections which can mostly be avoided.
Meet at Price £ pp Sole occupancy Deposit £ pp Room Upgrade
58
Bilbao
1299
200
200
40
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inbro