Where to drink by the glass in Rioja: natural, classical and grower-focused lists worth the detour.
Where to drink by the glass in Rioja: natural, classical and grower-focused lists worth the detour.
Wine bar and kitchen in an Espolon palace from two Rioja-trade brothers; deep by-the-glass board, flights and a vermouth-led aperitivo.
The list: List of more than 100 wines, many from Rioja in both modern and classic styles; around 20 rotating by-the-glass pours, plus wine flights and porron service
Pours: Rioja Tempranillo crianza, Rioja Reserva, Rioja Blanco Viura
Small Calle San Juan wine bar using Coravin to pour rare bottles by the glass; a Rioja-deep list matched to refined pintxos.
The list: More than 100 references with over 60 Spanish wines kept fresh on Coravin, focused on Rioja with by-the-glass tastings alongside Michelin-level tapas
Pours: Rioja Reserva, single-vineyard Rioja, Rioja Blanco
Calle Laurel institution since 1972 known for one perfect grilled-mushroom pintxo, washed down with glasses of Rioja at the counter.
The list: Classic Calle Laurel pintxo bar pouring young and crianza Rioja by the glass to match its single mushroom pintxo, served since 1972
Pours: Rioja joven, Rioja crianza
Late-19th-century Calle Laurel bar famed for the matrimonio pintxo, pouring rounds of Rioja in the heart of the elephant trail.
The list: Centenary Calle Laurel bar with Rioja by the glass served alongside its famous matrimonio pintxo of anchovy and boqueron
Pours: Rioja joven, Rioja crianza, Rioja Blanco
Modern Calle Laurel taberna pouring Rioja by the glass against inventive pintxos like goat cheese with berries and cod fritters.
The list: Creative Calle Laurel pintxo bar pairing Rioja by the glass with modern bites; allergy-aware menu and a regularly changing pour list
Pours: Rioja joven, Rioja crianza, Rioja Blanco Viura
Calle Laurel bar run by the founding family since 1960, pouring Rioja from 20-plus wineries alongside its signature wild-mushroom pintxo.
The list: Family Calle Laurel bar founded 1960 pouring wines from more than 20 wineries by the glass to match its setas (wild mushroom) pintxo
Pours: Rioja joven, Rioja crianza
Old-town vinoteca and tasting bar with 200-plus references, pouring Rioja and vermouth by the glass alongside cheese and Spanish conservas.
The list: More than 200 references of wine, cava, sparkling and vermouth with by-the-glass tastings and guided pairings in the old town
Pours: Rioja Reserva, Rioja Blanco, Cava
Bright Plaza Mayor wine bar in walled Laguardia pouring 250-plus rotating terroir wines by the glass in its Uncorking Room.
The list: Plaza Mayor wine shop and tasting room with more than 250 terroir-driven wines, an Uncorking Room for by-the-glass tastings from around EUR 3
Pours: Rioja Alavesa Tempranillo, single-vineyard Rioja, Rioja Blanco
Bar in a 16th-century palace on Haro's lively La Herradura, pouring a curated Rioja-by-the-glass list with pinchos at the counter or terrace.
The list: Short but sharp Rioja by-the-glass list in a 16th-century palace on Haro's La Herradura, poured with pinchos and raciones at the bar or terrace
Pours: Rioja crianza, Rioja Reserva, Rioja Blanco
Peak wine-travel season in Rioja is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Rioja rewards trust.