I live about three hours from Rioja. We love the wine from there and it is on our list for future road trips. Just keep in mind that very close to Rioja are other regions with different foods and scenery, so if you have the time, you can see alot. Northern Spain, all across the Pyrenees, then out onto the Iberian peninsula is beautiful, especially this time of year. Like someone else said, eating and drinking in Spain is less expensive than here in southwestern France, and in some ways better... maybe just different.
Good luck when you go.
Pete
Good luck when you go.
Pete