For part of a 2-3 week trip we'd like to visit Rioja wine region for 4-6 days as it's one of the few corners of Spain we've never explored. We're debating whether to stay in a much larger town like Logrono as a home base, or try for a much smaller, scenic rural town like Haro, La Guardia, or Briones that posters mention. At least one post warned that these tiny towns often are dying out-- meaning they'd still be lovely to visit on a daytrip, but many of their local grocery store, restaurants/cafes, and even lodgings may have closed or radically reduced what days they are open--- especially since the pandemic. We strongly prefer eating out on vacation vs. cooking at our lodging/AirBnB, and really appreciate excellent food (think Michelin star, Bib or similar quality without the official rating).
So my question is that if we try to stay in a smaller town for the relaxed environment and easy driving, will we have difficulty finding a variety of good restaurants open, or lodging with AC? (must be early June trip per son's school). Also, any chance the small towns would have Lyft or Uber to avoid driving back from winery tastings, or as I imagine is that only realistic in a larger town like Logrono?
Also, if you have tips on a rural guest house that serves optional dinner with good food, please share as I find many lovely places but none that serve meals other than breakfast.