Best underground wineries in La Rioja

Explore the hidden gems of La Rioja by visiting its fascinating underground wineries, locally known as "calaos". These ancient cellars, carved into the earth centuries ago, offer a unique wine experience, blending history, architecture, and, of course, excellent wines. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and tourists seeking a deep cultural immersion into the Riojan wine tradition. Delve into a secret world beneath the streets of medieval towns like Laguardia and Ollauri to taste wines in a naturally cool and dark environment.

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  1. 1

    Bodegas Lecea (San Asensio)

    77 Global Votes
    • Only winery with four connected and operational cave cellars

      (+4)

    Praised for its deep family history and commitment to traditional winemaking, Bodegas Lecea offers informative tours that provide a fantastic look into Rioja's winemaking heritage. Its 16th-century cave cellars still employ methods like foot stomping during the "Festival del Pisado de la Uva," showcasing a faithful example of pre-industrial winemaking.

  2. 2

    Bodegas Tritium (Cenicero)

    66 Global Votes
    • Restored 15th-century winery

      (+2)

    Recommended for those seeking to taste unique and innovative wines within a historic setting, Bodegas Tritium offers a glimpse into traditional winemaking with its 15th-century underground cellar. Its small, deep cellar, stone masonry lake, and winepress provide a charming and authentic experience.

  3. 3

    Eguren Ugarte (Páganos/Laguardia area)

    46 Global Votes
    • Spectacular cellar and views

      (+4)

    Praised for its beautiful grounds and extensive underground network of cellars, Eguren Ugarte offers a great tour experience. It provides a comprehensive exploration of winemaking, from vineyards to the impressive depths of its cellars.

  4. 4

    El Fabulista Winery (Laguardia)

    44 Global Votes
    • Located seven metres underground beneath a 17th-century palace

      (+4)

    This bodega provides a unique and engaging experience by combining history, traditional winemaking, and theatrical tours. Situated seven meters underground beneath a 17th-century palace, it's one of Laguardia's largest cellars, still using the traditional carbonic maceration method.

  5. 5

    R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia (Haro)

    41 Global Votes
    • Features stunning underground cellars

      (+4)

    Essential for understanding Rioja's classic identity, this historic winery is known for its unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking and long, patient aging in oak barrels within its extensive underground tunnels. Its cellars feel like living history, offering a deep dive into sustainable farming and traditional practices.

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  7. 6

    Bodegas Bilbaínas (Haro)

    31 Global Votes
    • Most extensive underground cellars in the region

      (+4)

    With deep roots in the region, Bodegas Bilbaínas offers an important perspective on Rioja's identity and its evolution through its historic cellars and long aging traditions. It connects visitors to the rich heritage of winemaking in Haro.

  8. 7

    Bodegas Mayor de Migueloa (Laguardia)

    30 Global Votes
    • 17th-century palace location

      (+4)

    As a winner of a 2023 Best Of Wine Tourism award, this winery offers a unique glimpse into the long history of winemaking within a beautifully restored 17th-century Palacio de Viana. Its underground cellar showcases lagos (cement fermentation tanks), wooden grape presses, and aging barrels.

  9. 8

    Bodegas Conde de los Andes (Ollauri)

    16 Global Votes
    • Spectacular network of underground cellars

      (+3)

    This winery is highly recommended for its unique and interesting guided tours through massive underground wine caves. Its historical significance is underscored by its over 1 kilometer of cellars, some dating back to the late 1800s, and its connection to Ernest Hemingway.

  10. 9

    "El Calado" (Logroño)

    6 Global Votes
    • Located in the heart of Logroño

      (+3)

    As the oldest winery in Logroño that can be visited, "El Calado" is a significant historical heritage site and a winner of the Best Of Architecture Award 2014. It offers a deep dive into Logroño's winemaking past, located conveniently in the Old Town.

  11. 10

    Bodegas Amezola (La Rioja)

    2 Global Votes
    • Features historic underground cellars dating back to 1816

      (+4)

    Considered a must-see in La Rioja, this winery offers an authentic wine tourism experience, allowing visitors to discover centuries-old vineyards and one of the largest and best-preserved underground cellars in the region. Founded in 1816, it's where wine is born, made, and aged in the same historic location.

  12. 11

    Bodega Calado 1880 (Cenicero)

    2 Global Votes
    • Features a stone masonry lake, winepress, and wine

      (+4)

    This old winery provides valuable insight into traditional winemaking practices within a historic underground setting. Its two cellars, about 8 meters deep, demonstrate how wines were crafted in bygone eras, offering an authentic educational experience.

  13. 12

    Laguardia Village Cellars (Laguardia)

    2 Global Votes
    • Has over 232 underground wine cellars

      (+4)

    This offers a truly unique experience as the entire medieval village of Laguardia is built over a dense network of underground cellars, with a wine cellar beneath almost every house. It's integral to the town's history and charm, making it a fascinating cultural and enological destination.

  14. 13

    Bodegas Cor de Mei - Bodegas Zamaca S.L. (Gimileo)

    1 Global Votes
    • Wines aged in a 16th-century cellar six meters underground

      (+4)

    This winery provides a charming and traditional La Rioja experience, offering a unique wine tasting in a stunning 16th-century cellar, six meters underground. The tasting culminates at the Mirador del Vino, pairing Reserva red wine with local products in a peaceful setting.

  15. 14

    Carlos Moro winery (San Vicente de la Sonsierra)

    1 Global Votes
    • Impressive 1,200 square metre underground cave

      (+3)

    This winery represents a compelling blend of modern winemaking techniques with significant underground storage capacity. Its impressive 150-meter underground cellar, capable of holding 2,000 barrels, showcases a contemporary approach to aging within a traditional region.