Buggy tour through the vineyards with a tasting of D.O.Ca. Rioja wine in Álava

If you thought wine tourism was just about strolling amongst wine barrels, get ready to kick up some dust amongst the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll set off from Laguardia on an exciting 2½- to 3-hour tour aboard a 2- or 4-seater buggy. You’ll navigate red-earth farm tracks amongst century-old vines, take in panoramic views of the Sierra de Cantabria and discover ancient dolmens, rounding off the day with a select tasting of local produce and D. O. Ca. Rioja wine.

What we will do

We’ll meet 15 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point in Laguardia, Álava. There, our local guide will be waiting to welcome us and give us some background on the terrain we’ll be exploring. We’ll go over the itinerary in a brief briefing, learn how to operate the buggies intuitively and the guidelines for driving safely along the farm tracks. Once we’ve adjusted our helmets or protective goggles and settled into our seats, we’ll start the engines.

We’ll leave the tarmac behind to immerse ourselves fully in the landscape of the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. The route runs along a path comprising 60–65 per cent dirt tracks and farm tracks, where the tyres grip the characteristic red earth, kicking up that fine trail of dust that is the hallmark of good country routes.

Along the way, we’ll see endless rows of vines, and we’ll make around six brief stops, designed to allow the guide to share some historical facts about the area, for us to have a drink of water or a soft drink , and to swap drivers if we’re travelling with others. First, we’ll stop at the Elciego viewpoint, where the titanium-coloured reflections of the Bodega Hotel Marqués de Riscal stand out against a sea of vineyards. From there, we’ll head towards the secluded Hermitage of San Felices de Ábalos before climbing up to a viewpoint at an altitude of almost 800 metres, offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the Ebro Valley and the rugged silhouette of the Sierra de Cantabria.

The journey through time will continue at the Alto de la Huesera Dolmen, a megalithic burial site dating back more than 5, 500 years, which will remind us of this region’s ancient roots. A striking visual contrast will follow shortly afterwards as we approach the undulating silhouette of Bodegas Ysios, whose avant-garde façade seems to blend into the hillside.

With the dust of the road on our clothes and our best stories to share, we’ll switch off the engines to enjoy the gastronomic finale: a final tasting of local produce. We’ll sit down to share a platter of Idiazábal cheese, Riojan chorizo and salchichón with artisan breadsticks, paired with a glass of red or white D. O. Ca. Rioja wine of our choice.

The experience will conclude after a total duration of between two and a half and three hours, including the tasting.

Who it is aimed at

The driver must be at least 25 years of age and present a valid physical Category B driving licence .

The front-seat passenger must be at least 4 years old (younger children must bring their own approved car seat) and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience is suitable for beginners, as the routes are very accessible and the guide always provides clear instructions.

This activity is not recommended for pregnant women.

People in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility can take part as co-drivers without any problems .

Pets are welcome on board and count as an additional passenger in the vehicle.

Other information

The tour is available all year round, from Monday to Saturday except Thursdays (not available on Thursdays and Sundays), departing at 11. 30 am. Timetables can be adjusted on request.

The tour will be confirmed once a minimum of 2 buggies has been booked, with groups of up to 18 participants per session.

The organiser has a fleet comprising 4 two-seater buggies and 3 four-seater buggies.

If two participants in the same vehicle meet the required criteria, they may take turns at the wheel during stops.

At the meeting point (an industrial estate) , there is ample free parking, and the venue is also accessible by public transport.

For the tasting, options are available for people with food intolerances or vegetarians, as well as grape must and soft drinks; please note that gluten-free alternatives are not available.

Recommended clothing

• Closed-toe footwear
• Comfortable clothing suitable for the time of year, which you don’t mind getting dusty

Don't forget to bring

• A valid physical driving licence (compulsory for drivers)
• Neck brace (available to purchase at the venue for €5)