Things to do in San Sebastian - Donostia, Basque Country: The Best Wine Tours & Tastings

November 16, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specializes in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.
Restaurants in San Sebastian - Donostia

1. Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja

Ikusnahi Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Spend the day in wine country on this full-day Rioja day trip from San Sebastian, with lunch. Explore Rioja, home to some of the world’s most renowned wines, and uncover the secrets of wine production at 2 of its top wineries. After that enjoy a traditional Rioja meal and a visit to the medieval village of Briones.

Inclusions: Private experienced guide and driver, Private group, Hotel pick up and drop off, All transportation costs (petrol, parking and toll), Guided visit in 2 top wineries with premium wine tasting , Traditional Rioja 5-course lunch with wine pairing, Olive oil tasting

Exclusions: Meals, drinks and tickets that are not listed above, Gratuities

Reviewed By Agnieszka_Filipowicz

Can, getting to know the city, its architecture, history and traditions, be interesting and not boring at all? Well, difficult, specially if we talk about San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain) so beautiful city, that just see it leaves breathless. When I came to live to San Sebastian in 2006 I was totally impressed by the beauty of this town, however I did not discovered the soul of the city until I experienced the unrivalled city tour with Ikusnahi this summer. We have been walking around the city with Ania, who explained everything in such amazing and interesting way, natural and very funny at the same time! She left space for open discussion for you to begin to discover for yourself, in an imperceptible way, that you know the city more deeply, understanding the local culture and people much better.

2. PINTXOS in San Sebastian - Private Gastronomic and Cultural Adventure

Plaza Sarriegi, San Juan Kalea, 26, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Ikusnahi Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

You will switch from traditional and family-run to modern, award-winning bars. From seafood delicacies through elaborated meat pintxos, to finish with one of the best desserts in town. You will enjoy textures and flavours of the highest quality, seasonal ingredients turned into artsy creations recognised as haute cuisine ‘in miniature’. You will indulge yourself in San Sebastian social life hopping from bar to bar, laughing, chatting with vendors and making friends with locals. This is what we call ‘txikiteo’! During the evening you will not only taste excellent dishes but also try a selection of our local, favorite drinks: beloved by Basques apple cider, crisp and sparkling ‘Txakoli’ and wines from Rioja. Moreover, the guide will give you a complete course on how to choose, order and eat pintxos. Pintxo night out is a delicious and entertaining experience that leaves you with handful of practical information and tips to make the most out of your stay in our beautiful city!

Inclusions: Private guide, Private group, Hotel pick up, 5 pintxos y 5 drinks - enough for a full meal

Exclusions: Meals, drinks and tickets that are not listed, Gratuities

Reviewed By Agnieszka_Filipowicz

Can, getting to know the city, its architecture, history and traditions, be interesting and not boring at all? Well, difficult, specially if we talk about San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain) so beautiful city, that just see it leaves breathless. When I came to live to San Sebastian in 2006 I was totally impressed by the beauty of this town, however I did not discovered the soul of the city until I experienced the unrivalled city tour with Ikusnahi this summer. We have been walking around the city with Ania, who explained everything in such amazing and interesting way, natural and very funny at the same time! She left space for open discussion for you to begin to discover for yourself, in an imperceptible way, that you know the city more deeply, understanding the local culture and people much better.

3. La Rioja Small Group Tour: Winery Visit, Wine Tasting and Traditional Lunch

Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Spain is widely famous for its wines' high quality, and the cradle of these wines, the land that provides its name to the apellation of La Rioja, is not far from our city. Enjoy a visit to a wine cellar (bodega), having a relaxing walk through the wineyards, learning the wine-making process from the grape harvest to the maturation and finishing the experience with a wine tasting  with a expert and a complete lunch with local products and the best wines. Definitely the best way to know the basics of the best Spanish wines!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation by car, Local guide, Wine tasting, Lunch

Exclusions: Infant lunch is excluded

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

4. Rioja Wineries and Laguardia Tour with Picnic from San Sebastian

Basque Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Enjoy a day of wine tasting in Spain's famed Rioja region during this 9-hour guided tour and picnic from San Sebastian. Visit three wineries, tasting at least 3 different wines in each, before heading to a fourth winery to tour its underground wine caves and tunnels – the setting for a picnic-style lunch paired with a Crianza red wine from the winery. Spend the afternoon exploring the medieval village of Laguardia. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Inclusions: Wine tastings, Professional Driver/Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch

Exclusions: Optional wine purchases, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By 431rowenas

This is a late review as I took this in 2016. This company is amazing. They took us on personalised tours with a very knowledgeable and personable, professional driver. There were plenty of opportunities to explore and we got to learn local culture and they took us to unusual and beautiful areas not on the beaten track. Would thoroughly recommend.

5. Rioja Full Experience Tour from San Sebastian with Lunch

Go Basque
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

We invite you to discover the most famous wine region of Spain, La Rioja, where traditional family wineries coexist with more avant-garde ones. During this full day tour, we will get the opportunity to explore the different styles of wineries of La Rioja Wine Region, from century-old to boutique-style wineries. We will stroll through vineyards, learn about the elaboration processes employed in winemaking, and, of course, taste the wines of famous wineries in La Rioja Region. In addition to this, our tour includes a traditional Riojan lunch with wine pairings. After completing the tour, you will have learned about the history of the area and the different styles of wines produced today in La Rioja Region. You will travel as part of a small group with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 6. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Guided winery visit and wine tasting at one centenary-old winery of La Rioja Region, Wine tastings at two other wineries of the Region (two wines per winery), Traditional Riojan 3-course lunch paired with wine, Friendly local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Any additional food or wine tastings not specified.

Reviewed By couchman70

I cannot recommend this day trip highly enough. Ander provided the most amazing day - hotel pickup, beautiful sights, history, cultural information, and treats along the way. The stop at each town was incredibly memorable. We also had a great stop at the Spanish-French border for a coffee and incredible views. If you're looking for a special day that will take you away frm the tourist-heavy sites in Donostia-San Sebastian, this is the tour for you. Ander, thank you so much for your warmth and for a day that we will never forget. If we visit again your beautiful country, you will see us for a repeat tour! Brian Couch and Flo Couch

6. La Rioja Explore Tour - Private experience

Experience San Sebastian
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

If you like vino then this is the tour for you. We'll take you behind the scenes and show you a special, personal side to this famous wine region. Say goodbye to the coast for the day and we’ll wind our way through the mountains of the Basque Country until we’re met by the sunny hills of La Rioja, carpeted with endless rows of grape vines. We’ll take you to a very special, four generation, family run Bodega where they’ll show you the whole wine making process. Then hit the relax button, it’s the tasting and tapas session on the patio overlooking the valley. Off down through the vines we’ll stop off at a famed bodega and prepare to be wowed. Next it’s over to the eleventh century town of Laguardia to amble through the sun drenched cobbled streets visiting the hidden cellar caves full to the brim of the regions finest. Topped off with a local restaurant for a 3 course traditional feast. Its an incredible way to spend the day and see what else this unique area has to offer.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, 3 course lunch & drinks, Guided winery tour including tasting & tapas session, Guided cellar cave tour including taster., Bottled water, Wine or coffee in Marques de Riscal, Private transportation, Visit to 3 different wineries

Exclusions:

Reviewed By pedrodW4845KU

Amazing experience¡. I couldn´t imagine places so nice¡. Borja took great care and we really enjoyed the day¡. I recommended it 100%.

7. Walk and Taste San Sebastian

Kursaal, Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Baskme
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

See the city and enjoy its food. This tour starts as a city tour but once we get into the Old Town turns into a "Pintxo" tasting tour. Enjoy our cuisine in a very informal way doing a culinary stroll that will take you to 2 different bars, from the most traditional to the most sophisticated. In each of them we will enjoy some of their best specialties and your favorite drink: wine, txakoli, cider, beer, soda, For this tour we have selected the city's best spots.

Inclusions: 2 drinks in 2 off the beaten path bars, Visit 2 different Pintxo Bars to try de their best specialties

Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Private transportation

Reviewed By davidsG4736KD

Can’t say enough great things about our day-tour with Andoni. As big GOT fans, it was an absolute blast to visit the filming locations for Dragonstone (Yes, you visit more than one!). The hotel pick-up from San Sebastian was a huge plus, as the locations we visited were around an hour west of San Sebastian. Andoni was as professional as they come and ensured we were completely comfortable and relaxed the entire day. He showed us the best kept secrets throughout the area and truly got to know us. We would have never had seen anything close to what we did without his guidance. My wife and I both agree that this was the highlight of our entire vacation. Would reccomend 10/10.

8. PRIVATE Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch

Ni Neu, Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Basque Bites
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

The only CHEF-LED pintxo tour in San Sebastián! Everything's included on this 3 to 4 hour walking tour of San Sebastián's Old Town. In line with COVID compliance this experience is now PRIVATE and reserved for your family or private small group only. We'll get started in the market to see what's fresh & whet your appetite, then it's off for a great city walk to learn the history of the region & its culture. Along the way we will lunch on pintxos (Basque tapas) at 3 of my favourite bars! It's a super fun & active experience--with wine, beer & cider! From the modern to the traditional, from octopus to foie gras, from local cider to local wines. Maybe we'll chew on a pig's ear or two? FREE RECIPES emailed to you after the tour are included! Dive into the culinary heart of the Basque Country on this delicious, walking, food & market tour! 

Inclusions: Dine on pintxos (Basque tapas) from our visit to 3 different pintxo bars., 3 drinks! We'll order the perfect pour from local wines, cider and beer (or soft drinks), ALL FOOD AND DRINK IS INCLUDED., Your walking tour includes great food & wine, history, stories & explanations on the Basque Country., FREE RECIPES--we'll email you a handful of Basque classics so you can recreate the dishes at home., Expert, Local, English-speaking guide who is professional chef., Recommendations for the rest of your journey in the Basque Country and beyond.

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Chris W

This tour is awesome and the chap who runs it - Greg is priceless. One of the most interesting guys you will ever meet. Dynamic, cool, wise, informative, funny, knows his stuff and simply joyful about food. Do it. If you want to blown away on a food tour, this is a must.

9. Social Impact Small-Group Food Tour in San Sebastian

Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral, Urdaneta Kalea, 12, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Eat One Feed One
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

This is a foodie immersion in real, ordinary San Sebastian to get a real sense of community, understand how locals live and eat as you learn about local history and culture. With every person that joins the tour, I help a person in need by donating a meal to the city's soup kitchen, you eat one you feed one! It's a 3h walking, where there's mostly eating and less than 10 mins-walk between each stop. We’ll go to 5 specially selected stops within two different neighbourhoods. You'll indulge and learn all about the unique culinary tradition of going out for pintxos! Pintxos pronounced 'pin-choss', these are different from tapas and imbedded in Basque culture. I'm going to show you how to navigate the local food scene and eat the best that this city has to offer. This experience is the kind of tour for people who hate the word 'tour' and genuinely travel for food and really want to get immersed in the culture and have fun.

Inclusions: Five food stops with one pintxo (local Basque food) and one drink in each place (local drinks and wine).

Exclusions: The tour is designed so you have a full meal, but if you have a larger appetite you can choose to purchase extra food and drink if you'd like.

Reviewed By 833natalies

Cristina put together a fascinating and incredibly delicious wine and chocolate tasting for my colleagues and I. I had been looking for something to really cheer people up and bring our team together whilst we WFH and the EatOneFeedOne team did a phenomenal job of engaging everyone even over Zoom. Really can't thank you enough - what a special experience.

10. Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening)

Alameda del Blvd., 8, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain Devour San Sebastian
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 301 reviews

In a food mecca like San Sebastian, there are some places you just can’t leave without trying—and we’re going to visit them all tonight. Come with us to San Sebastian’s pintxos headquarters, the Old Town, where we’ve carefully chosen the best bites the city has to offer for you. As we go, we’ll teach you what to do—and what not to do!—so you can successfully navigate the pintxos scene during the rest of your trip. - Don't miss a thing in a city known for its food—we've selected the best for you! - Squeeze into a bar that's a San Sebastian institution for locally-caught seafood. - Learn the unwritten rules of pintxos so you can eat like a pro during the rest of your stay. - Enjoy classic pintxos in the classic style: standing elbow to elbow in bars packed with locals! - Conquer all of San Sebastian's must-visit bars in one night.

Inclusions: Small group tour (maximum 8 guests), Food tastings (enough for dinner), Wine tastings (5 glasses of local wine and drinks), Expert local culinary guide, Our Devouring San Sebastian guide, packed with all our favorite places to eat and drink in the city, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By booptraveler

We loved our trip to Basque Country in 2019 and enjoyed returning virtually with Claudia. The chef was great at explaining and demonstrating how to make each Pixto and which drink to pair it with. She also gave some background do’s and don’t on Pixto bars (that we had to learn on our own during our trip). We made 3 of the four pixtos, all were yummy. We’ll make the 4th tonight. Below are photos of the mushroom with baby shrimp and the shrimp, bacon, with vinaigrette. (Our photos don’t look like the chefs because we decided to remove the food from the skewers since we were home & not in a bar.) Highly recommend Devour, Claudia, and this class. Highly recommend the food.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.