La Rioja Wine Tour

381km / +5.553m

Level: ★★★★☆

Departure: March-November (approximate)

3, 4 or 5 stages (from 4 to 6 nights)

TRIP DESCRIPTION

La Rioja Wine Tour is a journey between centenary wineries. La Rioja is clearly a spectacular place for cycling. Wine is a way of life in this region, pedaling along its roads and climbing its ports you will be able to experience its culture intensely.

During the route we will visit the best wineries in the area, experiencing first-hand some of the work that is carried out there. Pedaling through vineyards will have its best reward at the end of each stage, when we taste the exquisite products of the area together with a good wine.

Enjoy a good plate of Rioja-style potatoes or white beans with quail and regain strength after the effort. If wine is the protagonist of this route, we cannot help but enjoy it in all its variants. A relaxing wine therapy treatment, taking advantage of the antioxidant powers of the Rioja grape, will be the best closure for an unforgettable route in one of the most authentic corners of Spain.

ITINERARY

STAGE 1: LAGUARDIA - VILLABUENA DE ÁLAVA CIRCULAR STAGE

Distance: 69 Km Slope: + 821 m

Circular stage through the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria first, and through the Ebro vineyards later. Passing through the towns of Elvillar and Kripan.The hardest climb of the day will take place in the port of La Horca, and this will take us to the Navarrese municipality of Meano. From that point, a long and gentle descent to Oyón will begin. Going gently up to Laguardia.

STAGE 2: LAGUARDIA - EZCARAY

Distance: 76 Km Slope: + 774 m

Stage in which we will join the vineyards of La Rioja Alavesa with the mountain village of Ezcaray. Crossing the valley from north to south and crossing the Ebro river.The Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla - a World Heritage Site - will be the reference of the day. One of the most important places at a cultural level in our country for being the cradle of Castilian.You will continue down to Santo Domingo de la Calzada to regain strength and face the last 15 km until you reach Ezcaray.

STAGE 3: EZCARAY CIRCULAR STAGE

Distance: 67 Km Slope: +1.500 m

High mountain stage in which the ascent to the mythical port of La Cruz de la Demanda - end of stage of numerous editions of "La Vuelta a España" will be the reference.The first kilometers climb gently to the beautiful town of Posadas. Here it is convenient to take water, since you will go up to one of the most authentic ports of the 90s. Ramps of 10-12% that will make you feel like Rominguer, Zulle or Chaba. After 15 km you will reach the top to contemplate the beauty of the surroundings.Arriving at Ezcaray, you will have to face the last climb of the day to the Bonicaparra Refuge.

STAGE 4: EZCARAY - BRIÑAS

Distance: 90 Km Slope: +716 m

Visit the unknown “Riojilla burgalesa” and ascend the slopes of the Montes Obarenes to the spectacular viewpoint called “Púlpito de la Rioja”.The start will not be easy, as soon as you start you have to face 10 km of constant and intense ascent. At the top, you will be in Castilla y León, and from there you have to go down 30 km to Leiva.After visiting the ruins of the Pre-Romanesque Hermitage of Santa Maria del Barrio, all that remains is to gently pedal down to Briñas and finish the stage.

STAGE 5: BRIÑAS - LAGUARDIA

Distance: 78 Km Slope: +1.080 m

In the last stage we will enjoy the contrast between the vineyards and the forests of the Alava Mountains that populate the central part. The adventure begins on the flat, rolling for 30 kilometers. Arriving at Zambrana, the route becomes demanding, constantly climbing to Puerto de Herrera. We recommend replenishing water in Urizaharra, since the ascent to the Rioja viewpoint is very hard. Once we reach the pass, it's time to enjoy the views and descend towards the valley. Although in Eltziego you have to climb slightly to finish the stage.