Bilbao, famous for its Guggenheim Museum, has also quietly become a top destination for wine lovers. While many travelers come for the art and architecture, the city’s culinary scene, especially its wine and pintxos culture, is equally compelling. From lively bar-hopping experiences in the old town to elegant tours of Rioja’s famed wineries, Bilbao offers a variety of ways to indulge your palate. We’re especially fond of tours that blend history, architecture, and local flavors—like the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour, which pairs stunning wines with iconic modern buildings. Whether you want a quick tasting or an all-day exploration, Bilbao’s wine tours deliver authentic experiences for all budgets and interests.
Quick Overview
Our list features tours ranging from 1.5-hour tastings with expert sommeliers to full-day excursions exploring the Rioja region’s boutique wineries and architectural marvels. There are walking pintxo and wine pairing tours, such as the Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing, perfect for a casual evening, as well as scenic day trips to Gernika, Mundaka, and Gaztelugatxe with wine tastings at some of the region’s top wineries. For those seeking a more intimate and personalized experience, small-group tours like the La Rioja Boutique Wine & Lunch stand out. Ready? Let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
For around $119, this 3-hour walking tour is a top choice for those wanting to combine pintxos, wine, and local culture in one lively experience. Led by an expert guide, you’ll hop through Bilbao’s old town, sampling traditional pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—paired with local wines, beers, and cider. The guide shares insights into Bilbao’s history since 1300, making it a rich cultural journey as much as a culinary one. What makes this tour stand out is the hands-on approach: you learn how to order pintxos confidently and get to sample award-winning creations. Reviews frequently praise Olaia’s passion and knowledge, with comments like, “The food and wine was truly amazing,” and “Olaia was a superb host.” This tour is ideal if you want a fun, social introduction to Bilbao’s food scene and plan to revisit your favorite bars later.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for first-timers who want a broad taste of Bilbao’s pintxo culture with insider tips and excellent value.
2. Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide
Clocking in at 3 hours, this tour offers a guided walk through Bilbao’s culinary hotspots, focusing on local bites and wines. Your guide, Kaya, ensures you meet fellow food lovers and introduces you to distinctive pintxos at various venues. The highlight is tasting a wide range of pintxos with their own presentation and learning about Basque gourmet traditions. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the opportunity to connect with other travelers. This tour is well-suited for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Bilbao’s gastronomic identity in a friendly setting. The reviews emphasize the delicious food, good wines, and the guide’s knowledgeable storytelling.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded, social experience combining sightseeing with tastings in Bilbao.
3. Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour
This full-day, 10-hour scenic trip is ideal if you want to explore the Basque coast alongside wine tasting. Starting with the famous Gaztelugatxe, the tour takes you through charming towns like Bermeo, Mundaka, and Gernika. Along the way, you’ll enjoy txakoli at Berroja Winery, renowned for its crisp, slightly sparkling white wines. The trip balances cultural sightseeing with wine tasting and offers panoramic views of the Game of Thrones filming location. Guests rave about the well-organized itinerary and the knowledgeable guide. Be prepared for some walking and hills, but the scenery and wine make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A rich day outdoors, perfect for those eager to combine nature, history, and wine in one trip.
4. Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide
At about $96 for 3 hours, this walking tour focuses on Bilbao’s most iconic pintxo bars, starting in La Ribera Market and moving through old town and Ensanche. Your guide, Roberto or Oscar, takes you to emblematic bars, sampling 4 pintxos and 4 drinks, with ample opportunities to learn about local wine varieties. The tour emphasizes authentic flavors in a relaxed social setting. Guests comment on how well-organized and informative the tour is, with the guide sharing personal insights and local tips. It’s an excellent choice for foodies who want to immerse in Bilbao’s bar scene and learn how to pair pintxos with wine.
Bottom Line: A great blend of culture, food, and drink—perfect for a lively evening in Bilbao.
5. Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao
For approximately $285, this 8-hour tour is a standout for architecture buffs and wine lovers alike. Visit the Marques de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Ysios winery by Santiago Calatrava—both true architectural masterpieces. The tour includes guided tastings of premium Rioja wines, plus a lunch in Laguardia. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and reviewers highlight the quality of the wines and the guides’ knowledge. The tour balances cultural sightseeing and wine appreciation, making it ideal for those who value design as well as tradition.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want luxury, architecture, and wine all in one day.
6. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
At just under $280, this 7-hour small-group tour takes you to two top Rioja wineries. You’ll learn how wine is made and enjoy tastings of five different wines. The itinerary includes a light meal in Laguardia, with time for photos and strolling. Reviewers praise the personalized attention and knowledgeable guides like Pilar and Jose, who make the day both educational and relaxing. It’s ideal if you want a focused, efficient way to explore Rioja’s vineyards without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for wine enthusiasts seeking quality tastings and local charm.
7. La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch
For around $267, this 8-hour tour offers a personalized experience with visits to handpicked, boutique wineries. You’ll taste up to seven wines, tour traditional and modern wineries, and enjoy a picnic-style lunch in Laguardia. The tour’s small size (max seven people) means more interaction and tailored experiences. Guests mention the enthusiastic guide Marina and the delicious local lunch. The focus on both traditional and modern styles makes it suitable for those with a keen interest in wine diversity and local culture.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for serious wine lovers who want a bespoke day out.
8. Bilbao’s #1 Food & Wine Experience
This 3-hour walking tour offers an intimate look at Bilbao’s culinary soul, including eight pintxos and four local drinks. Your guide provides rich insights into Basque history and food traditions as you visit local bars. The reviews praise the friendly guides and high-quality pintxos—a perfect tour for those wanting more than just tasting but also cultural context.
Bottom Line: An ideal tour for those eager to dive deep into Bilbao’s food scene in a small, friendly group.
9. The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings
At around $108, this 3-hour tour offers a bar-hopping experience with special pintxos paired with wines. Visiting five unique bars, you’ll learn how local wines complement Basque snacks. Tour guides share personal stories and insider tips, making it a lively, educational experience. Excellent reviews highlight the generous tastings and the guide’s expertise.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a fun, comprehensive introduction to Bilbao’s pintxo and wine culture.
10. Bilbao Pintxo Tasting Paired With Spanish Wines
For about $106, this 2-hour guided tour visits four restaurants in Bilbao’s Old Town, tasting four pintxos paired with local wines. It includes visits to notable landmarks like the Catedral de Santiago. The reviews note how guide Beatrice makes everything easy and fun, with delicious food and excellent wine pairings. It’s an affordable way to combine culinary delights with cultural sights.
Bottom Line: An excellent short, focused experience for those wanting quality tastings and cultural sights.
11. Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao)
This 1.5-hour private tasting costs about $53 and features five wines from small, family-run wineries. Led by a professional sommelier, you’ll learn about Basque wine regions and taste remarkable wines with a light snack. Reviewers appreciate the deep knowledge and personalized attention. It’s perfect if you want a short but deep dive into Basque wine culture with a more intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Suitable for wine enthusiasts seeking expert insights in a relaxed environment.
12. From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour
This full-day tour, costing around $278, brings you to modern Rioja wineries like Marques de Riscal and Ysios, both architectural icons. You’ll also walk through Laguardia’s medieval streets and enjoy a local lunch. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide Marina and the top-notch wines. It’s perfect if you want a combination of design, history, and wine in one memorable day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for design lovers and wine explorers alike, especially if you’re interested in Rioja’s modern architecture.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Bilbao
When choosing your perfect tour, consider your budget, time available, interest level, and what you want to get out of the experience. If you prefer a casual pintxo and wine pairing, tours like the Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing or Pintxos and Wine Tasting offer authentic, shorter experiences. For those craving a deeper dive into Rioja’s wineries and architecture, the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour and La Rioja Boutique Wine & Lunch provide comprehensive days out. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier, while architecture enthusiasts will love the Rioja Architecture & Wine Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill quickly—particularly the popular full-day tours and small-group experiences.
In summary, Bilbao offers a diverse array of wine experiences. Whether you want a fun pintxo crawl, a luxurious architecture-focused winery tour, or a scenic day exploring the Basque coast, you’ll find a tour tailored to your interests. For a rich taste of Bilbao’s local flavors, we recommend trying one of the smaller, more personalized tours or going for a full-day Rioja adventure if time permits. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these delicious opportunities.