Experiencias Rurales: Agriturismo in La Rioja and Beyond
The rural areas of Spain hold strong traditions where agritourism offers a wide range of activities: from cheesemaking and the production of olive oil to wine tasting. The following are some of the highlights and recommendations on getting an immersive rural experience in the heart of La Rioja and beyond.
Quesos Artisanos Villarejo
This award-winning Manchego cheese producer in Castilla-La Mancha offers tours and tastings through the traditional steps of Manchego cheese production. Arrangements can be made for a visit to a nearby farm where visitors can observe sheep herding and milking.
Ibérico Ham in Extremadura
Visit dehesas—land specially for feeding the famous black Iberian pig with acorns—and learn about the traditional process of Ibérico ham production and taste this delicacy.
Citrus in Valencia
Valencia is famous for the sweet and juicy oranges. Take a ride around the orchards, know about this variant of oranges with fresh tastings directly from the tree.
Cider in Asturias — Green Spain
Asturian cider is light and sour and going to a family-run llagar explains it all on how it is made. Drink this homemade beverage amidst the scenes of Green Spain with great beauty.
Almadraba Tuna in Andalucía
Experience the old, sustainable method of fishing: almadraba, typical of Andalusia. During tuna season, take a boat and see for yourself.
Cheese in the Basque Country and Navarra
Visit production areas where cheeses with a protected designation of origin like Idiazábal and Roncal are made. Attend cheesemaking courses and enjoy the magnificent landscapes in which these cheeses are produced.
Saffron in Castilla-La Mancha
During harvest time, October and November, visit saffron farms to witness the laborious process of harvesting and drying this highly valued spice.
Four Days in La Rioja: An Agritourism Itinerary
Day 1: What to Do in a Village
Spend at least one night in a casa rural and live like a local in your adopted pueblo. Visit the village church, taste the red at the watering hole and cool off at the municipal pool, if it's summer.
Day 2: Wine Tasting in Rioja
Visit vineyards, go through an old cellar, and taste the wines with homemade olive oil at Bodegas Jilabá.
Connection at Bodegas Ysios to enjoy the winery designed by Santiago Calatrava and learn about the boutique wine-making process.
Day 3: Olive Oil and Cheese
Visit Almazara Riojana to wander around the olive trees and taste the fresh extra virgin olive oil.
Go around the cheese dairy, meet the goats that produce the milk used to make cheese, and learn traditional cheesemaking techniques at Quesería Roca de Cabra.
Quesería Los Cameros: Learn how to make olive oil-washed cheese using an ancient recipe.
Day 4: Activities Outdoors and Fiestas
Vías Verdes: Walk or bike along the stunning former train lines from Casalarreina to Ezcaray.
Local Fiestas: Participate or watch the traditional fiestas that involve the locals, such as Haro Wine Festival's Batalla del Vino or Bodega Lecea's Fiesta del Pisado de la Uva.
Dinner Suggestions
Nublo in Haro: This is a Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizing local and seasonal produce.
Los Caños in Haro: Simple dining, but sharing plates of local Riojan cuisine with wines of the region.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: Spring into autumn, with September's colouring of the vines beautiful.
Getting There: Bilbao, or Vitoria are both nearby international airports. Car hire is essential to explore the region.
Get insider access to the deep agricultural heritage of Spain with these hands-on rural experiences. Sample world-renowned cheeses, stroll through ancient olive groves, or raise a glass of the finest Rioja—stop by the countryside, and you will really feel like becoming one with the land and its customs.
