“LA RIOJA GOURMET” EXPERIENCE

A trip through the world of the wine and gastronomy of La Rioja

"La Rioja Gourmet" is a unique experience that takes place from Thursday to Sunday and allows you to discover the most beautiful corners of La Rioja, and discover the identity that makes it internationally known: wine and gastronomy. You´ll be assured an abundance of flavor, culture and history of the Rioja Province.

INSPIRATION

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LA RIOJA.

The first point of view is the artesian water spring “22 Artesian Water” in Torrecilla de Cameros. Water is an element that matches perfectly with the wine and cuisine of this area. And its wines are used in best kitchens en wine cellars of the world for its unique properties. Later the trip continues to Ezcaray. Here you will stay at the Echaurren hotel, a 4-star gastronomic hotel run by the Paniego family. For dinner you´ll be able to enjoy El Portal, a 2 Michelin star restaurant directed by Francis Paniego. An outstanding menu paired with 5 excellent wines from the region awaits you. After this unique gastronomic experience, we recommend you take a walk through Ezcaray and get in touch with the local people

INSPIRATION

DAY 2: DISCOVER THE WINE WORLD

The day starts with a fantastic breakfast at the hotel. After you are ready, we included a guided visit to the Vivanco Museum, where you´ll discover the history of wine since ancient times until present day. The visit also includes a tasting at the winery, where you´ll learn more about the Designation of Origin of the La Rioja Wines. The food is free, but we recommend you to safe your apetite for the Museum's restaurant, which has impressive views over the vineyard. Or if you prefer, you can go to the nearby town of Casalarreina and eat at the La Vieja Bodega restaurant. In the afternoon back to Ezcaray, we recommend visiting Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a historic town where the French Way of Saint James passes. Do not forget to visit the Cathedral (open until 8:30 p.m.) and take a walk through its streets to observe the pilgrims. In the evening a great dinner awaits you in the Tradición del Echaurren restaurant. A simple dinner prepared with the seasonal vegetables.

INSPIRATION

DAY 3: LA RIOJA ALAVESA

On Saturday you will go to El Ciego, in the Rioja Alavesa, where the impressive building Marqués de Riscal is located, internationally known for its architecture designed by Frank Gehry. You will visit the winery during 90 minutes, and there will be a tasting of course. After the visi, lunch awaits at the restaurant "1860 Tradición" also directed by Francis Paniego. After this tasty experience, it is time to relax to enjoy the world of wine in another way. You will enjoy the Vinotherapy in the Spa of the Marqués de Riscal hotel, with access to the water area and a great relaxing massage that you can take as a couple. In the afternoon, we recommend you to visit San Millán de la Cogolla and the monasteries of Yuso and Suso, cradle of the Castilian language. We recommend you to visit La Abadía de la Luz in Cañas, a building of impressive beauty. Already in Ezcaray, to enjoy the best local atmosphere, we recommend you to make a round of pinchos (tapas) in one of the bars.

INSPIRATION

DAY 4: END OF THE TRIP

The end of the trip arrives. Enjoy one more day of the Echaurren's magnificent breakfast. After checking out, we recommend taking a walk along the banks of the Oja River to admire the landscape surrounding Ezcaray. If you have not done it yet, go to the blanket shop, a magical place where the best mohair blankets are sold, which have been handmade since 1930.

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