Rioja Wine Masterclass in Laguardia: Mikel Ruiz de Viñaspre’s 2026 Picks

In medieval Laguardia, wine professional Mikel Ruiz de Viñaspre hosts a highly personal Rioja masterclass in his historic family home, combining centuries-old underground calados with a tutored tasting of rare, small-production wines. His 2026 selections offer a fascinating snapshot of modern Rioja, from lesser-known grape varieties to some of the region’s most exciting independent growers and winemakers.

Mikel Ruiz de Viñaspre is a well-known wine professional in La Rioja with over 20 years of experience. His super-premium wine masterclasses are offered through a small and select group of partners, including Cellar Tours, and take place in the gorgeous historic stone house where he was born in medieval Laguardia. Mikel was born into the wine industry, to a family of wine growers. Indeed, he even has vineyards in his last name.

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Steeped in history, his family house proudly displays the family’s historic coat of arms. The world of wine feels like a natural calling for Mikel. He started studying English Literature but always gravitated back to wine, and he discovered a passion for hospitality. Mikel realized that wine tourism was a beautiful way to work in the wine industry. He could use his excellent English to talk about wine and meet new people from all over the world every day.

Mikel didn’t stop learning there – he continued to get a two-year degree in Viticulture! He also obtained a Wine Tourism degree through the Basque Culinary Center. Busy doesn’t even begin to describe Mikel! He manages wine tourism, hospitality, and direct sales for Gómez Cruzado, cares for his two young kids, and teaches Rioja wine classes. Needless to say, he is energetic and dynamic!

Mikel’s Rioja masterclasses are superb. With his private, personalized tastings, he aims to introduce cult, tiny-batch, garage, and super-collector wines to high-end wine lovers visiting the Rioja region. He includes the small producers and vignerons that are part of the new wave of Rioja wines. They are also personal, dear friends of Mikel’s. As a result, he has exceptional access to rare wines.

Before the tasting, you will enjoy a tour of the exquisite house. Like many in Laguardia, this house features underground “Calados” – wine caves dating back centuries. Mikel explains that the caves reach depths of over eight meters and were meticulously carved into the rock. You will see the beautiful sandstone tank that produced wine from the 15th century until the 1980s.

One interesting anecdote about this exceptional venue involves its history. According to Mikel, in medieval times, his family home was among the three buildings obligated to tithe 10% of their grape harvest to the church. Then, after a charming tour sprinkled with history, sit down to a seriously good wine tasting.

Mikel will explain Rioja trends and discuss the magnificent diversity of its three main areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. These subregions have different soils, landscapes, climates, and grape varieties, offering endless possibilities for producing unique wines. You will also enjoy a tutored tasting of 6 extraordinary wines selected from his current list of favorites.

Mikel’s 2026 List of Top Ten Recommended Riojan Gems:

Suzzane 2023 by Oxer

“One of the best pure Garnacha wine in Rioja. Beautiful label and poetical name in a wine produced by Oxer, one of the cult producers in the region”

Sístole 2023 by Crístofer Ruiz

“A surprisingly refreshing wine produced with Maturana, a local variety full of colour historically used in small percentages in some blends.”

Our Hands 2024 by Jesús Mendoza

“The new Project of Jesús Mendoza, head winemaker of Remírez de Ganuza. No more of 1.000 bottles produced by one of the most precise producer in Rioja”

Las Plegarias 2023 by Álvaro Loza

“A light, refreshing and delicate field blend that expresses perfectly the North of Rioja”

Blanco 2024 by El Temerario

“One of the most exciting discoveries lately. 100% of Viura coming from the most meditarranean área in the región but elegant and refreshing”

Anza La Canoca 2024 by Diego Magaña

“Beautiful single vineyard wine from one of the most iconic áreas in San Vicente de la Sonsierra produced by one of the most talented winemakers in Rioja and Spain.”

Las Preferidas 2023 by Eguíluz

“An elegant expression of old viuras in the North. To drink now or to hold it for years.”

El Belisario 2021 by Tierra

“One of the best reds produced by Carlos Fernández. Powerful but silky at the same time.”

Reserva 2020 by Miguel Merino

“A modern classic or a classic modern. A perfect example of a wine tha explains the last century of Rioja”

Paraje La Canoca 2024 by José Gil

“One of the best vintages of one of the best Wines produced in the región.”