Spanish Agritourism: Discover Rural Experiences in La Rioja and Beyond

Spain’s stunning capitals are essential stops on any European journey. Yet, the true essence of the country thrives in its rural plains and villages just beyond the city limits.

This essence can be found in the dehesas—idyllic pastures where cork and holm oaks grace the landscape, offering a sustainable income through regular cork harvesting. Beneath these trees, the famed black Iberian pigs feast on acorns, producing a rich, nutty flavor that makes Spain’s ham one of the world’s most prized delicacies.

It also flourishes in the country’s casa rurales (country houses). These family-run farms provide a window into authentic rural life, inviting guests to engage in farming activities, savor local produce, and experience the warm hospitality of the local communities.

Las Lucias is an example of such a casa rural. Managed by Jose ‘Pepe’ Tasso and his wife, Gema Pérez-Zubizarreta Cuadrado, this traditional farm houses sheep, goats, chickens, and turkeys that roam freely. Visitors can partake in activities like collecting eggs, milking goats, and making cheese from the fresh milk. This hands-on experience not only showcases Spain's traditions but also fosters a connection between guests and the land.

These forms of sustainable agritourism are cherished cultural experiences in Spain. Here are some more of our favorites:

Ibérico Ham

Spain’s ham is typically cured in the warm breezes of Extremadura. Visit a dehesa to witness how free-roaming Ibérico pigs transform into these coveted legs of cured ham. At the main house, you might enjoy a tasting session from a skilled ham cutter, who will demonstrate how to slice jamón ibérico into fine, thin pieces.

Citrus

Boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually, Valencia is not just a fantastic travel destination but also the orange capital of Spain. The sweet, succulent oranges are a staple in Spanish cuisine. You can explore a well-preserved orchard just outside the city, discover the variety of oranges grown there, and even pick some straight from the trees for a delightful tasting experience.

Cider

Green Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage, and this extends to its vibrant cider culture. The beloved Asturian variety is both light and sour; enjoying a glass with a delicious steak is fantastic, but experiencing the cider-making process at a family-owned llagar is even better.

Almadraba Tuna

Andalucía is famous for its red tuna, caught through an ancient and sustainable fishing method known as almadraba. This technique, which dates back to the Phoenician era, is unique worldwide, and during the tuna season, you can join a boat to witness it firsthand.

Cheese

Manchego cheese, originating from Castilla-La Mancha, is a cherished sheep's milk cheese recognized for its distinctive flavor and patterned rind. The picturesque hills of Basque Country and Navarre also serve as a stunning backdrop for traditional cheesemaking, producing some of Spain's most renowned DO cheeses, like Idiazábal and Roncal. A visit to the Idiazabal Cheese Museum pairs wonderfully with a trip to a nearby farm to meet the Latxa sheep that contribute to this delicious, often smoky cheese.

Saffron

Castilla-La Mancha is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest saffron, celebrated for its rich color and potent aroma. To harvest just one gram of this ‘red gold,’ you must collect 150 delicate crocus flowers, and if you visit in October and November, you can witness the harvest firsthand.

Four days in La Rioja – a quintessential experience of Spanish agritourism

No region showcases the agricultural essence of Spain better than La Rioja, with its ochre soil and expansive blue skies, home to some of the finest red wines in the country. La Rioja spreads from the Ebro River, flanked by over 100 miles of rolling vineyards and ancient medieval villages, forming a true agritourism gem filled with local producers, farm stays, wineries, and vibrant festivals.

Editor’s note: It goes without saying, but please enjoy winery visits responsibly and ensure you have a designated driver. Never drive after consuming alcohol.

Where to stay

La Rioja offers a plethora of delightful accommodations scattered among the vineyards. Plan wisely and select your lodging based on the wineries and activities lined up for the day.

In Rioja Baja, consider the charming Posada de Urreci, a cozy retreat located just outside the medieval village of Aldeanueva de Cameros.

For a more upscale agritourism experience, check out Finca de los Arandinos, a stunning modern structure of concrete and wood featuring an onsite winery. It’s conveniently located near the Navarre border and the Camino de Santiago, created by the talented fashion designer David Delfín and architect Javier Arizcuren. Alternatively, the Marqués de Riscal Vineyard Hotel, designed by Frank Gehry to echo his Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, resembles a giant spilled ribbon box. Its spacious rooms and restaurant overlook vineyards that have been around since 1858.

If you're traveling with family, Natura Resorts offers a summer camp atmosphere closer to Rioja Alavesa.

Day 1

After settling into your accommodation, embrace local customs by exploring the nearby village, which you can now consider your adopted pueblo. Most Riojan villages boast a towering church, many dating back to the 12th century, and nearby, you'll find the local watering hole, perfect for snacking, sampling local red wine, and mingling with neighbors. In summer, if the village seems quiet, the municipal pool is the go-to spot for residents seeking relief on hot days.

Begin your journey in northern Rioja by visiting Laguardia, a town famed for its extensive underground network of wine caves. Once home to over 300 wineries, from quaint family-operated spaces to larger facilities, only three now remain. Among them is Bodega El Fabulista, featuring a maze of historic tunnels filled with the distinctive wines of Rioja Alavesa, known for their light body due to the traditional carbonic maceration method.

Day 2

Today is dedicated to savoring Rioja’s celebrated tempranillo wine, characterized by its smooth, fruity profile. The Denominación de Origen of Rioja comprises 571 wineries, Spain's officially recognized designation for quality wines. Many of these are family-owned, preserving a close connection to centuries of winemaking traditions and often providing hands-on experiences for guests to engage in the process.

Start your day at Bodegas Jilabá, where the fifth-generation family warmly welcomes you for a tour of their vineyards, some of the oldest in Rioja. After exploring their 500-year-old cellar, enjoy a tasting that features not only their exquisite wines but also their house-made arbequina olive oil.

Next, visit Bodegas Ysios, a stunning architectural marvel that resembles a pixelated wave against the mountainous scenery. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this winery is likely the most photographed in all of Rioja, but it offers more than just visual appeal. Discover the small-scale vineyards characterized by diverse microclimates and soils that produce the exquisite wines of this boutique establishment.

Day 3

The region is not just about grapes; its fertile lands also support thriving olive trees. Take a leisurely walk among the twisted trunks at Almazara Riojana before heading to the traditional stone olive press to sample the freshly pressed oil—a true revelation. This family-owned establishment follows eco-friendly practices similar to those at many local wineries, utilizing natural rainwater for irrigation and adopting organic farming methods.

As you journey south, the landscape begins to undulate more dramatically, leading up to the Sierra de Cameros, an elevated area dotted with ancient villages primarily devoted to livestock farming. This region is a key source of milk for traditional cheesemaking, sustaining the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Experience the cheesemaking process firsthand at Quesería Roca de Cabra, where you can meet the goats by name before touring the creamery and enjoying a tasting. Alternatively, stay near Haro and explore the craft of making olive oil-washed cheese at Quesería Los Cameros, a family-run establishment employing ancient recipes to create their offerings.

Day 4

Wherever you’re staying, you’re likely just steps away from one of Rioja’s many miles of walking paths. Take some time to explore the stunning landscape on foot. A great starting point is the former railway lines that have been transformed into cycling and walking trails, known as vías verdes. One particularly scenic route begins in the towns of Casalarreina and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, stretching 16 miles to Ezcaray.

During the summer months and harvest season, local festivals flourish, offering a glimpse into regional traditions. However, beware if you’re attending the Haro Wine Festival’s Batalla del Vino. Every June, an early morning hike by festival-goers clad in white culminates in an exhilarating wine battle—arrive in crisp whites, but be prepared to leave drenched in purple juice.

While in Haro, indulge in the local flavors at one of its renowned restaurants. Michelin-starred Nublo celebrates the region’s rivers, orchards, and rich gastronomic heritage. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, with a particular emphasis on the firewood used in their cooking.

For a more relaxed yet equally delightful experience, head to Los Caños. This spacious eatery serves shareable plates of traditional Rioja cuisine, with off-menu specials that highlight seasonal local ingredients. It’s also an excellent spot to taste the region's finest vintages.

During harvest season, Bodega Lecea hosts the Fiesta del Pisado de la Uva, a lively grape-stomping event where participants can indulge in the nostalgic (and now outdated) tradition of crushing grapes with their bare feet.

Make it Happen

• When to visit: The ideal time to explore Rioja is from spring to fall when the vines are lush and vibrant. By September, they transform into a breathtaking array of reds, golds, and browns.

• How to get in from the airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the closest major airport, located just an hour to the north. Vitoria (VIT), about 30 minutes away, offers a few international flights.

• Getting around: Renting a car is advisable for easy travel between towns and attractions. Remember to always have a designated driver.