present

Spain

wine trail

NEXT STOP:

NORTHERN

a series of wine explorations, curiously curated around the world. 

MAY 17th-23rd,  2026

&

Have Lover,
Will Travel

series

wine trail

The

The

Airport transfers for your arrival and departure

Curated experiences based on each traveler's taste and interests, choosing to dive deeper into culture, history, nature, food, or spa experiences

Custom Google maps of each area to allow travelers for wander with a "guide" and follow their curiosity

Four groups dinners, four group lunches, and recommendations for all non-group meals

Breakfast provided daily at the hotel

Six nights total at 2 luxury properties, both in La Rioja and San Sebastian

Visits and tastings at 11 wineries, from Rioja, Navarra, and Pais Vasco

What's Included:

inquire here to reserve your spot

Spend seven days exploring the wines and terroir of Rioja and the Basque Country. From rolling hills in Rioja to seaside pintxos in charming San Sebastián, this experience blends the region’s most celebrated producers with hidden gems. Each day is thoughtfully paced, balancing vineyard visits and private tastings with time to wander, dine, and discover. It’s an invitation to indulge your curiosity and embrace the land and culture as you sip your way through Northern Spain.

LA Rioja +
the Basque Country

A luxury wine tour in

MAY 17th-23rd,  2026

MAY 17th-23rd,  2026

Spain

--- Visits and tastings at 11 wineries, from Rioja, Navarra, and Pais Vasco

--- Six nights total at 2 luxury properties, both in La Rioja and San Sebastian

--- Breakfast provided daily at the hotel

--- Four groups dinners, four group lunches, and recommendations for all non-group meals

--- Curated experiences based on each traveler's taste and interests, choosing to dive deeper into culture, history, nature, food, or spa experiences

--- Custom Google maps of each area to allow travelers for wander with a "guide" and follow their curiosity

--- Airport transfers for your arrival and departure

What's not Included:

$4,300

per solo traveler

International and Domestic Airfare; Required travel Insurance; Gratuities for hotel support staff, drivers, or guides

$8,250

per couple

DAY FIVE | SAN SEBASTIAN

DAY FOUR | RIOJA -> PAIS VASCO

DAY THREE | HARO, RIOJA

DAY TWO | LOGROñO, RIOJA

DAY ONE | ARRIVAL in BILBAO

DAY SIX | SAN SEBASTIAN

DAY SEVEN | DEPARTURE from SAN SEBASTIAN

AIRPORT PICK-UP | Arrive in Bilbao and meet your Driver at the airport. Head to the hotel with a private driver, a 1.5hr drive.

APERITIVOS | Get settled in to your private room with a welcome drink in hand. Explore the property and settle in.

WELCOME DINNER | Enjoy an authentic Spanish meal on the property with Santa Maria's in-house Chef, prepared with fresh, regional ingredients and all dietary restrictions considered. Get to know other travelers and mingle.

INTRODUCTION + CONNECTION | An icebreaker activity led by Booth and Liz to get to know the other travelers and inspire connection. This will be a fun way to talk about who you are, what led you here, and to set a few intentions for the trip.

ACCOMMODATIONS | Spend the night at Hotel Maria Briones in Briones, Rioja.

DAY ONE | ARRIVAL in BILBAO

DAY TWO | LOGROñO, RIOJA

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fare and coffee at the hotel to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

WINERIES | Visits to Bodega Viña Ijalba and Bodegas Valdelana with lunch included at the vineyard tour

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES | Choose to participate in a Walking Tour of Elciego, a visit to Museum Vivanco, suggested scenic walks or hikes in nearby mountains, a guided or solo bike tour, or an organized cooking class

DINNER + EVENING ACTIVITIES | Choose from the suggested dinner options in town or plan to meet part of the group at a local spot! Your travel planner will assist with making reservations for smaller groups as desired!

ACCOMMODATIONS | Spend the night at Hotel Maria Briones in Briones, Rioja.

DAY THREE | HARO, RIOJA

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fare and coffee at the hotel to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

WINERIES | Visits to 3 Haro wineries, including R. Lopez de Heredia, Bodegas La Rioja Alta, and CVNE with lunch included in the afternoon vineyard tour

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES | Choose to participate in a Walking Tour of Haro, a visit to open-air sculpture museum in town, suggested scenic walks or hikes in nearby mountains, a guided or solo bike tour, or just relax at the hotel.

DINNER | Final Night Group Dinner in Haro

ACCOMMODATIONS| Spend the night at Hotel Maria Briones in Briones, Rioja.

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fare and coffee at the hotel to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

WINERIES | Visit to Bodega Akutain and Bodegas Bengoetxe with a stop for lunch in between!

SAN SEBASTIAN | Arrive in San Sebastian and check into Lasala Plaza Hotel

EVENING ACTIVITIES: Self-guided pintxos tour in San Sebastian! Choose to come along with Liz on a pintxos tour OR use your custom map to guide yourself on a culinary exploration of small plates in the area.

ACCOMMODATIONS | Spend the night at Lasala Plaza Hotel

DAY FOUR | RIOJA -> PAIS VASCO

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fare and coffee at the hotel to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

MORNING ACTIVITIES | Participate in a walking tour of San Sebastian, spend the morning by the sea, or simply stroll through old town to do a bit of exploring!

WINERIES | Visit to Gañeta Txakolina and Ameztoi Txakolina Upategia

DINNER | Group Dinner in Gipuzkoa

ACCOMMODATIONS | Spend the night at Lasala Plaza Hotel

DAY FIVE | SAN SEBASTIAN

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fare and coffee at the hotel to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

MORNING ACTIVITIES | Participate in a walking tour of San Sebastian, spend the morning by the sea, or simply stroll through old town to do a bit of exploring!

WINERIES | Visit Txakoli Mokoroa and Gaztañaga Sagardotegia with lunch included

DINNER | Final group dinner in San Sebastian 

ACCOMMODATIONS | Spend the night at Lasala Plaza Hotel

DAY SIX | SAN SEBASTIAN

BREAKFAST | Fresh, local fruits and coffee to start your day, available from 8am-10:30am.

DEPART FROM SAN SEBASTIAN | Check-out from Lasala Plaza Hotel

AIRPORT DROP-OFF | Your Private Driver will take you to the airport based on flight departure times.

DAY SEVEN | DEPART from SAN SEBASTIAN

Spain 2026 Itinerary

Mokoroa Txakolindegia

Ameztoi Txakolin Upategia

Gañeta Txakolindegia

Bodegas Bengoetxe

Bodega Akutain

Basque Country

and into the

Bodegas CVNE

Bodegas La Rioja Alta

Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia

Bodegas Valdelana

Bodega Viña Ijalba

LA RIOJA

A little taste of

N

From Rioja's iconic bodegas to the coastal vineyards of the Basque Country, this route connects the best of Northern Spain's wine regions.

Where you're staying in la rioja

A Luxury boutique hotel in Ezcaray, Spain

Echaurren Hotel

Echaurren Hotel is a 17th-century boutique property set within the medieval heart of Ezcaray, at the base of the San Lorenzo mountain Each guest or couple enjoys a private room with a queen-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, and daily breakfast at the hotel.

The hotel blends historic character with modern comfort, featuring two on-site restaurants—Echaurren Traditional and El Portal, a 2-Michelin Star dining experience. The focus is on authentic, elevated cuisine inspired by local ingredients. Guests can tour the original wine cellar carved into stone, once used for grape treading and aging.

With a private walled courtyard, a small gym and wellness center, and inviting lounge areas for reading or conversation, the property offers the perfect mix of relaxation and immersion in Rioja’s wine culture.

Click to view accommodations in san sebastian

*Or similar luxury accommodations based on availability at time of reservation

inquire here to reserve your spot

Lasala Plaza Hotel

Click to view accommodations in La rioja

Where you're staying in san sebastian

A Luxury property in San Sebastian, Spain

--- 

*Or similar luxury accommodations based on availability at time of reservation

Lasala Plaza Hotel is a luxury boutique property housed in a building dating back to 1917, completely renovated while preserving its original architectural character. The hotel is centrally located in the historic center of San Sebastian, so just a 5min walk will allow you to explore the city by foot. Each traveler or couple will have their own private room with a queen-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with breakfast available at the hotel daily.

The hotel's restaurant, run by the renowned chef, Ander González, allows you to explore authentic cuisine without leaving the property, plus the rooftop bar offers unmatched, panoramic views of San Sebastian. You'll have direct access to La Concha beach, named one of the best in the world, so plan on morning and evening strolls along the coast. Lasala partners with La Perla Wellness Center, offering spa services just a 7min walk away from the hotel... so schedule a massage or spa experience to recharge during your visit.

inquire here to reserve your spot

Growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia, Booth was torn between two passions: food and music. Choosing music, he studied percussion at Berklee College of Music and spent years performing, but a harvest job in Sonoma County in 2005 changed his path. The blend of art, science, and camaraderie in the cellar, and a shared bottle of 1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, sparked a lifelong love of wine.

Returning to Virginia, he joined Barrel Thief in Richmond, where he immersed himself in study, tasting, and travel. After years of judging competitions and exploring wine regions around the world, he purchased Barrel Thief in 2023, continuing the pursuit that began on that Sonoma crush pad: discovering new wines, sharing experiences, and chasing the spark he found, surrounded by friends, with a glass of Champagne.

Booth Hardy

Liz Norment

Have Lover, Will Travel is a wedding officiating and travel planning company founded by Liz Norment. With years of experience planning honeymoons, weddings, and small-group trips, and even a stint living in Spain, Liz brings a wealth of knowledge to Barrel Thief's Wine Trail Series.

She knows both the travel world and the country inside out, is fluent in Spanish, and can make a mean paella. Her passion is providing opportunities for humans to connect with each other through cultural experiences and in doing so, find their place the world.

owner of barrel thief
Wine + Provisions

get to know your hosts

travel advisor + owner of
Have lover, will travel

Click to View

Travel
Cancellation
Policy

The deposit is refundable through 90 days before the trip. After that date, it is non-refundable unless the tour is canceled because the minimum number of participants is not reached. Payments towards your trip can be paid based on this schedule or all at once.  Space is limited- sign ups will stay open until the trip is full.

Travel Cancellation Policy

next

A deposit of 50% is due at the point of purchase. The final payment is due March 17th, 2026. You will receive an invoice via email for each payment and to settle your remaining balance, two months out from travel.

Deposits are refundable through 90 days prior to travel. Beyond this date, your deposit is non-refundable. If cancellation is unavoidable, we will try to help you find someone to take over your reservation if possible. In this case, you would receive a refund, but it is not guaranteed we will find a replacement attendee. If final payment is not received by the date found on your invoice, your spot will be forfeited and re-opened to booking. Deposit refunds will have credit card processing fees subtracted from the total refund.

Travel Cancellation Policy

Price per solo traveler, single-occupancy room

$720

$4,300

$2,150

$1,375

$1,375

Payment One

$720

Due January 17th, 2026

$8,250

Price for two travelers, double-occupancy room

$1,375

$710

Balance due March 17th, 2026

Final Payment

Due February 17th, 2026

Payment two

$4,125

Due upon sign-up to reserve your spot

Deposit

Total Trip Cost

The price includes six nights in a private room at two different luxury properties, in La Rioja and San Sebastian. We'll provide transport to and from Bilbao Airport. All winery visits and tours will be included in the price. Breakfast will be available on the properties each day. You'll have four group dinners and four group lunches included in the price. For all other meals, recommendations will be available with the option for reservations to be made as well!

What's included in the price?

A deposit of 50% is due at the point of purchase. The final payment is due March 17th, 2026. You will receive an invoice via email for each payment and to settle your remaining balance, two months out from travel. Deposits are refundable through 90 days prior to travel. Beyond this date, your deposit is non-refundable. If cancellation is unavoidable, we will try to help you find someone to take over your reservation if possible. In this case, you would receive a refund, but it is not guaranteed we will find a replacement attendee. If final payment is not received by the date found on your invoice, your spot will be forfeited and re-opened to booking. Deposit refunds will have credit card processing fees subtracted from the total refund.

What is your cancellation policy?

You should fly into Bilbao International Airport (BIO). Private transport will be arranged from the airport to the hotel for each traveler.

As a Certified Travel Advisor, I'll help arrange flights for all travelers.

What airport should I fly into?

Yes! We'll get to know each traveler before departure and will especially ask about any dietary restrictions, allergies, mobility concerns, or special accommodations needed. Your trip will be curated to fit your specific needs.

Will this trip accommodate dietary restrictions or other health concerns?

There will be up to 16 travelers, plus Booth and Liz as your hosts! 

We'll mostly be traveling together in an 18-passenger bus, but all tours and travel will be arranged at an individual level, You'll be equipped with a custom itinerary that will include specific details for your trip, plus all selected meals and experiences.

How many people will be on the trip?

Yes! While this is a "group trip", we want you to navigate your experience the way you choose. Beyond the daily winery visits, and the 4 planned group lunches and dinners, you'll have the freedom to leave the hotels and explore the local area, to dive in to outdoor activities and eat any meals off-property rather than with the group. We'll have recommended activities plus a custom Google map of each area so you can explore with confidence. You'll have the freedom to engage and indulge in this vacation the way you usually do, just with the added bonus of winery visits and group activities with amazing, like-minded travelers!

Will we have the flexibility to do things on our own during the trip?

Yes! We have quite a few already lined up for 2027, so stay tuned for those announcements!

THESE DATES DON'T WORK FOR US. WILL YOU BE PLANNING ANOTHER wine tour?

Absolutely! Liz is a Certified Travel Advisor so itinerary management is my strong suit. I'll recommend flights that will work within your schedule and budget. If your considering adding a few days on the beginning or end of the trip (maybe Madrid? Bordeaux?) I'd love to help with planning that as well!

WILL YOU ASSIST US WITH TRAVEL PLANNING AND RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS?

¡Por supuesto que no, mi amor! Que precioso… ¿cómo voy a planificar un viaje de esta capacidad y no hablo el idioma del país? Hago ceremonias en español, como tacos con frecuencia, viví en España (solo pregúntame sobre eso... me encanta hablar de eso) Créeme. Estás en muy buenas manos.

Translation: Nope!

I don't speak Spanish, is this an issue?

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Few places in Europe have maintained their unique culture, traditions, and heritage like the Basque Country. The Basque language, Euskara, stands apart, a linguistic isolate spoken nowhere else on Earth. Centuries of geographic isolation in the Pyrenees helped preserve a fierce sense of identity, independence, and pride that still defines the region today. From its rugged coastline to its mountain villages, every moment in the Basque Country reveals a people deeply connected to their land, their food, and community. It’s a destination that rewards slow travel, with rich culinary traditions and distinctive wines that make every visit unforgettable.

why we love

Pais Vasco

La Rioja is one of the most iconic wine regions in the world and a cornerstone of any luxury wine tour in Northern Spain. Modern architectural landmarks by Santiago Calatrava, Frank Gehry, and Philippe Mazières rise like sculptures among centuries-old vineyards, creating a stunning contrast between tradition and innovation. Here, earth and artistry come together. From family-run bodegas to world-renowned estates, Rioja continues to captivate travelers and winemakers seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and beauty in every detail.

La Rioja

Pais Vasco

and what drew us to

-----Unwind, with a purpose.

While we explore the dynamic wine regions of La Rioja and San Sebastian, you'll have the opportunity to follow your curiosity, exploring and immersing yourself in the culture and heritage of each location.  

let's plan your getaway!

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Spend seven days exploring the wines and terroir of Rioja and the Basque Country. From rolling hills in Rioja to seaside pintxos in charming San Sebastián, this experience blends the region’s most celebrated producers with hidden gems. Each day is thoughtfully paced, balancing vineyard visits and private tastings with time to wander, dine, and discover. It’s an invitation to indulge your curiosity and embrace the land and culture as you sip your way through Northern Spain.

northern spain

Greetings from

Spend seven days exploring the wines and terroir of Rioja and the Basque Country. It’s an invitation to indulge your curiosity and embrace the land and culture as you sip your way through Northern Spain.

españa

Greetings from

You're on the list!

We'll reach out soon with the next steps! But for now, just picture yourself right here.

Likely with a glass of wine in hand.