Buggy tour of the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, including an aperitif and wine tasting

Swap the classic drink on the terrace for an off-road expedition that climbs to 1, 000 metres before raising a glass.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll set off from Laguardia on a journey lasting between three and a half and four hours aboard a two- or four-seater buggy. You’ll navigate red-earth tracks through the vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, climb up to the Balcón de La Rioja and catch sight of medieval fortresses, rounding off the day with a 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 at the time of day when the light is at its best. The route follows a course 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 countryside routes.

Along the way, we’ll see endless rows of vines, and we’ll make around six short stops – ideal for the guide to tell us about the history and interesting facts of the landscape, to rehydrate with water or soft drinks, and to swap drivers if we’re travelling with others. First, we’ll stop at the Elciego viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Marqués de Riscal Winery and Hotel set against the sea of vineyards in Álava. We’ll continue towards the historic surroundings of the Remelluri Winery and stop to admire the imposing sight of San Vicente de la Sonsierra Castle and the Chapel of Santa María de la Piscina, a jewel of La Rioja’s Romanesque architecture.

The highest section of the route will take us first up to a panoramic viewpoint at 800 metres and then on to the iconic Balcón de La Rioja, situated at an altitude of 1, 000 metres, from where there is an unobstructed view of the entire region, set against the backdrop of the mountain range. On our return journey down the mountainside, we’ll pass by the undulating façade of Bodegas Ysios, which blends seamlessly into the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria.

After completing between 3 and 3½ hours of actual driving, we’ll switch off our engines at the base to enjoy a well-deserved culinary finale: a tasting of local produce including Idiazábal cheese, Rioja chorizo, artisan salchichón and picos, paired with a glass of D. O. Ca. red or white Rioja of our choice.

The experience will conclude after a total duration of between 3½ and 4 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 runs all year round, on Thursdays and Sundays, departing at 09: 30. Timetables can be adjusted on request.

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

The organiser has a fleet comprising four 2-seater buggies and three 4-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)