The Rioja Collector's Tour

Hi there! My name is Juan. I was born in San Sebastián, Basque Country. My vocation as a guide caught me by surprise. In the summer of 2019, after finishing my university studies in food and wine, I decided to work in my hometown as a private guide. If I am honest with you, I was not expecting great things from guiding but then, it happened. I got hooked on it. Working as a guide has given so much to me. Since that summer I have loved every single day spent with thoughtful and unique travelers from all over the world. Being able to host people who want to know the Basque culture through our history, traditions, and gastronomy has been a privilege. Besides, being constantly exposed to people who admire the place where I live, helps me to see through the 'traveler's eye' making me appreciate and care about my environment. My passions spin around food and wine. I am always looking to meet new restaurants, meeting committed chefs, and artisan winemakers. To balance all that food and wine, I clear my mind in the water as I am a seasoned swimmer in a swimming pool but also open waters! Whenever I am not in the water or sipping a wine with friends I like to read and write (I have been published in a couple wine printed magazines) As a guide, I mainly specialize in wine tours as my bachelor's and master's studies were focused on these disciplines. I mostly operate in Rioja, Txakoli, and Navarra wine countries. But that's not all, I love introducing travelers to my hometown San Sebastián. As a city, it is vibrant, welcoming, and, of course, one of the best cities to eat and drink in the world. I like to think about myself more as a host than a guide as I take travelers to places I visit with my friends and family. Simple as that. Before finishing I just want to add that I am looking forward to meeting you and to listening to your travel plans for San Sebastián and the Basque Country. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss any change or modification of any of the tours I offer. See you soon! More details about me: - Bachelor's degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (Basque Culinary Center) - Master's degree in Wine Tourism Innovation (Tarragona, Bordeaux & Porto Universities) - Driving a 7-seating Mercedes V Class - Licensed Guide (Referal nr: GHP00095)