Picture yourself surrounded by a tapestry of rolling green vineyards, bathed in the warm Spanish sun. The whispers of the wind dance through the leaves, while the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Cantabria mountains paints the horizon. This idyllic scene isn’t just a postcard; it’s your invitation to Bodegas Izadi, a haven for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Bodegas Izadi, aptly named after the Basque word for “nature,” embodies a deep respect for its surroundings. Sustainability is the cornerstone of their philosophy. Their winery, certified in organic viticulture and WfCP (Wineries for Climate Protection), is built on a steep slope with a 50-metre difference in altitude. It takes advantage of gravity to make wine on five different levels. Each step focuses at every moment on taking the utmost care of the grape’s natural characteristics so as not to lose their personality.
Add to this a visitor´s and entertainment building with various dining rooms, a meeting room, and a wine shop, where we can become familiar ourselves with the wonders of wine and Basque food.
Bodegas Izadi’s tireless work for sustainability in wine tourism over the years has been recognized with the Best Of Wine Tourism award on several occasions, most recently in its 2024 edition, a testament to their commitment to providing exceptional wine tourism experiences.
Unveiling the Vineyard Secrets: A Journey by E-bike
Your exploration of Bodegas Izadi begins with a unique immersion into the landscape itself. Forget the traditional tourist buses; here, you’ll embark on an adventure on an electric bike. As you glide effortlessly through some of the 178 hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards on the Villabuena Secrets by E-bike activity, you will feel in sync with nature.
Knowledgeable guides will unveil the secrets that lie beneath the surface. You’ll discover the unique characteristics of the terroir – the specific combination of soil composition, sun exposure, and climate that defines the character of the grapes. Witness firsthand the meticulous care taken by the winemakers, from selecting the best grapes by hand to implementing sustainable viticulture practices that nurture the land.
The Gift of Nature: El Regalo vineyard by e-bike
Viñedo Singular describes the highest category of wines qualified as DOC. (Qualified Designation of Origin) Rioja. Wines from unique plots of land with characteristics that make them incomparable. El Regalo is one of those few vineyards where everything is exceptional. It was planted in 1936. Enjoy a comfortable 3 km ride on an electric bike and fall in love with this gift of nature.
Its name has a history: a dowry that ended up becoming El Regalo (the gift) of a husband to his future wife. Their descendants wanted to symbolise the story with a small chapel called “Our Lady of El Regalo”.
Learn about the particularities of this estate and the ecological viticulture processes used to obtain the desired quality for “El Regalo” wine. On the same vineyard, next to the hermitage that protects it, you will enjoy the tasting of Izadi White wine, produced from the strains located in the heads of the vineyard, accompanied with “Idiazábal” cheese.
A Symphony of Flavors Awaits
The wonders of nature continue to unfold inside the winery with a light walk between barrels concluding with the tasting of Izadi “El Regalo” wine paired with a Basque gourmet snack in the same room where it is aged. A complete Rioja Alavesa experience.
The guided tasting allows you to appreciate the subtle nuances of their wines. Expert sommeliers will lead you through a captivating journey, highlighting the distinct characteristics of each varietal and the harmonious relationship between the winery and its environment.
Exploring a Charming Village
Stepping outside the walls of the winery, your exploration extends to the village of Villabuena de Álava itself. Boasting the title of ‘the village with the most wineries per capita in the world,‘ Villabuena offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich winemaking heritage. With over 40 family-run bodegas nestled amidst the charming streets, each establishment adds a unique thread to the vibrant tapestry of Rioja Alavesa.
Bodegas izadi offers an exciting 9 km route by electric bike through its streets and its iconic buildings: Villabuena
secrets by e-bike. Unique natural sand cultural heritage as the interesting Dolmen of “El Montecillo” and spectacular views of El Regalo and other vineyards under the shelter of Sierra Cantabria mountain.
Celebrate the end of this e-bike tour with a wine tasting of Izadi White wine and Izadi El Regalo red wine, accompanied by a gourmet picnic. An outdoor experience where you will discover many interesting secrets.
Herrería Travesía II, 5.
01307 Villabuena de Álava, Spain.
Tel. +34 945 623 347
Text by Liz Aldayturriaga.
Photo credits: Bodegas Izadi.
Learn more about Bilbao-Rioja Great Wine Capitals