Bilbao: Organic Winery Visit with Tasting

Bilbao: Organic Winery Visit with Tasting — A Genuine Taste of Basque Country

A visit to Bilbao often brings thoughts of modern architecture and vibrant city life, but this experience offers a different side of the Basque Country: an intimate journey through an organic winery just outside the city. For $102 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring a sustainable winery, meeting a passionate winemaker, and enjoying a tasting of two crisp Txakoli wines paired with local bites. The tour is guided in English, making it accessible for most travelers, and it’s perfect if you’re craving a relaxed, authentic experience rooted in local tradition.

What we love about this tour is how approachable and educational it feels—you’re not just sipping wine; you’re learning about organic farming and winemaking philosophy from someone passionate about sustainability. Plus, the chance to walk through the vineyards and appreciate the natural landscape of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve adds a calming, scenic touch. On the downside, it’s a relatively short experience with no transportation included, so you’ll need to plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy wine and local food, appreciate sustainable practices, and want a behind-the-scenes look at Basque winemaking. If you’re looking for a quieter, more personal outing compared to big wineries or tourist-centric tours, this could be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Visit a genuine organic, sustainable winery in Bilbao.
Educational: Meet the winemaker and learn about their philosophy and techniques.
Scenic Walk: Walk through vineyards in the beautiful Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Tasting Variety: Enjoy two dry, sparkling Txakoli wines paired with local snacks.
Local Flavors: Sample Idiazabal cheese, olives, anchovies, and peppers—authentic Basque bites.
Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with pay-later option.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Bilbao

Exploring the Tour: A Deep Dive into Bilbao’s Organic Winery Experience

Starting Point: Bodega Berroja

Your journey begins at Bodega Berroja, where a friendly guide greets you and sets the tone for a relaxed, informative visit. You might find yourself walking into a small, welcoming winery that emphasizes organic and sustainable practices—a refreshing change from larger, commercial wineries. The setting, nestled within the scenic Basque landscape, immediately hints at the care and philosophy underpinning their wines.

The Guided Winery Tour

The guided tour lasts around 1.5 hours, during which your guide shares insights into the winery’s history, organic farming methods, and how they produce their signature Txakoli. We loved the way the guide explained the terroir—the soil, climate, and vineyard practices—that give their wine its distinctive character. It’s a chance to see the winemaking process firsthand, from grape harvest considerations to fermentation techniques.

One highlight is the walk through the vineyards. As you stroll among the vines, you’ll appreciate the peaceful environment and the emphasis on natural landscape preservation. The guide also discusses the winery’s commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important in today’s wine industry.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wine Tasting: Two Txakoli Wines

The tasting segment is a true highlight. You’ll sample two Txakolis, a local sparkling, white wine known for being dry and refreshing. These wines are the hallmark of Basque drinking culture, and you’ll discover how they pair beautifully with the regional snacks. The wines are served chilled, and many find them incredibly versatile—perfect for pairing with seafood or simply enjoying on a warm day.

The guide explains the differences between the two Txakolis—their subtle variations in aroma and flavor—and how the winery’s organic approach influences the taste. Several reviews mention the excellent wine selection as a key reason for enjoying this experience.

Keen to taste more of Bilbao? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Tasting Local Snacks

Accompanying the wines are Idiazabal cheese, a traditional Basque cheese made from sheep’s milk, and gildas—a popular Basque tapa consisting of olives, anchovies, and peppers on a skewer. These bites are not just filler; they complement the wines perfectly and give you a taste of local flavors. Many visitors appreciate the quality and authenticity of these snacks, often remarking on how they enhance the tasting experience.

The Philosophy of the Winery

What sets this tour apart is the story behind the winery. The owner and winemaker’s dedication to organic, sustainable practices shines through. You’ll learn that their philosophy emphasizes respecting the land and producing high-quality, natural wines. It’s a lesson in how passion and care can create an authentic product—something many travelers find inspiring.

Practical Details and Value

At $102, this tour offers a good value for an intimate, guided experience. It includes the guided tour, tasting of two Txakoli wines, local snacks, and three bottles of Aguirrebeko Txakoli—giving you a chance to take some home if you wish. While transportation isn’t included, the meeting point at Bodega Berroja is straightforward to reach, and the experience is short enough to fit comfortably into a Bilbao itinerary.

Overall Experience and Suitability

This tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy wine and local cuisine and want a deeper understanding of Basque wine culture. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational outing that combines scenic views with delicious tasting. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate authenticity will find this experience rewarding. However, if you prefer larger wineries with more extensive tours or require transportation, you might find this experience a touch limited.

Final Thoughts on Value and Who It’s For

This Bilbao organic winery visit offers an intimate peek into Basque winemaking, paired with the chance to taste some excellent Txakoli wines and local snacks. Its strength lies in its authenticity and focus on sustainable practices, appealing to travelers who are curious about how wine is made and eager to support eco-friendly producers. The guided approach, scenic vineyard walk, and tasting of traditional snacks make it a well-rounded experience that feels personal and genuine.

For wine lovers, this tour provides a memorable, educational experience that goes beyond just drinking wine. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy small-group outings and want to connect with local culture and natural landscapes. If you’re looking for a quiet, authentic, and flavorful Basque experience, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, the tour begins at Bodega Berroja, and transportation isn’t provided. You’ll need to arrange your own way to reach the starting point.

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample time to explore the winery, walk through the vineyards, and enjoy tastings.

What wines are tasted during the tour?
You’ll taste two Txakoli wines, which are crisp, dry, sparkling white wines typical of the Basque region.

Are food and snacks included?
Yes, the tour includes Idiazabal cheese and gildas (olives, anchovies, and peppers), which pair beautifully with the wines.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, the tour includes 3 bottles of Aguirrebeko Txakoli for you to purchase or take home if you wish.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is guided in English, making it accessible for most travelers who speak or understand the language.

When can I cancel the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While it’s primarily geared toward adults, wine tastings may not be suitable for children, but the scenic walk and relaxed setting could appeal to families with older kids.

What’s the best time to join this tour?
Check availability, as starting times vary. A sunny day enhances the vineyard walk, but the indoor tasting room makes the experience comfortable year-round.

This guided tour of Bilbao’s organic winery offers a charming blend of scenic beauty, authentic flavors, and sustainable practices. It’s perfect for those wanting a meaningful taste of Basque culture away from the city bustle, especially if you love discovering local wines and supporting eco-conscious producers.