Unusual Suspects

All admission fees

All tastings

Bottled mineral water

Duration: from 9am to 6pm

Lunch

Guide services in English & wine expert

Hotel pick up and drop off

Travel Agency Insurance

Unusual Suspects Rioja wine tour: under-the-radar cellars

A tour to taste top-notch Rioja wines with very little market exposure (only sold in Rioja or Spain)

Hidden gems of Rioja

The Unusual Suspects is a tour to explore the hidden gems of Rioja. These true under-the-radar cellars are led by small producers who make small batches of high-quality wines.

Under the-radar-cellars

They are under-the-radar cellars because despite the low profile they keep and the little market exposure they have, quality speaks for itself and that’s why the wines are directly sold to high-end restaurants only within Spain or Europe.

For us it means a lot that the producers we picked are highly praised by their fellow Riojan winemakers (there are almost 600 wineries in the region!). You’ve come all the way here and we think it makes sense that you can sample the wines that are not so likely to be found at home, what we call the hidden gems.

Number of wines tasted: 11 (at least!)

View more details

BOOKING REQUEST

Number of people:*

Group size:*

Booking date:*

Name:*

Country:*

Email:*

Do you need a transfer?*

Transfer type:

Do you have any physical impairment? *

Please, provide details:

* For private parties larger than 8 people, please ask for a quotation.

By clicking 'CHECK AVAILABILITY', you agree to our Privacy Policy and that you have read our Booking Conditions

* For private parties larger than 8 people, please ask for a quotation.

Group tour 4 - 7 people

300.00 €

Private for 5 to 6 people

360.00 €

Private for 4 people

380.00 €

Private for 3 people

400.00 €

Private for 2

420.00 €

Group size

Clear

CHECK PICK UP TOWNS

Other wine lovers' opinions on our Rioja wine tours

      
   Rioja Wine Trips
   116 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Haft 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I organized a Rioja trip for a group of 14, and the wine tour and eclipse viewing was THE highlight. We booked with Inma and Rioja Wine Trips and it could not have gone better.

Inma took us to three different winemakers, each one distinct, each producing outstanding wine in a beautiful and genuinely interesting setting. Her knowledge is deep, but what stood out even more was her passion. She's excited about these wines and these growers, and that energy carried the whole group. The people who knew wine well and the ones who didn't were all equally thrilled.

With a group this size, I needed the day to run smoothly, and it did. On top of the tour, Inma picked the perfect spot for us to watch the eclipse. Not crowded, quiet, and overlooking a stunning stretch of the valley. It was exactly what I was hoping for and better.

If you want an authentic, insider Rioja experience, book with Inma and Rioja Wine Trips. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina Block 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our group took the “Wine & Architecture Rioja - Group tour.” It was amazing! Inma was a superb host and guide. She gave us a very informative view of the Rioja region. We went to 3 bodegas that highlighted different approaches to the wine process. A large corporate-type bodega, a medium-sized bodega, and a family-owned one that explores and experiments with different varieties. All the wines were very tasty and the tour ended with a wonderful home-made lunch. I loved Inma’s knowledge and sweet demeanor that made this experience so memorable. If you are in the region, look for Inma. It is well worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Florencia LaProgressiva 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our group had the best time! We went on a tour of several wineries and Inma provided such a rich history of the region and the wines. We ended the tour with a Rioja inspired lunch in a quaint town and had great conversation all the way back to our hotel. Highly recommended!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a lovely tour.  It was exactly what you could want from an introduction to Rioja.  The exact tour we chose was the "Wine & Architecture Rioja - Group tour". For a max of 7 people.  We were 6 people, and no-one else joined our tour that day. Inma was our guide and she was very knowledgeable and accommodating while still keeping us on track to pack in tastings at 3 wineries and a home made lunch in a quaint medieval town. My personal highlight was the tour and tasting at Marques de Riscal, which has been my favorite wine for many years and a large reason for my visit to Rioja.  The visit was made complete with tours and tastings at an ultra modern winery, and an ancient family-run winery.  I completely recommend Inma and imagine that you'll have a great time taking any of the tours available from Rioja Wine Trips.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Foy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are ever in the Rioja region and want a quality tour and wine tasting….look no further!
They have a number of options but we decided to do the Unusual Suspects tour - wine that is mainly sold in Spain or to high end restaurants. Wine that we could not source in the UK.
Our guide was Inma who was absolutely superb and so knowledgeable. We visited 3 wine makers and tasted many outstanding wines, who were very generous with their time and pourings! We also had a very traditional Spanish lunch with a lovely red to pair.
This is such a fantastic tour from start to finish. We were a group of 4 who all like wine, but this was by far the best tour and tasting we have ever done. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marc Taub 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Spent 2 days with Mel. Incredible experience. Saw a wide range of wineries including wineries out of people’s homes and larger facilities. Basic “hole in the wall” wineries turned into spectacular wineries with fantastic views once we entered the door.  We sat with the owners and winemakers and learned a lot.  Along the way Mel taught us all about the region and the wine. He was a wealth of information.  I would highly recommend using them and when we come back to the region, we certainly will.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachael Lindsay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful experience on the architecture wine tour. Our group visited four unique bodegas and learned about all stages of the wine making process, from seed to bottle. In typical La Rioja fashion, the wines that we tried were incredible.

Inma was a great host. She’s super knowledgeable and fun. And the included lunch is so special! Delicious local cuisine in a really beautiful area.

This tour was a highlight of our time in Basque Country - we highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ole I. Iversen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the pleasure of beeing guided by Rioja Wine Trips, visiting six wine makers a weekend in April 2026. This was an extra ordinary trip with a professional wine guide. I can definetly reccomend Inma an Rioja Wine Trips.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Inma provided us with a wonderful and unique experience, and it was the highlight of the trip. You can tell she is very thoughtful when planning your tour, and she cares about showing you the true culture of Rioja.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rhonda Halarewich 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Rioja Wine Trips! We did the Unusual Suspects tour, guided by Inma, and discovered three incredible winemakers who are truly rewriting the rules—plus their fabulous wines.

The tour felt personal and thoughtfully curated, with insider stories and moments you won’t find on a typical tour. Inma’s passion for Rioja, deep knowledge, and genuine connections with the winemakers made the experience extra special. We learned so much and had so much fun along the way.

Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic, insider Rioja experience!

Description
Itinerary

The true lesser-known face of Rioja wines

We feel that very often the expresions off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems are overused in the Rioja wine tourism context and have sadly become a catchphrase, rather than being an honest reflection of the hard work of these growers.

Our goal is to offer a win-win experience for both sides. You can live first hand the wonderful hand-crafted wines on this intimate tour that unveils the lesser-known face of Rioja wines, whereas they get some market exposure and feedback. Sometimes you just come across extremely gifted people throughout your career. We have been blessed to meet them and feel grateful to introduce them to genuine wine lovers and wine enthusiasts like you.

You will visit to 3 under-the-radar cellars and enjoy a private guided tour at one of them, along with 3 tastings.

These are usually “one-man band” characters, very talented grapegrowers and winemakers that make top-notch wines with little marketing resources. The facilities are not state of the art because they focus on the vineyards. Once you see their hands and the passion they put into it you’ll understand why it’s a true off-the-beaten-track experience.

This is the itinerary:

9am hotel pick up check pick up towns here

Hotel pick up and drop off in the towns of Logroño, Laguardia, Villabuena, Elciego, Ábalos, Briones, Haro and Briñas.
Tasting session of 3 signature wines at a high-end terroir-oriented winery
Tasting session of 3 high-quality wines at a small winery not open to the general public (word of mouth amongst sommeliers)
Tasting session of 4 fine wines at a top quality small boutique winery that only sells to high-end restaurants
Farm-to-table freshly-made lunch paired with 1 wine at our private entertainment room in a quaint medieval village . The dining room is perched up on a hill, beneath a church and a 12^th-century castle.
6pm hotel drop off