Great Wine Capitals, The Best Wines

In 1999, the city of Bordeaux, France, brought to life the Great Wine Capitals network, an initiative aimed at establishing links between the world’s leading wine-producing regions. Since then, this network has become an excellent opportunity for the internationalisation of Rioja’s wine tourism offering.

Great Wine Capitals is a global network of ten cities located in both hemispheres, sharing economic and cultural values as internationally recognised wine regions.

Member Cities

• United States: Napa Valley / San Francisco
• Spain: Bilbao / Rioja
• France: Bordeaux
• Germany: Mainz Rheinhessen
• Italy: Verona
• Chile: Valparaíso / Casablanca Valley
• Argentina: Mendoza
• Portugal: Porto
• Switzerland: Lausanne
• Australia: Adelaide

Great Wine Capitals seeks to share and enrich the wine experience for those visiting these cities. At the same time, it helps to make the most of their extraordinary culture, heritage, and geographical location. This is achieved through the creation of connections, the facilitation of exchange, and the development of cooperation programmes.

Best of Wine Tourism

One of the network’s most prominent activities is the international “Best of Wine Tourism” competition. This annual event recognises wineries in each member city that have excelled in various categories, ranging from art and culture to sustainability in wine tourism. The goal is always to share experiences with the public, thereby promoting the growth and visibility of the global wine industry.

Rioja’s participation in Great Wine Capitals has not only helped strengthen its international ties but has also led to greater recognition of the region as a top-tier wine tourism destination. The opportunity to shine in the “Best of Wine Tourism” competition has allowed Rioja’s wineries to showcase their excellence and attract global attention, consolidating their position on the world wine stage.

Best of Wine Tourism Bilbao – Rioja 2023

In northern Spain, the Bilbao – Rioja region presents itself as a unique wine tourism destination that perfectly combines Bilbao’s rich culture with Rioja’s wine-making charm. This connection offers a wide range of activities for visitors, making it a delight for both wine lovers and those looking to explore the cultural and gastronomic richness of the area.

The Great Wine Capitals Bilbao-Rioja Committee, made up of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Álava, Bilbao, and La Rioja, the Bilbao City Council, and the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, has highlighted the following wine tourism experiences in the region:

• Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
• Mayor de Migueloa
• Bodegas Beronia
• Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega
• Echapresto Eventos
• Aitor Esnal Restaurante
• Restaurante El Puntido
• Santa María Briones Hotel
• Vintae Wine Fest (Special Mention)

In short, Great Wine Capitals stands as a great vehicle for promotion and exchange between leading wine regions, providing Rioja with the perfect platform to showcase its rich wine tradition and unique hospitality in the world of wine.