Unforgettable experience in Labistada with Luis. My family and friends came to Luis's place to stay for two nights. We could believe our luck. Luis's place is tucked away in a beautiful historical towns in the mountains overlooking Rioja vineyards. The house is a family owned home, passed down the generations and had more than enough room for the six of us (could easily fit several more). It has large bedrooms, a cook's kitchen, dining area, front yard with porch overlooking the rest of the town and valley and, of course, a lovely fireplace with sitting area all in an open design. We arrived in the late afternoon and Luis showed us around the town a little, telling us some of the history. Labistada is one of the key towns of the region and it's just a fascinating place and we loved how it really wasn't touristy and I'm not sure how much longer that is going to last. He made a reservation for us at the local restaurant before bidding us goodbye until tomorrow. That night we played cards, ordered pizza and hung around the fireplace telling stories. Great get away time. The next day Luis took us to a winery right next door to his place, Gontes. Gontes, was a boutique family winery and we would have never found it on our own. We went into their cellars which we discovered was connected with all the other houses in town through an underground network which leads back to the fortification/castle. The guide was very knowledgeable and the wine, well, you will have to try for yourself but I'm sure it won't disappoint. Luis, then took us to a local restaurant were he explained the local dishes. The found was both fascinating and tasty. We ate heartily. Then we went back by the house, where Luis asked if we wanted to see downstairs. He took us into his own houses wine cellar. It was like rediscovering buried treasure from a pirate ship. Everything was so old and Luis found an old wine rack and pulled a 115 year old bottle of wine. He said we would taste it later tonight. We couldn't believe our ears. I asked Luis how much we should pay him for this and he said it wasnt a business proposal, he wanted to share it with us for the experience free of charge. He said it may not even be good. Then Luis was very kind, he offered to drive our van and take us to another winery. This winery was in Laguardia. It was the opposite end of the spectrum from Gontes, much larger and more commercial. We walked through all their cellars, learned the family history and of course, had more wine. After it all, he drove us back to our place, where he proceeded to uncork the 115 year old bottle of wine from his family's cellar. We were all blown away with the tasting and experience. That night was more cards,...