Balkan & Spanish Wine Region Help

[Pej]

I'll be going on a trip to the Balkans and Spain and thought it would be silly not get out to the vineyards while I am there. However my knowledge of wine in those regions is minimal, especially in places like Croatia and Serbia. Is there anyone on here familiar with wine in these countries that could give me a few pointers?

In Spain I plan to visit La Rioja, Priorat and maybe Ribera del Duero but have no idea what bodegas to seek out. I assume most bodegas are by appointment and charge a fee so I'll probably skip the super expensive ones unless you think it's really worth the price. I know there is plenty of accommodation in the villages around La Rioja but is there much around the less visited areas? I don't mind if I can't book online. Quite happy to just rock up and ask for a room, as long as there is something there to rock up to.

Are there other regions I should make the effort to visit? We will be getting around a good chunk of the country so nowhere will really be too far out of the way if it's worth the trip.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Brad

[rens]

Here two sites that perhaps you may want to read about Rioja:
http://www.savoredjourneys.com/2015/01/ ... gas-rioja/
http://www.roughguides.com/destinations ... -la-rioja/

You may find them useful

[Pej]

Thanks a lot.