Hello!

I'm planning a trip to the Basque region which will be the last part of my vacation starting in Italy.
I love wines and was wondering which wineries in Rioja are open in December.

I'm planning to stay in San Sebastian and Bilbao.

Any input or help will be greatly appreciated!

Most bodegas (wineries) close during December so they can enjoy the holiday season.

when in Dec? there is a public holiday on the 7 and 8th
from this page you can pick and reserve which ones to visit.
http://lariojaturismo.com/en/communi...df:type=winery

These links provide very useful info:

San Sebastian: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/
Bilbao: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...ilbao-tourism/
Rioja wineries and tours: http://www.euskoguide.com/basque-cou...rs/rioja-tour/

Also, fellow fodorite mikelg is a local and knows everything worth to know about the area. He's got a travel blog with the Basque TV company (EiTB) and you could get in contact with him through his fodor profile.

the blog: http://www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism/
mikelg's profile: http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/mikelg/

ribeirasacra - After the 25th

kimhe - I will look into those links. Thanks so much! I have so much planning to do. I really hope I can visit some wineries.

Some bodegas, like Vivanco (vivancoculturadevino.es/es/) in Briones, will be open the day after Christmas for a tasting class and on the 27th for a tour and tasting, but will be closed from the 28th through the New Year.

The Marqués de Riscal will probably be open after Christmas day on a limited basis.

Not many people in Spain do wine touring in December, mostly professionals (invited).

The Rioja will be cold, with the possibility of snow in the mountains, and the days very short; 22 December offering only about 9 hours of daylight, a little less in the shadows of the Cantabrian Mountains.

After Christmas and before NYE.
The slowest time of the year for tourism.
In the depths of winter and short daylight hours.
Hopefully you find something open.

Thanks everyone! Will let you know when I get back

Received an email from Bodega Txomin Etxaniz in the Basque country the other day. They will be open December and January from Monday to Friday in the morning(11:00), if you are interested in tasting some greatTxakoli.

Good to know that, Robert...I´m having some guests interested in wine on those days and it´s being hard to find places that´ll be open...

Mikel, checking to see if Doniene Gorrondona will also be open. Haven't been there for awhile.

Eskuminak!

DONIENE GORRONDONA TXAKOLINA just got back to me. They will be open in December and January, but closed for the Christmas/New Year holidays. Visits need to be arranged in advance.

Thanks Robert! I will check the info on Bodega Txomin Etxaniz.