Bodegas Franco-Españolas
A historic Rioja winery in Logroño, offering captivating tours on French-Spanish winemaking heritage and delightful tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Bodegas Franco-Españolas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Rioja winery in Logroño, offering captivating tours on French-Spanish winemaking heritage and delightful tastings.
"The tour guide is so good that the content more than made up for the wine tasting."
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Logroño's center, no car needed! :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Knowledgeable Guides
The tour guides are a highlight, offering deep historical insights. Ask questions! :question:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cellars
Underground cellars
Explore ancient vats and cellars storing prized old vintages, a journey through winemaking history.
Winemaking History
Exhibition areas
Discover the unique story of French-Spanish cooperation in winemaking, a pivotal moment for Rioja.
Wine Tasting
Tasting room
Savor a selection of their renowned wines, including delightful white surprises and classic reds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Location & Accessibility
Tour Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Logroño's center, no car needed! :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Knowledgeable Guides
The tour guides are a highlight, offering deep historical insights. Ask questions! :question:
🍷 White Wine Surprise
Don't miss the white wines; they're a delightful surprise! :wine_glass: [^review]
📅 Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially for tours. :calendar: [^review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Logroño's center, no car needed! :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Knowledgeable Guides
The tour guides are a highlight, offering deep historical insights. Ask questions! :question:
🍷 White Wine Surprise
Don't miss the white wines; they're a delightful surprise! :wine_glass: [^review]
📅 Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially for tours. :calendar: [^review]
🧀 Add a Cheese Board
Enhance your tasting with a cheese board for a fuller experience. :cheese_wedge: [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bodegas Franco-Españolas for its rich historical tours, particularly highlighting the knowledgeable guides who bring the winery's unique French-Spanish heritage to life. The convenient city-center location is a significant plus, making it easily accessible. While the wine tasting is generally enjoyed, some find it slightly underwhelming compared to the exceptional tour content.
"We have really enjoyed the winery tour at Franco Españolas, it is right there in the city of Logroño so do not miss it.
The tour content is way superior than other wineries because they take a meta view of the history of the region. It was the union of Spanish and French producers (hence the name) after the phyllorexa epidemic that spawn the renewal of wine production and it happened right here at this winery.
The tour is very complete, from the original vats to the cellar where they store their old vintages (that are on sale), our tour guides was very knowledgeable and enjoyed giving the history and explanations. That was the highlight: the tour guide. It made a big difference. And he answered all questions. A real professional.
The tasting at the end is the most underwhelming part of the tour, we almost lowered the rating to 4/5 because of it but the tour guide is so good that the content more than made up for the wine tasting.
Highly recommended.
P.S.: if this review was useful, please leave a 👍 and we thank you 🙏 in advance"
Mister Morelight
"We only did a wine tasting and not a tour. We had a couple of flights of wine, a cheese board, and ventrescas. Ruben, our server, did a great job of explaining the wines to us in English. Our favorite wine was the Palpita. The atmosphere was pleasant."
Tracy Tindle
"We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Victor, our tour guide, shared the history of the winery and wine making process. Because of the echoing, it was difficult to hear at times. The tasting was just as good as we had hoped."
Angie Carlton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodegas Franco-Españolas is conveniently located in the heart of Logroño, making it easily accessible on foot from the city center. Many visitors enjoy walking from their accommodation or other attractions in town
While the bodega is centrally located, parking directly at the facility might be limited. It's often easier to use public parking garages in Logroño or walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, Logroño has a public bus system that can take you close to the city center. From there, it's a short walk to the winery.
Absolutely! Some visitors have enjoyed cycling tours that include stops at Bodegas Franco-Españolas, highlighting its accessibility for active exploration.
From the Logroño train station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the city center, and then it's a pleasant walk to the winery. The walk is generally considered easy and scenic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour and tasting in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to secure your spot [^review].
Opening hours can vary, but tours are typically offered throughout the day. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date schedule [^review].
Pricing for tours and tastings can vary depending on the package chosen. Information on current prices is usually available on their website or by contacting the winery directly [^review].
Bodegas Franco-Españolas offers various tour options, often including guided visits to the historic cellars and a wine tasting. Some packages might include food pairings [^review].
Yes, it's often possible to arrange just a wine tasting without a full tour, especially if you're looking for a quicker experience. Check their booking options for tasting-only experiences [^review].
🎫 🍷 Wine & Tasting
Bodegas Franco-Españolas is known for its Rioja wines, including their flagship Rioja Bordón and Royal Gran Reserva. They also produce other varietals and have a history of producing fine wines.
Typically, a wine tasting includes a selection of their wines, often accompanied by explanations from the guide. Some packages may also include small food pairings like cheese or ventrescas [^review].
Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the quality of their white wines, finding them to be a delightful departure from expectations [^review].
Yes, you can purchase wines directly from the winery's shop, and they often offer shipping options at reasonable costs [^review].
The name reflects the historical cooperation between French and Spanish winemakers, particularly after the phylloxera epidemic devastated French vineyards in the 19th century.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the winery, allowing you to capture the historic architecture and wine displays. Always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
The historic cellars, the elegant facade, and the modern tasting room all offer great photo opportunities. The 'muelle de carga' (loading dock) area is also noted for its charm.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such historical and operational sites. It's best to check with the winery directly before attempting to fly a drone.
The cellars have a unique ambiance with dim lighting, which can create dramatic photos. However, for clearer shots, consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod.
Visitors often capture the rustic charm of the old vats, the grandeur of the cellars, and the modern aesthetics of the tasting areas. Wine-related shots are also very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walk through Logroño to reach the bodega can also be part of the adventure. It's important to note that the wine tasting itself is for adults. However, the winery's central location means families can easily combine a visit with other child-friendly activities in Logroño, such as exploring parks or enjoying the city's atmosphere. Consider booking a tour during a time that suits your family's schedule to minimize any potential disruption for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a standard tour and tasting without additional food pairings can help manage costs. The fact that it's easily walkable from most accommodations in Logroño also saves on transportation expenses.
Many visitors find the experience so enriching that they consider it a highlight of their trip, even on a budget.🥂 Couples & Wine Enthusiasts
The knowledgeable guides can offer in-depth insights into the nuances of Rioja wines, catering to those with a keen interest in viticulture and oenology.Consider booking a more comprehensive tasting package that might include a wider selection of wines or food pairings for a truly special occasion. The ability to purchase wines directly, including shipping options, allows couples to take a piece of their Rioja experience home with them [^review].
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of Bodegas Franco-Españolas
The winery's name itself, 'Franco-Españolas,' directly reflects this cooperative spirit, symbolizing the bridge between two prominent wine cultures.This historical context is a major draw for visitors, offering a deeper understanding of how Rioja wines evolved into the esteemed products they are today. The winery preserves this heritage through its architecture, original vats, and extensive cellars where old vintages are carefully stored. Even renowned figures like Ernest Hemingway are said to have visited and appreciated their wines, adding another layer of historical intrigue.
The guided tours expertly weave these historical narratives, making the visit an educational and engaging experience.The winery's location in the heart of Logroño also plays a role in its historical significance. It was one of the pioneering bodegas to establish itself within the city, making wine culture accessible and integrated into urban life. This accessibility, combined with its rich past, makes Bodegas Franco-Españolas a must-visit for anyone interested in the heritage of Spanish wine.
+1Experiencing a Wine Tour and Tasting
The tour often progresses to the original fermentation vats, showcasing traditional winemaking methods, before descending into the impressive underground cellars. Here, you can witness the aging process of their esteemed old vintages, a truly captivating sight.The tasting portion of the experience is where you get to sample the fruits of their labor. Visitors can expect to taste a selection of their renowned Rioja wines, including their signature Bordón and Royal Gran Reserva. While the reds are consistently praised, many reviewers highlight the white wines as a delightful and unexpected discovery [^review]. Some tasting experiences can be enhanced with optional food pairings, such as cheese boards or local delicacies, further enriching the sensory journey [^review].
Guides at Bodegas Franco-Españolas are frequently commended for their knowledge and passion. They are adept at explaining the winemaking process, the history, and answering any questions visitors might have, making the tour both informative and enjoyable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit