Santiago de Compostela is not just a spiritual hub for pilgrims; it’s also a fantastic base for exploring Galicia’s rich wine culture. The region’s Albariño white wine is famous across Spain, and the surrounding landscapes offer some of the most picturesque vineyards and seaside villages you’ll find. We particularly love tours that combine wine tastings with local culinary experiences, like sampling fresh seafood on a mussel boat or visiting charming villages like Combarro. These tours offer a taste of Galicia’s authenticity—something that will stay with you long after the bottles are empty. Check out this excursion to Rías Baixas with a winery visit for a classic full-day experience that combines wine, scenery, and local flavor.
If you’re considering your options, know that the list below covers a range of styles—from private, customized tours to group adventures, and even luxury sailing experiences. Whether you’re after a quick tasting, a full-day exploration, or something tailored just for your party, Santiago offers a wine tour to match your interests.
1. Excursion to Rias Baixas with Winery – Optional mussel boat
This tour is a favorite for its mix of scenic coastal villages and intimate wine experiences. It lasts about 9.5 hours and costs around $48.66 per person. The highlight is visiting O Grove, a seafood and Albariño wine hotspot, with a dedicated time to enjoy local cuisine and ocean views. From there, you’ll visit the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de La Lanzada, a 9th-century chapel with spiritual charm and stunning beachside setting. The tour’s unique feature is the optional mussel boat ride, where you can sail through the estuaries, sample unlimited mussels and wine, and take in Galicia’s maritime beauty. Reviews consistently praise the tour guide’s storytelling and the boat trip as the highlight.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of cultural, gastronomic, and scenic highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who want an immersive day with plenty of tasting and sightseeing. The tour is highly rated, with many calling it “a very unique and fun experience,” especially for its mussel boat ride.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive day of wine, seafood, and coastal scenery at an accessible price.
2. From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas with Boat Trip and Winery
This full-day tour, priced at about $63, offers a well-paced exploration of Galicia’s coast with an exciting boat ride through the estuaries. It boasts a 4.7-star rating from over 320 reviews. The itinerary includes visits to Combarro, famous for its traditional granary houses (hórreos), and Illa da Toxa, known for its seashell-covered chapel. The boat cruise features free mussels and wine onboard, which many reviewers praise as the trip’s highlight. The trip also includes stops at O Grove and Lanzada Beach, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the scenery.
This tour emphasizes local villages and the estuarine landscape, offering a mix of sightseeing, culture, and wine tasting. Guests mention its “great views” and highlight the boat trip as “the best fun ever,” with some noting the opportunity to see dolphins.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of sea adventures, charming villages, and wine tasting in a full-day format, at a reasonable price.
3. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour
For those who want to truly indulge, this tour offers a guided journey into Galicia’s seafood and wine bounty. It lasts around 9.5 hours, with a cost of approximately $63. The trip features a visit to an Albariño wine cellar for tasting, plus a stop in Combarro, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. The highlight is the cruise along the estuary, where you’ll enjoy a buffet of mussels, local wine, and shots—a feast for the senses. The lunch in O Grove is another key feature, set in a seafood paradise known for its fresh catches.
Guests praise the opportunity to learn about local traditions and wine production, with reviews noting the “amazing” boat cruise and “delicious” mussels. It’s perfect for travelers eager to combine culinary delights with scenic views.
Bottom Line: A strong pick if you want a comprehensive experience of Galicia’s gourmet food, wine, and picturesque villages in one day.
4. Santiago de Compostela: Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience
This intimate tasting experience, costing about $34.39, is designed for lovers of local cheeses and wines. It lasts about 1.5 hours and features three different Galician wines (red and white) paired with three varieties of cheese. The tasting is presented in a well-decorated setting, with a knowledgeable host explaining each product’s characteristics. It’s a relaxed way to explore Galicia’s culinary culture without leaving the city, making it suitable for those staying nearby or seeking a cozy, authentic experience.
Reviewers love the friendly guide Eunice and the high-quality selection. Many mention how informative and enjoyable it was, especially as a private or semi-private experience. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a short, laid-back activity that offers authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, local introduction to Galicia’s cheese and wine, especially if you prefer a city-based experience.
5. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour with boat trip and winery
This full-day adventure, priced at around $49, combines scenic boat rides, village visits, and wine tasting. Starting from Santiago, it visits O Grove and Combarro, with guided tours and free time. The boat cruise, which lasts an hour, includes sampling Mussels and wine on board. The tour emphasizes local culture and landscape, with stops at Illa da Toxa for sightseeing.
Reviews highlight how the tour’s diversity of stops and lively boat cruise make it a worthwhile day out. Many mention the fun of sampling unlimited mussels and wine on the boat, making it a lively and flavorful trip.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a guided, fun-filled day with local food, wine, and scenic estuary views.
6. Albariño Private Wine Tour from Santiago de Compostela
This exclusive, private tour is priced around $385.72 per person and offers a customizable full-day experience in Galicia’s Rías Baixas. The tour includes visits to multiple wineries for guided tastings, plus a stop at a local furancho for lunch, which is paid separately. The private setting allows for personalized attention, making it ideal for couples, special occasions, or connoisseurs.
The guide, Juan Jose, is praised for his extensive knowledge and flexibility. Reviews mention how the experience feels more personal and tailored than group tours. The focus on Albariño wine and local landmarks makes this a premium, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a customized, private wine adventure with an emphasis on personal service and exclusive visits.
7. Ribeira Sacra, “Heroic Wines” Private Tour from Santiago
This private, full-day tour explores Galicia’s Ribeira Sacra, famous for its dramatic vineyards perched on cliffs. It lasts around 9 hours and costs about $413.07. You will visit various wineries in both sub-regions, with stops at breathtaking viewpoints overlooking river canyons. The tour is tailored, offering insights into wine production and local landscape, plus the chance to purchase bottles.
Guests describe the experience as “wonderful, thorough,” emphasizing the off-the-beaten-path wineries and scenery. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts who want an exclusive, in-depth look at Galicia’s heroic wines.
Bottom Line: A top choice for serious wine lovers wishing for a personalized, scenic exploration of Galicia’s most stunning vineyard landscapes.
8. Albariño Private Sailing Wine Tour in Rias Baixas
For a truly luxurious experience, this private sailing wine tour combines sailing on a private yacht with visits to top wineries and a seafood lunch in Cambados. It lasts 5 to 8 hours and costs over $2,000 per person, reflecting its exclusivity. You’ll explore the estuarine beauty of Rías Baixas, visit a mussel farm, and enjoy wine tastings at two renowned wineries.
This tour is suitable for those seeking a high-end, tailor-made experience. The itinerary includes a boat ride to A Toxa island with its famous shell-covered chapel, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reviews mention the “great fun,” “delicious mussels,” and “fantastic wine,” emphasizing its luxury and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Designed for luxury travelers or special occasions who want a private, all-inclusive taste of Galicia’s wine, seafood, and scenery.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Santiago de Compostela
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. For a budget-friendly day with a mix of sightseeing and tasting, the Excursion to Rías Baixas with Winery offers excellent value. If you crave a full immersion with multiple wineries and scenic boat trips, the From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour with Boat Trip and Winery is a top pick.
For those wanting an intimate, personalized experience, the Albariño Private Wine Tour or the Ribeira Sacra private tour deliver tailored visits with expert guides. Budget travelers might enjoy the Cheese and Wine Tasting in Santiago, while luxury seekers should consider the Private Sailing Wine Tour for a splurge-worthy day.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and experience. Think about whether you want a guided group, a private tour, or an active adventure like sailing or boat trips, and pick what suits your style and budget.
Final Thoughts
Santiago de Compostela offers a surprising variety of wine experiences that go beyond just tasting. Whether you prefer a quick city-based tasting, a full day exploring coastal villages and estuaries, or a private, tailored journey through Galicia’s vineyards, there’s something for all. For a taste of Galicia’s seafood, landscapes, and wines, the Excursion to Rías Baixas with Winery is a splendid choice. For a luxury adventure, the Albariño Private Sailing Wine Tour promises an unforgettable day on the water.
Whatever your choice, remember that Galicia’s Albariño wine, charming villages, and scenic coast are waiting. Book early, plan your ideal experience, and get ready to enjoy some of Spain’s finest wine and scenery.