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November invites you to discover Rioja Alta from a different perspective. With the grape harvest over, the vineyards change colour, the wineries carry on with their work and the landscape takes on the characteristic hues of autumn. It is a time to explore our villages, discover the culture of wine and enjoy seasonal cuisine.
Far from coming to a standstill, wine tourism continues throughout the month. Visits to historic cellars, walks through the vineyards, tastings, culinary experiences and cultural events form part of the programme offered by the establishments associated with the Rioja Alta Wine Route.
Furthermore, November features a particularly significant date for our region: International Wine Tourism Day, which is celebrated on Sunday 8 November. It is an opportunity to remember that wine is much more than just a drink: it is landscape, heritage, culture and a way of life closely linked to our villages.
Here are some of the experiences you can enjoy during November 2026.
Our members’ experiences in November
Open day at the CM de Matarromera wine cellar
To mark International Wine Tourism Day, Bodega CM de Matarromera will open its unique underground wine cellar, dating from the 1920s, to the public.
On Sunday 8 November, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, visitors will be able to explore the cellars, take part in short guided tours, enjoy a glass of wine and purchase wines from the winery. Admission is free and no prior booking is required.
In addition, on Sunday 22 November, the winery will be offering its ‘Wine Walk’ experience – a circular route through vineyards, rock-cut ruins and ancient wine presses, culminating in a tour and tasting in its cellars. Information and bookings: 634 644 355 or arey@bodegacmdematarromera.com.
Of Legends and the Departed: a special evening at Vivanco
On Friday 6 November, Vivanco, in Briones, is hosting an experience that combines wine, gastronomy and stories linked to memory and cultural traditions.
Entitled ‘Of Legends and the Departed’, participants will discover three wines from the winery — Vivanco Brunes, Colección Maturana Tinta and Espumoso Rosado — through a narrative inspired by heritage, historic grape varieties and wine culture.
The experience will be rounded off with a five-course dinner, designed to complement the story and the nuances of each wine.
Bookings at Vivanco Cultura de Vino.
Autumn cuisine at Natura Resorts
Natura Resorts, in Casalarreina, is continuing its gastronomic events throughout November, with two programmes focusing on meat and traditional cuisine.
7 and 8 November will be dedicated to steak, with a menu centred on a Simmental steak matured for 45 days, accompanied by a variety of dishes.
On 21 and 22 November, it will be the turn of Riojan cuisine, with dishes such as ‘patatas a la riojana’, lamb chops and pears in red wine.
Two weekends to enjoy fine dining in a setting that combines accommodation, nature and fine dining.
Copa en Mano: discover how wine evolves at Viña Ijalba
Although the grape harvest is now over, it is still possible to gain an insider’s view of the winemaking process.
Until 28 November, Bodegas Viña Ijalba is offering its ‘Copa en Mano’ experience, a tour for small groups that allows visitors to explore the winery’s working areas and taste the wine at different stages of its development.
From the first must to the fermenting wine and its subsequent ageing in oak barrels, the tour offers an insight into how the grapes are transformed before reaching the bottle.
The experience concludes with a tasting of two premium wines and an aperitif featuring local products from La Rioja.
• Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, until 28 November, subject to the progress of the grape harvest.
• Time: 11.30 am.
• Duration: approximately 90 minutes.
• Price: €40 per person.
• Places: maximum 15 participants per group.
Much more than just wine: landscapes, villages and heritage
November is also a great time to discover the Rioja Alta through its villages and landscapes.
The vineyards of the Sonsierra, the paths linking small villages, and the historic centres of villages such as Briones, Sajazarra, Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón and San Vicente de la Sonsierra offer a range of options for planning an autumn getaway.
A visit to a winery can serve as the starting point for a day out that includes a stroll through a historic town centre, a meal at a local restaurant or a stay at one of the accommodation options along the Route.
Indeed, one of the attractions of Rioja Alta is precisely how close all its attractions are to one another: wine, gastronomy, heritage and nature can all be enjoyed during a single getaway.
November: a different way to experience Rioja Alta
Autumn offers a chance to explore the region from a different perspective. Finding out what happens in a winery after the grape harvest, touring a historic wine cellar, discovering new wines or sitting down to enjoy Rioja cuisine are all experiences that help you understand the relationship between wine and life in our villages.
This November, discover everything that awaits you on the Rioja Alta Wine Route. Check out our partners’ activities, choose your experience and enjoy autumn at your own pace.
