Bilbao’s wine scene packs a punch with seriously good wine-tasting opportunities. The city’s proximity to Spain’s famous Rioja region makes it a natural hub for wine enthusiasts. Having sampled many tours firsthand, I’m especially fond of the 1.5-hour sommelier-led tastings – they’re efficient and informative without being pretentious. For active travelers, the e-bike vineyard tour combines exercise with excellent wines, while history buffs will appreciate the walking tour through old town, where wine and local culture merge beautifully. The pintxos and wine pairing tours offer the best value, letting you experience both Basque cuisine and local wines. Let’s explore my favorite wine tours in Bilbao.
Key Points
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Unique Spanish Wine Tasting experience led by an English-speaking sommelier, including 5 Spanish wines, local cheeses, and charcuterie, with high ratings and flexible booking.
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Rioja Wine Tour with visits to 2 wineries near Bilbao, including wine tastings, transportation, snacks, and a light meal, in a small-group setting.
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Bilbao Food Tours offering an award-winning pintxos sampling experience with 5 bars, cultural insights, and a full dinner, catering to various dietary needs.
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Architectural Rioja Tour showcasing wineries and their architecture, with a scenic drive, guided tastings, and a traditional Spanish lunch with wine.
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Specialty wine experiences, such as an organic Txakoli winery visit, a premium wine tour, an e-bike tour, and a guided wine walk in Bilbao.
The Original Bilbao Food Tour With Wine Pairing
The Original Bilbao Food Tour With Wine Pairing offers travelers an award-winning culinary experience led by a Basque local.
With 733 reviews and 100% traveler recommendation, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Bilbao’s vibrant food scene.
Participants can expect to savor 1-2 pintxos at 5 different bars, accompanied by 5 drinks such as wine, beer, and cider. A full dinner is also included, along with gratuities.
The tour is adaptable to accommodate various dietary needs, though it’s not recommended for vegans.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, excellent food and wine selections, and the engaging cultural insights provided throughout the experience.
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Unique Spanish Wine Tasting With Sommelier – in Bilbao
For travelers seeking an immersive wine experience in Bilbao, the Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier is an excellent choice. Priced at $52.24 per person, this 1.5-hour tour allows you to sample five different Spanish wines, including cava, white, and several reds.
Led by an English-speaking sommelier, the tasting covers wine types, production, classification, and aging. Complementary local cheeses and charcuterie are served in a private room within a larger wine bar and shop.
With a 4.8/5 rating and rave reviews for its informative and fun experience, this wine tasting is a must-do for any wine enthusiast visiting Bilbao.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can book now and pay later.
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Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
Travelers looking to enjoy the acclaimed Rioja wine region can embark on the Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao. This small-group day tour takes visitors to two renowned wineries near Bilbao, allowing them to sample Rioja wines, explore vineyards, and learn about wine production.
Priced from $242 per person, the tour includes transportation, snacks, a light meal, and a professional guide. Highly recommended by past travelers, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 people and offers flexibility with free cancellation and rescheduling.
Highlights include visits to Bodegas Hermanos Peciña and Bodegas Ostatu, renowned for their exceptional Rioja wines.
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Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour With Local Guide
Explore Bilbao’s vibrant culinary scene on the Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide.
For $78.10, you’ll spend 3 hours exploring the city’s iconic pintxo bars and sampling 4 pintxos and 4 drinks, including the local Txakoli wine.
Visit the bustling La Ribera Market, the largest covered food market in Europe, and gain insights into Basque culture and traditions from your knowledgeable local guide.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 269 reviews, this tour offers excellent value, with positive feedback highlighting the guide’s expertise and the overall enjoyable experience.
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The La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao)
Explore the renowned La Rioja region’s boutique wineries on this private tour from Bilbao.
With a maximum of 7 travelers, you’ll visit two family-run wineries for tastings of at least 7 wines, led by knowledgeable guides.
Enjoy a light picnic lunch as you learn about Basque history and winemaking.
Stroll through the medieval town of Laguardia for an immersive local experience.
Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and the memorable, picturesque scenery.
This tour, priced at ₹21,105.92 per person, includes private transportation and offers free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: The La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao) Review
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From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip With Wine Tastings
Departing from Bilbao, this full-day La Rioja Wineries tour takes travelers on a journey through Spain’s renowned wine region.
At £62.08 per person, the 9-hour experience includes guided visits and tastings at two prominent wineries, CVNE and a traditional winery. Guests will also enjoy a walking tour of Haro’s historical center and free time for lunch in the picturesque town of Laguardia.
Transportation, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour operates rain or shine and offers a Reserve Now, Pay Later option.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 51 reviews, this tour is an excellent way to take in the rich wine culture of La Rioja.
Read our full review: From Bilbao: La Rioja Wineries Day Trip With Wine Tastings Review
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Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour With Lunch From Bilbao
For wine enthusiasts and architecture aficionados, this Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour from Bilbao offers an unforgettable experience. Priced at £198.29 per person, this highly-rated tour takes a maximum of 7 travelers to explore the Rioja region’s renowned wineries and impressive architectural sights.
Highlights include guided tours and tastings at Marqués de Riscal and Luis Cañas wineries, a photo stop at the striking Ysios winery, and a scenic drive through the picturesque Rioja landscape.
The tour also includes a delicious tapas or traditional Spanish lunch with wine. Led by knowledgeable and engaging guides, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive glimpse into Rioja’s wine culture and architectural marvels.
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Bilbao: Organic Winery Visit With Tasting
Visitors to Bilbao can enjoy the region’s organic winemaking traditions at the Bodega Berroja, a family-owned winery nestled in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
This 1.5-hour guided tour offers an up-close look at the winery’s philosophy and the terroir that shapes its unique Txakoli wines. Guests will meet the winemaker, taste two Txakoli varietals, and enjoy local snacks like Idiazabal cheese and Basque appetizers.
The experience, priced at $94.98 per person, includes a winery tour, wine tasting, and three bottles of Txakoli to take home.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an enticing way to discover Bilbao’s vibrant wine culture.
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Bilbao Pintxo Tasting Paired With Spanish Wines
Indulge in the vibrant gastronomic culture of Bilbao on a guided pintxo tasting tour paired with Spanish wines.
This highly-recommended experience showcases the city’s renowned pintxo scene, featuring a selection of 5 traditional and innovative pintxos expertly paired with 5 local wines.
Led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, you’ll learn about the history and traditions behind these Basque culinary delights.
Savor the flavors of Rioja, Txakoli, and Basque cider as you explore Bilbao’s thriving food culture.
Capping off the experience is a creamy, indulgent cheesecake.
With a maximum group size of 15, this tour offers an intimate and accessible way to learn about Bilbao’s vibrant pintxo scene.
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The Original Bilbao Food Tour With Wine Pairings
Explore Bilbao’s vibrant food scene with the Original Bilbao Food Tour featuring wine pairings. This 3-hour excursion takes you to 5 unique bars, where you’ll sample 8-9 pintxos and 5 drinks, including red wine, white wine, beer, and cider.
You’ll try special pintxos not typically found in bars and experience traditional and award-winning Basque cuisine. The knowledgeable guide will teach you how to order pintxos, enhancing your confidence for future visits, and provide insights into Basque culture and history.
With a starting price of $100.26 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do for food and wine enthusiasts visiting Bilbao.
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San Sebastian Private Tour, Pintxos & Winery Visit From Bilbao
For those seeking a comprehensive Basque Country experience, the San Sebastian Private Tour, Pintxos & Winery Visit from Bilbao is an exceptional choice.
Operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy, this private tour offers a personalized exploration of San Sebastian, renowned for its vibrant pintxos (Basque tapas) culture and scenic winery in Getaria.
With a maximum of 7 people, the tour includes 3 pintxos tastings, a wine tasting, and a walking tour of San Sebastian, all led by a multilingual guide.
At $349.55 per person, it’s a well-reviewed and inclusive option, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
The tour’s flexibility, high-quality experiences, and knowledgeable guide make it a standout choice for those looking to enjoy the flavors and beauty of the Basque region.
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Rioja Wine Region With Visit to Winery & Vitoria-Gasreiz
This Rioja Wine Region With Visit to Winery & Vitoria-Gasteiz tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned wine-producing region, complemented by a visit to the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Priced from $75.29 per person, the tour includes a local guide, air-conditioned transportation, food and wine tastings.
Travelers will visit the medieval village of Laguardia, tour a winery, and enjoy free time in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The guides are generally knowledgeable and friendly, though some travelers found the mix of Spanish and English challenging.
The tour provides a well-rounded experience, with positive reviews highlighting the beautiful scenery and enjoyable activities.
However, some suggest more time in Vitoria-Gasteiz and a stronger focus on the wine production process.
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Bilbao: Traditional Basque Cooking Class With Wine Tasting
Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Bilbao can indulge in a captivating Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting.
This 3.5-hour culinary adventure offers a chance to learn traditional Basque cooking techniques while preparing a multi-course meal. Participants will craft 2-3 starters, a main dish like txuleta or Marmitako, and a dessert, complemented by a sampling of local cheeses and charcuteries.
The experience also includes a private wine tasting, pairing the dishes with regional Rioja, Txakoli, and Albariño wines. Led by a bilingual Basque chef, the hands-on class provides recipes and an apron to take home.
Reviewers praise the personalized experience and quality of the food, considering the $130 price tag well worth the immersive cultural journey.
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Mastering the Rioja Wine Region With a Sommelier (With Cheese Pairings)
Explore the acclaimed Rioja wine region with an expert sommelier during this immersive wine tasting experience in Bilbao.
Lasting approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll sample 5 glasses of exceptional Rioja wines accompanied by 5 local cheeses.
This small-group activity, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, allows for an intimate and personalized encounter.
The experience starts at 11:30 am and takes place within walking distance from downtown Bilbao hotels.
Wheelchair users and those with strollers can participate, and the tour is accessible by public transportation.
With an impressive 5-star rating based on verified reviews, this is a must-do activity for wine enthusiasts visiting the Basque Country.
Read our full review: Mastering the Rioja Wine Region With a Sommelier (With Cheese Pairings) Review
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From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour
Set out on a captivating journey through the renowned Rioja wine region on this guided architecture and wine tour from Bilbao.
Over 7-8 hours, you’ll explore the region’s stunning architecture and sample the finest local wines. Visit historic wineries, learn about the winemaking process from experts, and enjoy tastings of the region’s renowned vintages.
Stop in charming towns like Haro, the heart of the Rioja wine country, and admire the unique Basque architecture.
With small-group transportation and skip-the-line access, this tour offers an immersive, hassle-free experience to discover the best of Rioja’s wine and architecture.
Read our full review: From Bilbao: Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour Review
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Premium Wine Tour of Rioja With Gourmet Lunch (From Bilbao)
For those seeking a premium wine experience in the renowned Rioja region, the Premium Wine Tour of Rioja with Gourmet Lunch from Bilbao offers an exceptional opportunity.
Priced at €310 per person, this 9-hour tour includes visits to two premium boutique wineries with 90+ Parker points, where guests can sample at least 9 top-rated wines.
The tour also features a gourmet lunch with a specially-selected tasting menu, and a guided tour of the medieval city of LaGuardia, including its underground cellars and wineries.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, and gratuities included, this tour promises a truly immersive and memorable Rioja wine experience.
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From Bilbao: La Rioja Wine Tour by E-Bike With Wine Tastings
This La Rioja Wine Tour by E-Bike from Bilbao offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the renowned wine-growing regions of northern Spain.
Over 8 hours, you’ll cycle through centuries-old vines, medieval villages, and olive tree farms while learning about the Rioja DOca, vinification process, and local grape varieties from an expert guide.
You’ll visit two local wineries, taste six Rioja wines, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the vineyard with local meats and cheeses.
The tour is limited to 7 participants and available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
An unforgettable way to learn about the rich wine culture of La Rioja.
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Bilbao: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe and Txakoli Wine Day Trip
Travelers seeking to enjoy the captivating Basque region can embark on a day trip from Bilbao that combines the stunning natural beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with the unique flavors of Txakoli wine.
Priced from £186.24 per person, the 7-hour tour allows participants to climb 241 steps to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and visit a local Txakoli winery for wine tastings and regional appetizers.
The small-group experience, limited to 7 people, is led by knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guides who share insights into the area’s geology, wine etiquette, and cultural heritage.
With highly-rated reviews, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Basque country’s natural wonders and gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Bilbao: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe and Txakoli Wine Day Trip Review
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From Bilbao: Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour
Bilbao’s captivating Basque region offers another enticing tour that allows visitors to enjoy the local wine culture and culinary delights of San Sebastian.
Priced at $260.68 per person, the 7-hour “Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour” includes hotel pickup, a visit to a family winery for Txakoli tasting, and a pintxo crawl in San Sebastian’s Old Town.
Guests can savor local gastronomy, capture scenic photographs, and learn about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide.
With a 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, this tour provides a personalized experience worth the price for those seeking to explore the unique flavors and sights of the Basque region.
Read our full review: From Bilbao: Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour Review
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Wine Walks in Bilbao: Sip Through Centuries
Explore Bilbao’s rich wine heritage through a captivating 3-hour guided wine walk.
The “Wine Walks in Bilbao: Sip Through Centuries” experience takes you on a private group tour to discover the city’s historic wine-infused pathways.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, you’ll admire architectural wonders that intersect with local viticulture and enjoy Bilbao’s soul in every sip.
The tour includes 2 pintxos and 1 drink at 3 different bars.
Priced at $672.28 for up to 4 participants, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, so book now and pay later to secure your spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ideal Group Size for the Wine Tours?
The ideal group size for wine tours is typically between 6-12 people. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience, making it easier for the guide to engage with each participant. Larger groups can make logistics and coordination more challenging.
Are the Tours Suitable for Non-Drinkers or Children?
The tours are suitable for non-drinkers and children, as most offer non-alcoholic beverages and activities that can engage the whole group. Participants don’t need to partake in wine tasting to enjoy the experience.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From Bilbao?
The tours typically include transportation to and from Bilbao, making it convenient for visitors. Some tours may offer options for non-drinkers or children, though the focus is on the wine-tasting experience.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?
Most wine tour operators in the area can accommodate special dietary needs. They’re usually happy to customize tours to suit individual preferences and requirements, ensuring all participants enjoy a memorable experience.
Are the Wine Tastings Limited to a Specific Number of Samples?
The wine tastings typically offer a set number of samples, often ranging from 3 to 5. However, tour operators may be willing to customize the tasting experience to accommodate individual preferences or dietary needs upon request.
The Sum Up
Bilbao offers a diverse selection of wine tours, from exploring the renowned Rioja region to discovering local Txakoli wines. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, winery visits, and food pairings, allowing them to enjoy the rich wine culture of the Basque Country. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Bilbao’s wine tours provide an excellent opportunity to savor the flavors of this vibrant city.