Wine tourism in Álava

Rioja Alavesa is the DOCa area that spreads over just over 300 square kilometres in the south of the province of Álava, on the north bank of the Ebro river, on predominantly clay-limestone soils on terraces and small plots, with an Atlantic, dry and sunny climate.

It is made up of 18 municipalities that give it unrivalled beauty through all kinds of wine-tourism resources which, present in the natural environment and bringing great tourist and economic value to the area, merge with an innovative, admired architecture prominent in many historic buildings and wineries that, over time, have made a name for themselves in history and amazed anyone who looks up and observes the majesty and splendour of a land naturally suited both to making young wines and to ageing them in barrel, giving them their own unique, characteristic aromas that perfectly represent the values of Rioja Alavesa.

Examples of this are the picturesque streets of Elciego or the old wineries of Laguardia, two municipalities that year after year attract countless tourists from all over the world, who do not hesitate to repeat the experience and immerse themselves in the important contributions and technical, winemaking advances their people are making.

For a getaway through the Rioja Alavesa it is best to make your base in Laguardia, with its noble houses and wineries carved out beneath the medieval old town, or in neighbouring villages such as Elciego, Samaniego or Labastida. Stone country houses and charming hotels abound among the vineyards, with the Sierra de Cantabria as a backdrop.

Those who prefer a city can stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz and head out to the vines for the day. Around Rivabellosa and the Añana district there are also quiet places to stay, a good option for combining wine with the Salinas de Añana salt flats or the Romanesque heritage of Álava.

Beyond wine tasting, Álava invites you to stroll through the walled old town of Laguardia, visit the Salinas de Añana with its thousand-year-old salt pans and explore the dolmens of the Rioja Alavesa. The Sierra de Cantabria offers trails with views over the sea of vineyards and the stone villages.

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Green Belt, the Cathedral of Santa María and the medieval old town all deserve time. To the north, the Valderejo Natural Park and the gorges of the Nervión round out nature plans a short distance from the wineries.

The outdoors in Álava revolves around the Sierra de Cantabria and the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir, with bathing areas, trails and motorhome zones near Vitoria. Nature lovers find camping and campsites beside the green landscapes of the Llanada and the Montes de Vitoria.

To the west, the Valderejo Natural Park and the surroundings of the Nervión Waterfall offer hiking among beech woods and cliffs. In the Rioja Alavesa, travelling by motorhome between Laguardia and Labastida lets you sleep near the vineyards and rise early for the tastings.