San Sebastian is famous for its culinary scene, but for wine enthusiasts, this Basque jewel offers some exceptional tours that pair local flavors with stunning scenery. The city’s proximity to both the Basque coast and the renowned Rioja wine region makes it a perfect base for exploring Spain’s wine diversity. Whether you’re after a lively pintxos and wine walk, a private Rioja experience, or a scenic Txakoli tour, San Sebastian has options for every palate. One standout is the San Sebastian: Pintxos and Wine Tour, which combines tasting the best small bites with insider wine tips in a lively, authentic setting.
For those seeking a personalized experience, the Private Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastián offers a private guide for a tailored exploration of the Old Town’s culinary treasures. If you’re more interested in regional wines, especially the famed Rioja, the Private Rioja wine tasting tour with local lunch allows you to visit some of the most venerable wineries with expert insights. No matter your preference, these tours highlight the best ways to enjoy Spain’s wine culture in and around San Sebastian.
1. San Sebastian: Pintxos and Wine Tour
At number 1, this tour offers a delicious introduction to San Sebastian’s pintxos and wine scene, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 371 reviews. The 3-hour experience takes you to some of the city’s most beloved family-run pintxo bars, including places over 100 years old, where you’ll taste authentic Basque snacks and local drinks like cider and regional wines. The tour’s core appeal is how it combines food, drink, and culture—guides share insights into Basque history while helping you do pintxos like a local.
The itinerary includes stops at renowned spots like Cervecería La Mejillonera, Txepetxa Taberna, Gandarias, and La Vina, with plenty of opportunities to sample steaky, seafood, ham, and cheesecake, all paired with regional cider and wines. The tour’s reviews praise its well-organized, fun, and informative nature, with many highlighting the guide’s extensive knowledge. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an authentic taste of San Sebastian’s food culture without fussing over where to go.
Bottom line: This tour hits the sweet spot for those wanting a lively, insider experience full of tasty bites and local drinks in a compact, enjoyable walk through the Old Town.
2. Private Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastián
Number 2 on our list is the private, personalized version of the pintxos experience, rated a perfect 5.0/5 by 91 reviewers. This 3 to 4-hour tour offers the chance to explore San Sebastian’s gourmet scene with a dedicated guide who tailors the experience to your tastes. You’ll stroll through the medieval Old Town, visiting iconic pintxo bars like Konstituzio Plaza and the Main Church, learning about the city’s culinary traditions along the way.
The tour includes sampling five different pintxos paired with wines, with the guide sharing stories about the city and its food culture. Guests love the intimate, flexible nature of this experience, plus the chance to enjoy more curated stops without the crowd. The guide’s rich knowledge adds depth, making it ideal for food lovers and curious travelers wanting a more personal touch.
Bottom line: If you’re after a customized, upscale way to discover San Sebastian’s best pintxos and wines, this private tour provides a memorable, insider look at the city’s culinary capital.
3. San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour
Next, we explore the less touristy side of San Sebastian with this 2.5-hour tour of the Centro neighborhood. Rated 5.0/5 from 46 reviews, this experience takes you into the local hangouts that locals frequent—for example, Antonio Taberna, where you can try the best Spanish omelet in town. The tour offers over 10 pintxos, some unfamiliar, plus five drinks, providing an authentic taste of everyday Basque life beyond the tourist spots.
What makes this tour special is its focus on flavor exploration and discovering bars that inspired Ibiza nightclubs. The guide’s aim is to show you hidden gems and introduce you to flavors you might not find on standard tours. It’s especially suited for solo travelers or those who want to meet new people in a relaxed, small-group setting. Dietary needs are accommodated at most stops, making it flexible.
Bottom line: For those wanting to go off the beaten path and truly taste local flavors and atmospheres, this tour offers an excellent, intimate experience.
4. Private Rioja wine tasting tour with local lunch
Number 4 on our list takes you into Spain’s most celebrated wine region, La Rioja, in a completely private setting. For around $342, per person, you enjoy a 3-hour tour that visits two of the region’s best wineries, including historic underground caves and Frank Gehry’s renowned winery. The tour is designed for those wanting a personalized wine experience with ample time to learn about Rioja’s wine culture.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic wineries, rich regional wines, and a private guide who shares insights into each tasting. Guests rave about the top-quality wines and the in-depth stories about local wine-making traditions. The tour also includes a home-cooked lunch at a non-touristy Basque restaurant, adding a delicious regional touch. Visitors often mention how the guide’s knowledge and personalized approach make this an unforgettable day.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for dedicated wine lovers who want a luxurious, private experience in Rioja, with the opportunity to enjoy exceptional wines and regional cuisine.
5. Private Rioja Wine Tasting Tour from San Sebastian
Number 5 is a full-day private tour designed for serious wine enthusiasts eager to explore Rioja extensively. For about $487 per person, you’ll visit four wineries, including architectural landmarks like the Frank Gehry-designed Marques de Riscal. The 9-hour journey covers vineyard walks, tastings, and regional snacks, with full transportation included.
Guests particularly enjoy the diversity of wineries visited, from traditional cellars to modern architectural marvels. Their guide shares not just wine facts but stories about the region’s culture and traditions. The highlight for many is the well-paced itinerary allowing ample time at each stop. While pricey, the personalized experience and access to top wineries make this a premium choice.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, private Rioja day with expert guidance, exclusive tastings, and regional insights.
6. Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in La Rioja with lunch
Number 6 is another comprehensive full-day Rioja experience, rated 5/5. This private tour offers visits to three wineries, exploring wine-making secrets from harvest to aging, plus a lunch at a rustic local restaurant. It’s suited for those who want to immerse fully in the wine culture with a relaxed pace.
Guests praise the variety of wineries and the delicious, authentic Rioja-style lunch, often citing the friendly guides as a highlight. The tour includes visits to Laguardia, so you get a taste of medieval charm along with wine tasting. The combination of wine, regional food, and scenery makes it a good value for a full-day private trip.
Bottom line: Best suited for wine lovers wanting a personalized, immersive Rioja experience with a relaxed, full-day itinerary.
7. Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian
Number 7 takes you along the coastal Basque countryside for a 5-hour private Txakoli wine tour. Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, crisp white wine unique to the Basque region. The tour begins at Zarautz, with panoramic views of the coast, then visits a traditional vineyard in Getaria, where you taste the fresh, locally made Txakoli paired with Basque appetizers.
This experience is particularly appealing for travelers interested in coastal scenery and small-vineyard charm. The guide shares stories about regional fishing villages and winemaking traditions, making it a relaxed, educational trip. The private transport means you avoid the hassle of renting a car, and the scenic route is perfect for a photo-worthy day. Reviews mention the beautiful views and friendly guide as highlights.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to combine coastal scenery, local wine, and a personalized experience in small fishing villages.
8. San Sebastian: Pintxo Tour with Wine and Ex-Chef Guide
Finally, number 8 offers a culinary adventure led by an ex-chef, rated by many as a fun, insightful way to explore San Sebastian’s pintxo scene. The 3-hour experience includes tasting 3 pintxos and 3 drinks, ending with a world-renowned sweet treat. The guide’s background in professional kitchens means you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights into what makes San Sebastian’s food culture so special.
This tour is flexible and focuses on hidden culinary treasures, perfect for travelers who want to combine tasting with storytelling. It starts and ends at a central location, making it easy to fit into your day. Many reviews highlight the chef’s engaging approach and the variety of dishes sampled.
Bottom line: Best for food lovers who want a guided, in-depth tasting experience with a professional chef’s perspective.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in San Sebastian
When selecting a wine tour in San Sebastian, consider your interests, budget, and time. For a lively introduction to pintxos plus local wines, the San Sebastian: Pintxos and Wine Tour offers a great mix of authentic flavors and insider tips. If you prefer a more personalized, private experience, the Private Pintxos and Wine Tour or the Rioja options provide tailored itineraries, often with more in-depth tastings and visits to prestigious wineries.
For those interested specifically in Rioja wines, both full-day private tours (Tours in Rioja) and more comprehensive half-day visits (Private Rioja wine tasting) offer different paces and experiences—consider your schedule and wine enthusiasm.
If coastal scenery and Txakoli appeal, then the Private Txakoli Wine Tour combines views, regional charm, and fresh white wine. For a culinary-focused experience led by an ex-chef, the San Sebastian Pintxo Tour is perfect for foodies.
Always book early, especially for private or high-demand tours, and check for availability during peak seasons — summer and fall are popular for wine travel. Consider your fitness level if walking or cycling is involved, and don’t hesitate to ask guides about dietary restrictions or specific interests.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian’s wine tours showcase a diverse range of experiences—from lively pintxos walks to private tastings in historic vineyards. For a social, energetic introduction, the Pintxos and Wine Tour is hard to beat. If you’re craving a personalized, luxurious day, the Rioja private tours offer both exclusivity and depth. And for those wanting a scenic coastal twist, the Txakoli tour provides a perfect mix of views, white wine, and relaxed charm.
In choosing the best experience, think about what kind of wine and culture you prefer, your budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. With so many options, San Sebastian is an ideal spot to indulge in Spain’s wine and food traditions—just remember to book early to secure your spot in these popular experiences.