Why Tour With Us?
Hi I am Elizabeth Fogerty. I am the Founder of 'Hop For Wine. We specialize in unforgettable wine tour experiences in the stunning Rioja regions of Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa. But other people do that too, so what is different about us?
Let me start by telling you what you won't get with us:
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A "Drive-By"Trip to Rioja - lots of tours pick you up in Bilbao or San Sebastian they drive you 1-2 hours down to Rioja, they take you to 2 wineries (where you spend 2 hours at each one to only try 3 tasting portions of wine), maybe you get lunch and then back in the car for 1-2 hours.
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We also don't do the whole snobby, pretentious, overly academic wine tour for oenophiles trying to out smart each other
You will not get anything like that with us! I am a wine enthusiast and through my career in Tech I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world. And any chance I got I would visit wine regions (Napa, Sonoma, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa) but it was only when I came to Rioja and fell in love with it and I realized even most of my Spanish friends had never been here (a travesty!) that I decided; I must open a wine tourism business here.
This business is a passion project for me - I do it because I love Rioja so much and I want everyone to get to experience "My Rioja".
But to experience My Rioja, requires a different approach..
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We must take it at a relaxed pace, which is why we only offer 2 day tours. I want you to savor the wine, and take time to look at the gorgeous scenery. Snap as many photos as you like; slow down, chat with each other and the wine staff. Ask questions; try out some of that high school Spanish; Relax and Enjoy Life!
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You should visit lots of wineries and taste the very best each has to offer, which is why you will go to 3-4 wineries each day.
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You need to experience the amazing transitional time it is in Rioja's history. Where you can witness traditional classic century-old wineries still operating at their peak. But also get an introduction to some new winemakers who are throwing out the rule books and changing the way grapes are grown and how wine is made.
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You must meet the winemakers and workers who are so passionate about what they do and listen to their stories. Learn about the connections between the growers (famers) and the producers (wine makers). The respect and admiration on each side is so special here - like no where else on the planet
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You have to eat great traditional Spanish/Riojan/Basque food. Each day as a group we will enjoy a traditional Spanish style lunch together. It will either be a sit-down 3 course meal or multiple course tapas style with perfectly matched wine pairings. The Spanish have a word "Sobremesa" (it is my favorite Spanish word) it refers to relaxing at the table after a meal with coffees and drinks and conversations. You will experience this firsthand and leave all the richer for it.
Finally as a constant explorer and traveler who has been on countless numbers of tours all over the world, there are two things really important to me that I insist we do on our "Hop for Wine" tours.
First, I want to give people the opportunity to make new friends from around the world. It is hands-down my favorite thing about traveling and taking tours. It is quite remarkable really, here you are in this place you have never been before and you are going to see and experience something you are really excited to do. And sitting right beside you is someone else there for the exact same purpose. And you have the opportunity to chat with them, and to learn from each other. And connect and maybe even become life-long friends! It has happened to me may times and I am so thankful for it - so that is the environment our tours will always seek to create.
Second, I want to recognize not everyone values the exact same things when they travel. So we give our guests different options within the tour so that each person gets "the perfect tour for them". Which is why we created our three distinct morning tour options based on our different guest profiles.
If you are ready to come see "My Rioja" - take a look at the guest profiles; decide which describes you best - and let's get your trip booked today!
Hope to See You Soon,
Guest Profiles
1
Wine Fans Only
Here For the Wine & Determined to Stay Focused
Each day begins with a 2 hour cellar tour and tasting at one of my favorite wineries in Rioja. One traditional style and one avant-garde so you can compare and contrast the styles and enjoy some of the most award wining and unique wines in Spain.
Perfect choice for the wine connoisseur looking to dive deep into the details of tannins and terriors.
2
Knowledge Seekers
You Enjoy Your Wine with a Side of History and Culture
Each day will begin with a walking tour in historic Haro (Rioja's wine capital) or the beautiful medieval city of Laguardia each brimming with history. You will also learn how the history ties in with the wine industry. Afterwards you will go to your first directed wine tasting; crafted just for you.
Perfect for wine lovers who want to score a couple points at trivia night.
3
Sporty Sippers
You Enjoy Wine As Much As the Next Guy But Prefer to Sip After You Get Your "Steps" In
Each day you will begin by being transported to spend the morning doing something active. Offerings vary but you can expect to do one of the following each day: either Kayaking on the Ebro River, or learn to play Padel where the sport originated, or take a bike tour or go ATV riding.
Perfect for wine enthusiasts that believe a day isn't really a day without some sort of physical activity.
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