In the world of turism, the most memorable moments are never planned in a standard itinerary. They happen behind closed doors. In private cellars. In conversations with the people who truly know the land.
At Ameli Rioja Tours, we specialize in private wine tours in Rioja and custom tours in Rioja Spain, designed for travelers who want more than a visit — they want access, depth, and authenticity.
And sometimes, that access leads to extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
An Exclusive Experience at Marqués de Riscal
There are moments in wine that simply cannot be replicated.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Marqués de Riscal for opening the doors of their historic bottle cellar — a space rarely seen, even by seasoned wine travelers.
Special thanks to Juancho Asenjo for his generosity and unparalleled knowledge, and to Jean-Philippe Héritier for his warm hospitality and for allowing us to witness a truly remarkable moment in winemaking.
Days like this remind us that wine, at its core, is about sharing.
The Art of Opening a 1956 Bottle: A Rare Wine Experience
How do you open a bottle from 1956 without the cork disintegrating?
With precision, experience… and respect.
We had the privilege of watching Jean-Philippe Héritier perform a traditional degüelle using heated tongs — a centuries-old technique — inside the iconic “Cathedral” cellar of Marqués de Riscal.
This is not something you find on a typical winery tour near me search.
It is part of what defines truly elevated custom wine experiences.
A 70-Year-Old Wine That Felt Alive
The moment was unforgettable.
A 1956 vintage, opened after more than 70 years, revealed a wine that was still vibrant, fresh, and beautifully complex.
This bottle had never been re-corked. It came directly from a time marked by history — from a harsh winter where temperatures dropped below -10°C, during one of Spain’s most challenging periods.
And yet, in the glass, it was alive.
Elegant. Balanced. Timeless.
This is what makes Rioja one of the world’s most fascinating wine regions.
Private Wine Tours in Rioja: Access Beyond the Ordinary
Experiences like this don’t exist in standard group tours.
They are the result of deep relationships, local expertise, and years of trust.
At Ameli Rioja Tours, our private tours in Rioja Spain are designed to offer:
- Exclusive access to historic wineries
- Private cellar visits not open to the public
- Rare and vintage wine tasting experiences
- Personal encounters with winemakers and industry experts
This is what defines true luxury in wine tours in Rioja.
Custom Tours in Rioja: Designed Around You
No two travellers are the same.
Some are drawn to iconic wineries with architectural significance.
Others prefer small, family-owned vineyards producing limited, artisanal wines.
Some focus on high-end wine tasting, while others want to explore culture, gastronomy, and hidden villages.
That’s why our custom tours in Rioja Spain are built around:
- Your interests and travel style
- Your level of wine knowledge
- Your pace and expectations
- The types of wineries and vineyards you want to experience
- Seasonal highlights of the region
Every detail is intentional. Every experience is personal.
Experience Rioja Like an Insider
If you’re looking for:
- Private wine tours in Rioja
- Custom wine experiences in Spain
- Exclusive winery access
- Luxury wine tasting experiences
- A truly personalized journey through Rioja
At Ameli Rioja Tours, we create experiences you simply cannot find on your own.
