5 | Take the Museum Tour at Bodegas Valdelana

Bodegas Valdelana is another small bodega found in Eltziego. The family-run business has ties to winemaking since 1583. Besides the wine tasting, Bodegas Valdelana has a Winery Museum and cozy accommodation options at the Agroturismo Valdelana.

The Wine Museum is kind of like four separate museums and isn’t like a typical La Rioja wine tour. The owner looks to provide something a little different than the standard wine tour.

The first section of the tour focuses on the prehistoric history and items found near the village from fossils to tools. This section of the tour is found in the original 16th-century cellar. The next section of the tour shows the old wine-making tools from the 19th century. There are lots of photos that show how challenging winemaking was by hand. Next, move to the Tunnel of Senses which is a quick crash course on the wine varietals. Finally, the tour ends with an olive oil and wine tasting on the covered outdoor terrace.

There is a chance to add an option to visit the viewpoint and vineyards a short drive away from the main facilities. This Garden of Varieties boasts a stellar viewpoint of the Ebro River and over 130 different varietals of wines, one that is said to be the same varietal that Jesus drank at the Last Supper.

You must take a shuttle to the Jardín de las Variedades and can not visit on your own.

In my opinion, the Wine Museum Tour at Bodegas Valdelana is a nice complementing tour to the standard wine tours in La Rioja. The best part is if staying at Agroturismo Valdelana, the Wine Tour is included for free with your stay!