Hi I'm Elizabeth
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. So everyone can experience My Rioja.
My Story
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 are adamant that Rioja requires at least 2 full days. 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 in the world.
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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.
Some Promises from me to you....
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 when possible 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.
Third, wine expertise and knowledge is welcome but not required to join our tours. We ask that you arrive curious. And we require everyone to be respectful of each other and also the wine makers and workers and this amazing place that is Rioja.
If you are ready to come see "My Rioja" - I can't wait to show you around!