San Sebastian is a city that seamlessly blends gourmet dining, lively pintxo bars, and nearby wine regions, making it a perfect base for exploring some of Spain’s best wines. Its unique location, nestled between the Basque coast and renowned wine regions like Rioja, offers travelers an extraordinary variety of wine experiences. Whether you’re eager to taste traditional Txakoli, explore Rioja’s famous wineries, or enjoy an intimate guided tour through historic wine cellars, San Sebastian has a lot to offer. One of our favorites is the San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group, which combines local pintxos with Spanish wines in an intimate setting, perfect for foodies wanting a genuine taste of Basque culture.
The city’s proximity to top wine regions means you can indulge in full-day Rioja winery tours or charming coastal vineyard walks. On top of that, many tours feature visits to local markets, historic cellars, and scenic coastal towns. This list highlights the best options, from small-group culinary adventures to private tastings, ensuring you’ll find a wine tour matching your taste and schedule.
The list below includes a variety of wine experiences in San Sebastian, ensuring there’s something for all—from casual tastings to full-day private tours. Curious about the details? Keep reading to find the perfect match for your trip.
1. San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour
At number 1, this tour brings you right into the heart of San Sebastian’s pintxos culture. Limited to just eight people, it offers an intimate exploration of six venues—ranging from traditional pintxo bars to gourmet food stores. Your local guide introduces you to Iberian ham, mussels, anchovies, and other Basque delights, all paired with local Spanish wines. What makes this tour stand out is the hands-on cider pouring at Cervecerías La Mejillonera and the chance to taste top-quality cured hams. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine culinary curiosity with cultural insight. Guests rave about the guide’s knowledge and the authentic, delicious food. This 3-hour experience offers excellent value—especially for those wanting an immersive, small-group adventure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers who want to experience pintxos in a cozy, authentic setting with a knowledgeable guide.
2. San Sebastian Pintxo Food, Wine & Market Foodie Tour
Ranking at number 2, this tour emphasizes market visits and street-level gastronomy. You’ll start at Mercado De La Bretxa, tasting Iberian ham, cheeses, olives, and the iconic Gilda. The itinerary then takes you along Fermin Calbeton Kalea, exploring four pintxo bars that balance traditional and modern culinary styles. Visiting beautiful plazas and walking the main street, Calle Mayor, the tour offers a thorough taste of San Sebastian’s food evolution. With the guide sharing insider tips and local stories, it’s ideal for those eager to see both historic and contemporary food scenes. Guests highlight the lively pace and exceptional food quality.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive foodie journey, including market visits and off-the-beaten-path venues.
3. San Sebastian Evening Pintxo Tour with Wine
This 3-hour evening tour offers a relaxed way to experience San Sebastian’s nightlife and pintxo bars. Your guide takes you through six highly-rated eateries in Parte Vieja, sampling pintxos paired with cider and wines. The focus here is on the vibrant atmosphere and the best flavors the city has to offer after dark. With a limit of 10 people, the experience feels intimate, making it easy to ask questions and savor each bite. Guests love the variety of pintxos and the chance to discover hidden gems. The tour is a great choice if you want to enjoy local wines and authentic bites in a lively setting.
Bottom Line: Best for night owls and those wanting a social, flavorful experience of San Sebastian’s evening pintxo scene.
4. San Sebastian: Pintxos and Wine Tour
Number 4 on our list, this tour takes you into some of San Sebastian’s most historic pintxo bars, many over 100 years old. The route covers local family-run establishments, where you’ll taste classic pintxos and regional drinks, including cider and local wines. The guide shares fascinating insights into Basque culture and food traditions, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a cultural experience. Guests consistently praise the authentic atmosphere and quality of food. The tour’s flexible stops and focus on local hidden gems make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in historic venues and traditional Basque cuisine paired with regional wines.
5. San Sebastian: Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines
This tour offers a balanced mix of food and wine across five pintxo stops in the Old Town. Your guide helps you navigate San Sebastian’s winding streets while explaining regional wine pairings and local food stories. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and options for private tours make it flexible. Guests highlight the delicious pintxos and insights into the city’s culinary scene. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive tasting combined with culture and history.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who value a personalized, guided experience blending food, wine, and local lore.
6. San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines
Number 6, this small-group tour takes you to five different spots in the Old Town, with pintxos perfectly paired with regional wines. The guide emphasizes local traditions and the story behind each dish, enhancing your tasting experience. Guests find the balanced pace and generous tastings make it a good value. It’s especially suited for those wanting to immerse themselves in Basque wine and food with a lively, social atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking an authentic pairing experience with knowledgeable commentary.
7. Private Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastián
For around $342, this personalized experience offers a private 3-hour tour through the Old Town. You’ll visit top pintxo bars with a local guide, tasting a variety of bite-sized Basque specialties paired with Spanish wines. Guests love the tailored approach, making it perfect for special occasions or travelers who prefer customized experiences. The guide’s tips help you learn how to order and eat like a local.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a private, flexible tour with personalized attention and insider access.
8. San Sebastian: Market, Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour
Number 8 features a walking experience that covers a local market and multiple pintxo bars. You’ll sample ham, cheese, olives, and Gilda along with regional wines, all while exploring the city’s culinary evolution. The guide shares local traditions and hidden spots, making it ideal for those interested in cultural context. Guests mention how the diverse tastings and well-organized itinerary make this a rewarding experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in local markets and culinary history alongside wine.
9. Discover the Essence of Txakoli Wine from San Sebastian
This 4-hour small-group tour takes you to Getaria, a small fishing town famous for Txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine. Visiting a local vineyard, you’ll learn about Txakoli’s production and taste various wines paired with local snacks. The tour often includes exploring Getaria’s scenic harbor and walking its streets, with reviews praising the gorgeous views and insider insights. It’s perfect for those eager to understand Basque wine craftsmanship and enjoy coastal scenery.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine lovers wanting an immersive Txakoli experience with beautiful coastal views.
10. San Sebastian Lunch Time Pintxo Tour with Wine
This 3-hour lunchtime tour is a delicious way to explore San Sebastian’s pintxo bars while enjoying regional wines and ciders. The tour includes enough tastings for a hearty lunch in several top pintxo bars, with insights on how to do pintxos like a local. Guests rave about the friendly guide and variety of food and drink. It’s perfect for those wanting a substantial, flavor-packed experience during the middle of the day.
Bottom Line: Great for food-focused travelers looking for a full lunch combined with wine.
11. Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour
Number 11 offers a full-day private experience visiting Rioja’s top wineries. You’ll explore three wineries, learn about wine production, and enjoy gastronomic delights with a traditional lunch. Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to visit famous wineries like Marques de Riscal. It’s suited for travelers who want a luxury, in-depth wine experience with plenty of time to relax and savor.
Bottom Line: Ideal for serious wine enthusiasts or those celebrating a special occasion.
12. Private Tour at a Family Winery and Basque Coast Route
This 5-hour private tour combines coastal scenery, local wines, and small family wineries. You’ll walk along the Flysch cliffs in Zumaia, visit Getaria’s harbor, and tour a local Txakoli winery. Guests love the personalized approach and the chance to see less touristy spots. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, flexible experience with diverse sights and authentic wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting customization and scenic beauty combined with wine.
13. San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour
Number 13 focuses on the local neighborhoods outside the touristy Old Town. You’ll visit more than 10 pintxo plates and enjoy five drinks, all in vibrant bars loved by locals. The guide shares stories of San Sebastian’s hidden restaurants and regional wine pairings. It’s a lively, interactive way to see the real city. Guests appreciate the informal atmosphere and diverse tastings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for solo travelers and those wanting an authentic neighborhood experience.
14. Private Rioja wine tasting tour with local lunch
This full-day private tour takes you into Rioja’s famed wineries, where you’ll taste wines straight from the barrel and enjoy a local, homemade-style lunch. Guests praise the expert guides and the personalized itinerary. It’s best suited for those seeking luxury and in-depth wine education.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for serious wine lovers wanting a bespoke Rioja experience with a relaxing lunch.
15. Coastal “Winery Camino Trail” Walking Tour from San Sebastian
Rounding out our list, this scenic walking tour combines train travel, coastal hikes, and wine tasting. You’ll walk part of the Camino de Santiago, visit a Txakoli winery, and explore Getaria’s harbor. The 5.5-hour route is perfect for active travelers who want a mix of physical activity and wine. Guests note the beautiful scenery and informative guide make it a memorable outing.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous wine enthusiasts who enjoy walking and scenic views.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour for You
When selecting your ideal San Sebastian wine experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. For an authentic pintxo and wine pairing in a small, lively group, the Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour is a top choice. If you prefer a full-day private adventure, the Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch offers a luxurious, personalized experience. For those craving coastal scenery combined with wine, the Coastal Winery Camino Trail blends active sightseeing with tasting.
Budget-conscious travelers might find the Pintxo Food, Wine & Market Tour provides excellent value, while serious wine enthusiasts should consider the Full Rioja Full-Day Tour for its in-depth visits and tastings.
Timing also matters: if you’re visiting in the summer, outdoor coastal tours or sunset pintxo evenings are perfect. For off-season travel, private tours or indoor tastings ensure a cozy experience. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for the private and small-group tours, which tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian offers a diverse array of wine experiences that suit all tastes, whether you want a quick pintxo and wine crawl or a full-day private journey through Rioja’s vineyards. For a quick taste of local culture, the Pintxos & Wine Tours are perfect. If your focus is serious wine tasting and learning, the private Rioja tours deliver depth and exclusivity. And for active travelers, the Coastal Winery Camino Trail combines scenic walks with exceptional wine tasting.
Start planning early—these tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine aficionado, or an adventure seeker, San Sebastian’s wine tours promise a flavorful and memorable experience.
