RELATED:<\/strong> Understanding Wine Classifications in Spain – DO vs. DOCa and DOQ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rioja region itself is formally divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa<\/strong> and Rioja Baja (now called Rioja Oriental)<\/strong>. Each exhibits a unique terroir and varying wine styles. We recommend visiting wineries and small villages within each sub-region to get a more complete understanding of the area as a whole. In this guide, we’ll recommend visitation experiences in each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the wine isn’t the only reason why it’s worth visiting Rioja, the vibe also makes it a great place to spend a few days. One of our favorite food-centric towns in all of Spain is Logro\u00f1o. <\/strong><\/em>It’s here that you can find two streets loaded with exceptional and bespoke tapas bars and restaurants: Calle Laurel<\/strong> and Calle San Juan. <\/strong>The streets come alive in the evening, and you’ll have the opportunity to try locally produced wine by the bottle or glass for just a fraction of the price you’d see in the states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long story short, you don’t need to visit wineries to have a great time in Rioja, but we do recommend getting out in the countryside for a wine tourism experience because it’s beautiful, and the winemakers are often very warm and welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED:<\/strong> What’s the Difference Between Rioja’s 3 Sub-Regions?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rioja resides within North-central Spain, just south of what’s known as Basque country. Logro\u00f1o is the capital of Rioja, and the largest city closest to the region is Bilbao. To get to Rioja, you have a couple of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you can fly into a major city such as Bilbao, Madrid or even Barcelona and take a short-haul flight into Logro\u00f1o’s small airport. Check here for current flight deals<\/a><\/strong> into these major cities as well as deals on short-haul flights<\/a><\/strong> with carriers like Air Europa, Vueling and Iberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to rent a car from one of these cities and drive to Rioja yourself (highly recommended). We recommend taking a car because the Spanish countryside is incredibly scenic. The drive itself will become one of the highlights of your trip. Check here for some of the best rental car rates in Spain<\/a><\/strong> offered through Expedia. Make sure you get lost, but do watch your speed when on major roadways as there are traffic cameras everywhere, and they WILL bill you 2 months later once you’re back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to enjoy the wine and scenery of the region without having to worry about driving, consider hiring a private guide and driver, with all tasting fees and lunch in a medieval village included<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Rioja-Spain-Map-Location-Winetraveler.jpg\")
<\/a>Travel Logistics Getting To and Around Rioja<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n