8 - La Rioja, Spain

Flights to Bilbao from £183 return Compare all offers

Calling all wine connoisseurs and lovers of Spain, this autumn is the perfect time to head to the northern region of La Rioja to explore its distinctive vineyards and bodegas, producing some of the world's finest wines. Though this particular trip may not be as active as some of the others we've chosen, it is certainly not to be underestimated. With over 25 years of experience worldwide, Arblaster and Clarke will provide you with tours, talks and tastings from the best experts the industry has to offer - you'll be sure to return home an expert yourself.

La Rioja is one of Spain's most revered wine producing regions, and with good reason. A long history, dating back to the 19th century, has given local wine-makers years to refine and perfect their grapes and fermenting processes. The Arblaster and Clarke tours focus on the northern area of Rioja Alavesa, which claims to produce the highest quality grapes and therefore a wealth of bodegas, old and new, to seek out and discover. Along the way, there are beautiful cities, towns and villages to explore - from Bilbao's modern buildings and funky museums to the beautifully preserved town centres of Laguardia and Logrono.

The current tour on offer from the company is a week-long expedition through Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Starting off in Bilbao, you will be treated to an evening of tapas paired with some of Spain's best northern wines. After a good night's sleep, you'll head off for the first of the tour's visits to the esteemed estate of Muga where you will be treated to lunch as well as tasting and learning about their beautifully intricate wines. After Rioja has been exhausted, it's off south to Ribera del Duero, with several visits to vineyards including Aalto and Condada de Haza, both exceptional wine producers. The tour comes to an end in Segovia, where food lovers will be extremely well-catered for as you enjoy the delights of a suckling pig, said to be cooked to perfection every time.

Though the only tour on offer at the moment, Arblaster and Clarke are constantly offering new and exciting trips so keep an eye on their website for the latest information. Every tour promises to be ram-packed with information and tastings to educate you in the very best of the region's wines.

Tour dates: 21 - 27 October 2012

Tel: 00 44 1730 263111

Address: Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours Ltd

Cedar Court, 5 College Street

Petersfield, Hampshire

England

GU31 4AE

<Arblaster and Clarke website

Prices: £1,750.00 per person

Harriniva, Finland Petra, Jordan