Bilbao may be famous for its Guggenheim Museum, but it’s also a fantastic hub for wine enthusiasts. The city’s proximity to the Basque Country’s vineyards and historic wineries makes it a perfect base for exploring Spanish wines. We love tours like the Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide which combines gastronomy with local storytelling, and the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch that offers a deep dive into Rioja’s iconic architecture and delicious wines. Whether you want to sip local Txakoli while overlooking cliffs or explore modern architectural wineries, Bilbao has options to suit every palate.
What makes Bilbao stand out is its diverse offerings: intimate wine tastings led by knowledgeable sommeliers, lively pintxo and wine walks through the old town, or full-day excursions into Rioja’s vineyards with stops at superbly designed wineries. If you’re looking for authentic local experiences, the tours that combine food, wine, and cultural stories tend to top the list.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 15 best wine tours in Bilbao, each with its own flavor and focus — from guided tastings at boutique wineries to small-group explorations of Rioja’s architectural wonders. Whether your idea of a perfect day involves sampling wines with a view, or learning the secrets of Basque pintxos paired with local vino, there’s something here for you.
1. The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
At number 1, this tour is more than just a pintxo crawl — it’s an insider’s introduction to Bilbao’s culinary soul. For about $119, you spend roughly three hours wandering the ancient Casco Viejo, sampling award-winning pintxos paired with local wines, beers, or cider. Olaia, the passionate guide, shares stories of Bilbao’s history dating back to 1300 while teaching you how to confidently order pintxos. Guests rave about the fun social atmosphere and the variety of modern and historic bars visited. This tour is perfect if you want an interactive immersion in Basque gastronomy and nightlife, and it’s a great way to kick off your trip.
Bottom line: An excellent, highly rated tour for those who want a delicious introduction to Bilbao’s food scene with the bonus of expert guidance.
2. Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide
At number 2, this 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive look into Basque cuisine with a focus on wine pairing. Led by Kaya, the guide, you’ll sample diverse pintxos at iconic venues and meet fellow food lovers. The tour emphasizes local flavors and takes you through charming neighborhoods while offering a variety of wines to sample, making it ideal for foodies wanting a full palate experience. Reviewers mention how Kaya’s knowledgeable, relaxed style makes the tour both informative and fun.
Bottom line: Perfect for those looking for a well-rounded foodie experience with excellent wine pairings and lively local insights.
3. Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour
Number 3 is a full-day scenic trip that combines cultural sightseeing with wine tasting—a great way to see the Basque coast. After marveling at Game of Thrones-famous cliffs at Gaztelugatxe, you’ll visit towns like Bermeo, Mundaka, and Gernika, plus enjoy Txakoli wine at Berroja Winery. Guests love the beautiful views and well-paced itinerary, with lively guides who explain both the history and the wine.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of coastal scenery, history, and local wine in one day.
4. Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide
This 3-hour tour at number 4 takes you through Bilbao’s most iconic pintxos bars. Led by a local expert, you’ll taste 4 pintxos paired with 4 wines, learning how to order confidently and understand the local wine and food culture. Guests mention how Roberto, the guide, is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience relaxed and engaging. The tour visits both historic and modern bars, making it perfect for first-timers eager to taste authentic Basque bites.
Bottom line: A delicious and educational tour ideal for food and wine lovers wanting a true taste of Bilbao.
5. The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings
Number 5 focuses on local pintxos and wine pairings across five bars in Bilbao’s old town. For just $108, you get an authentic city walk that includes special pintxos not available to travelers and expert pairings. Guides are local and passionate, sharing cultural insights as you go. Guests rave about the generous portions and the informative stories told alongside.
Bottom line: A solid choice for those seeking a deep dive into Bilbao’s culinary traditions with expert pairing advice.
6. Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao
At number 6, this 8-hour tour is a standout for architecture and wine. You visit the Marques de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry and Ysios, a winery by Santiago Calatrava. The tour includes guided tastings, a Laguardia lunch, and a chance to explore historic towns. The URL highlights how the architecture is as impressive as the wines. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to see world-class design alongside top Rioja wines.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in modern architecture and premium Rioja wines in a relaxed setting.
7. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
This 7-hour small-group tour ranks high for wines and scenery. Visiting two wineries, guests can taste five different wines and enjoy stunning views of the Rioja landscape. The tour is especially suited for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, no-rush day with personalized attention. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of wines.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine aficionados who want to sample multiple wineries without the hassle of driving.
8. Bilbao’s #1 Food & Wine Experience
Number 8 offers a 3-hour city tour focused on authentic Basque flavors. You’ll taste 8 pintxos and 4 drinks as you explore Bilbao’s most beloved bars. It’s a small-group experience emphasizing local culture and culinary craftsmanship. Reviews highlight the passionate guides and delicious food, making this a great choice for those wanting a fun, immersive experience.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a lively, authentic taste of Bilbao’s food and wine culture.
9. The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings
A classic bar-hopping tour that visits five bars to sample secret pintxos paired with local wines. Led by a host born and raised in Bilbao, this tour combines cultural stories with culinary delights. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere and the variety of hidden gems they get to try.
Bottom line: Excellent for those eager to learn about local pintxos and wine pairings in a friendly setting.
10. Bilbao Pintxo Tasting Paired With Spanish Wines
This 2-hour tour is perfect for shorter visits. You’ll visit four restaurants in Bilbao’s Old Town, tasting four pintxos paired with four wines. Your guide shares local stories alongside top-quality food and drink. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides.
Bottom line: Best suited for those with limited time who want a concentrated, flavorful experience.
11. Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao)
For around $53, this 1.5-hour private tasting features five top Spanish wines crafted by boutique wineries. Led by an expert sommelier, you’ll learn about regional wine styles and pairings with light snacks. Guests praise the personalized attention and knowledgeable instruction.
Bottom line: An intimate, educational experience for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.
12. From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour
Number 12 combines modern Rioja wineries with historic La Guardia. Visiting Marques de Riscal and Ysios, plus a walk through La Guardia, guests love the architectural marvels and wine tastings. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge make it stand out.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers interested in design, history, and top-quality Rioja wines.
13. From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings
This 9-hour trip offers a full immersion into La Rioja’s winemaking traditions. You visit two wineries, explore medieval towns, and enjoy a guided tour. Reviewers mention how informative and fun the day is, perfect for wine lovers with a full day to spare.
Bottom line: A comprehensive trip for those wanting an in-depth wine experience outside Bilbao.
14. Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao
This full-day tour showcases two architectural masterpieces with full winery tours and tastings. Guests also enjoy a Rioja-style lunch with local cheeses and meats. At around $326, it’s an investment, but the luxury experience and top-tier wines justify the price.
Bottom line: Best for luxury travelers seeking a premium wine and architecture tour with great food.
15. Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier – In Bilbao
Finally, for a more intimate, educational experience, this 1.5-hour tasting features five wines, including cava and reds, served with cheese and charcuterie. Irene, the guide, is highly praised for her expertise and friendly approach.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, informative introduction to Spanish wines in a cozy setting.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Bilbao
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re short on time but eager for a taste of Bilbao’s pintxo scene, Tour #1 or Tour #10 could be perfect. Want to explore Rioja’s architecture and wines? The small-group architectural tour offers a blend of design and taste.
For deep dives into Rioja, tours like Tour #6 or Tour #12 suit those who want multiple winery visits and scenic landscapes. Budget-conscious travelers or wine novices might prefer the sommelier-led tasting, while luxury seekers should consider the full-day premium winery experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for tours in high demand or during peak seasons. Most tours run year-round, but spring and fall often offer better weather and more availability.
Final Thoughts
Bilbao offers a remarkable variety of wine experiences — from guided pintxo and wine walks to architectural winery tours in Rioja. For those wanting a fun, social introduction, the award-winning pintxo tour or the local food and wine experience will hit the mark. If you’re drawn to design and architecture, the Boutique Rioja tour with its stunning wineries is a must. And for serious wine lovers, the full-day Rioja trips promise a deep appreciation of Spain’s beloved wine region.
No matter your style, these tours provide a taste of Basque and Rioja wines that’s hard to beat. Be sure to book early and prepare to enjoy some of Spain’s finest vintages alongside fantastic local bites. Cheers to an unforgettable wine adventure in Bilbao!
