San Sebastian is widely celebrated for its culinary scene, but it also offers some of the most authentic wine experiences in Spain. The city’s proximity to world-famous wine regions like Rioja and the Basque coast makes it a perfect base for exploring local wines such as Txakoli and premium Rioja varieties. What we love most are tours that combine food, wine, and local culture—like the San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour, which blends tasty pintxos with Spanish wines in a cozy setting. This tour exemplifies the local spirit, with visits to six venues and a maximum group size of just eight, ensuring an intimate experience.
Many options on this list cater to different tastes—whether you’re after a comprehensive wine tour or a culinary walk with wine pairings. Some, like the Market, Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour, focus on local markets and traditional pintxos. Others, like the Full Rioja Wine Tour, take you into Rioja’s renowned vineyards. No matter your preference, you’ll find a tour that satisfies your appetite for great wine and authentic local culture.
1. San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour
This tour is a fantastic introduction to pintxos culture—tiny, delicious Basque tapas—paired with local wines. Limiting the group to just eight people, the Small Group Pintxos & Wine Tour offers a personalized experience and deep dives into local food traditions. You’ll visit six venues in San Sebastian’s lively Old Town, sampling classic dishes like ** Iberian ham, mussels, and marinated anchovies**. The guide shares insights into Basque cider pouring and pintxos etiquette, making it more than just a tasting.
Guests consistently praise the engaging guide and quality of food and drinks, with many mentioning the small group as a highlight. The tour lasts about three hours and costs around $149.46, a fair price considering the variety of five drinks and multiple food stops. Ideal for foodies who want an authentic, relaxed introduction to San Sebastian’s tapas scene. Bottom line: A top-rated, intimate experience perfect for first-timers or those seeking a taste of local life.
2. San Sebastian Pintxo Food, Wine & Market Foodie Tour
At number 2, this Pintxo Food, Wine & Market Tour is a must for those who love exploring markets and traditional local flavors. The tour starts at Mercado De La Bretxa, where you’ll taste corn-fed Iberian ham, chorizo, local cheese, and olives, all sourced from trusted vendors. Then, you’ll wander along Fermin Calbeton Kalea, sampling pintxos at famous and hidden bars. The itinerary balances market visits, historical streets, and food tastings.
Guests rave about guide Daria’s knowledge and energy, and the opportunity to try authentic Iberico ham and Gilda in local spots. For about $161.04, this three-hour tour offers a rich mix of culture, food, and wine, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of San Sebastian’s gastronomic scene. It’s especially suited for culinary enthusiasts who want to understand the evolution of pintxos. Bottom line: A vibrant, detailed experience that combines local markets and gastronomy with a lively guide.
3. San Sebastian Evening Pintxo Tour with Wine
The Evening Pintxo Tour with Wine offers a chance to soak in the city’s vibrant nightlife while sampling six top pintxo bars. This three-hour experience is limited to 10 people, creating an intimate setting to explore Parte Vieja after dark. You’ll try fresh seafood, traditional bites, and modern creations, all paired with local cider or wine.
Guests often highlight the atmosphere and quality of the pintxos, especially scallops and ham, and mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Kai. At about $202.75, it’s a more upscale evening suited for food lovers who enjoy nightlife and lively atmospheres. It’s perfect for romantic nights or those wanting a deeper dive into San Sebastian’s evening culture. Bottom line: A flavorful, lively way to experience San Sebastian’s nocturnal food scene.
4. San Sebastian: Pintxos and Wine Tour
This Pintxos and Wine Tour is a well-rounded, three-hour journey through hidden gems and family-run eateries. It includes tasting some of the best pintxos in town, paired with a selection of local wines and ciders. The tour covers a variety of bars, some over 100 years old, emphasizing authenticity and tradition.
Reviewers mention how the tour is well-organized and full of delicious bites, with guides providing insider knowledge. Costing around $127.92, this experience is great for culinary adventurers wanting a more relaxed, in-depth look at San Sebastian’s dining culture. It’s particularly suited for history and foodies. Bottom line: A taste-rich tour for those wanting a local, genuine experience.
5. San Sebastian: Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines
The Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting is a three-hour walk that takes you through the winding streets of Old Town, sampling five pintxos paired with regional wines. The guide provides insights into Basque culture and helps you navigate local bars. It’s priced at $136, offering good value with multiple tastings and local commentary.
Guests love the personalized experience and the chance to learn how to order like a local. Suitable for first-time visitors or those who want a structured yet personal introduction to San Sebastian’s culinary scene. Bottom line: A balanced tour for food and wine lovers wanting an authentic, guided experience.
6. San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines
This Pintxo Tasting & Wine Tour focuses on five pintxos paired with local Spanish wines. Running about three hours, it takes you through famous and lesser-known spots, with a guide sharing stories of Basque cuisine. The small group offers a more personal experience, costing approximately $127.92.
Reviewers note how guides like Ana enhance the experience with local knowledge and friendly tips. It’s ideal for those seeking a focused yet relaxed food and wine pairing. Perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to understand pairings in a lively setting. Bottom line: An engaging, intimate tour blending culinary tradition and local wines.
7. Private Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastián
For an entirely customized experience, the Private Pintxos and Wine Tour offers a personal guide exploring the best bars and eateries. Lasting 3-4 hours, it includes five pintxos paired with wines, along with a personalized walk through Old Town. At $342.52, it’s a premium but highly tailored way to experience San Sebastian’s foodie scene.
Guests love the flexibility and personal attention, with guides like Lide ensuring you visit places matching your interests. Ideal for romantic trips, families, or groups with specific preferences. Bottom line: A dream for travelers who want a luxurious, private experience.
8. San Sebastian: Market, Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour
This Market and Pintxos Tasting Tour combines a market visit with multiple bar stops for ham, cheese, olives, and Gilda. It’s a three-hour walk through Old Town and features local wine and cider tastings. Costing around $164, it offers good value for those who want an interactive, full-spectrum experience.
Reviews point out how guides like Jon create a fun and informative atmosphere, making it perfect for first-timers or foodies looking to understand Basque culinary traditions. Bottom line: A lively, well-rounded tour ideal for exploring local ingredients and drinks.
9. Discover the Essence of Txakoli Wine from San Sebastian
This Txakoli Wine Tour is a half-day journey into the Basque Coast’s signature wine. It includes a visit to Getaria or Hondarribia, exploring traditional vineyards and enjoying a guided tasting with local snacks. Priced at $168.36, it offers air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and an insider look at Txakoli.
Travelers rave that guide Alby’s knowledge and friendliness make it memorable. This tour is ideal for wine lovers interested in learning about local production and scenic coastal towns. Bottom line: A perfect blend of wine education, coastal scenery, and cultural insight.
10. San Sebastian Lunch Time Pintxo Tour with Wine
For a hearty lunch combined with pintxos and wine, this Lunch Pintxo Tour is a great choice. Over about three hours, you’ll visit several top bars, tasting enough bite-sized treats for a full meal, all paired with regional wines and ciders. The small-group setting ensures a relaxed, conversational experience.
Guests mention how guide Kai makes the experience fun and educational, and the diversity of dishes makes it perfect for lunch. Costing around $203.19, it’s a good value for a comprehensive, interactive meal in San Sebastian’s vibrant food scene. Bottom line: An excellent choice for food lovers who want a delicious, filling experience.
11. Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour
The Full Rioja Wine Tour is for those ready to venture into Spain’s most famous wine region. Spanning 8-10 hours, it includes visits to three top wineries, a gourmet three-course lunch, and a guided tour of La Guardia, a historic medieval town. Costs around $412.18 but compensates with personalized attention, premium wines, and full immersion.
Guide Matteo is praised for his expertise and friendly manner, making the day both informative and fun. This tour is best suited for serious wine enthusiasts or those looking for a full-day adventure. Bottom line: A comprehensive, all-in-one experience ideal for deep wine fans.
12. Private Tour at a Family Winery and Basque Coast Route
Finally, the Private Family Winery & Coast Route offers customized experiences around the Basque coast, Getaria, and local wineries. With flexible timing (about five hours) and a price of $219.44 per person, this tour adapts to your preferences—whether it’s hidden coastal spots or exclusive wine tastings.
Travelers love the personalized, relaxed approach and the chance to combine coastal scenery with wine tasting. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a tailored experience. Bottom line: A flexible, private option for intimate exploration of wine and coast.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in San Sebastian
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re a food and wine beginner wanting an authentic introduction, the San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour offers a small-group, immersive experience. For wine lovers eager to explore Rioja, the Full Rioja Wine Tour provides full-day immersion.
Those seeking a more private, tailored experience should consider the Private Pintxos and Wine Tour, especially if celebrating a special occasion. For shorter, lively nights, the Evening Pintxo Tour pairs local nightlife with delicious bites. Lastly, if you want to explore coastal villages and learn about Txakoli, the Discover the Essence of Txakoli tour combines scenic scenery with wine education.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season (spring through early fall), to secure your preferred date and group size.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian’s wine scene offers a wonderful mix of culinary delights and regional wines. Whether you prefer a small-group pintxo crawl, a comprehensive Rioja tour, or a private family experience, there’s something to match every interest and budget. For first-timers, a guided tour like the San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour provides a warm introduction. More adventurous wine lovers will appreciate the full Rioja experience or the Txakoli vineyard visits.
Remember, these tours tend to fill up fast during peak seasons, so booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on a memorable wine adventure in this culinary capital. Cheers to discovering the flavors of San Sebastian—your taste buds will thank you!