In Bilbao’s old town, travelers can join an intimate private workshop to learn the art of preparing traditional Basque pintxos with modern molecular cuisine techniques. The hands-on experience includes making four pintxos paired with local Txakoli or Rioja Alavesa wines, Idiazabal cheese, and ham. The workshop has a maximum capacity of 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the host. Pricing starts at $110.70 with a lowest price guarantee, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure, the workshop’s personalized guidance and authentic cultural setting are noteworthy highlights.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Workshops And Classes In Bilbao.
Key Points
- Intimate workshop in old town Bilbao with a maximum capacity of 12 travelers to learn molecular cuisine techniques for creating 4 traditional pintxos.
- Hands-on culinary experience includes preparation of pintxos paired with Txakoli or Rioja Alavesa wine, Idiazabal cheese, and ham.
- Located near popular landmarks like Mercado de la Ribera and Cathedral of Santiago, with accessibility challenges but an authentic culture.
- Pricing starts at $110.70 with a lowest price guarantee and a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the workshop.
- Hosted by Umamie, offering the workshop in English and Spanish, with positive reviews highlighting the teaching quality and cultural enrichment.
Workshop Overview
The private workshop in the old town of Bilbao offers travelers a chance to learn the art of preparing traditional pintxos with modern twists.
Located near the Mercado de la Ribera, Cathedral of Santiago, and Church of San Antón, the workshop has a maximum capacity of 12 travelers.
Priced from $110.70 with a lowest price guarantee, the experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before it starts.
Guests will learn molecular cuisine techniques to create 4 pintxos, paired with Txakoli wine or Rioja Alavesa red wine, and enjoy Idiazabal cheese, ham, and the prepared pintxos.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bilbao.
Culinary Experience
Participants will prepare 4 traditional pintxos with modern twists using molecular cuisine techniques.
The sample menu includes a Modernist Gilda, a take on the classic pintxo with olive esterification.
They’ll also make low-temperature cod with pil pil sauce, a chop tar tar toast as a steak pintxo, and a Gatzatua with honey and nuts, a sheep curd dessert.
Included in the experience are Txakoli wine or red wine from Rioja Alavesa, as well as snacks like Idiazabal cheese and ham, and a tasting of the prepared pintxos.
The hands-on culinary workshop aims to teach participants traditional Basque techniques with contemporary flair.
Meeting Point and Time
Travelers meet at Goienkale, 3, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain, where they’ll find a sign with the name "UMAMIE" marking the meeting point.
The workshop starts promptly at 12:00 PM. The experience lasts for the duration of the class, with travelers returning to the original meeting point at the end.
The location is near public transportation, but it’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Participants should arrive on time to ensure they don’t miss any of the hands-on cooking instruction and tasting of the traditional Basque pintxos.
Accessibility and Transportation
The workshop location is near public transportation, but it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Travelers will need to be able to navigate stairs and tight spaces within the historic Old Town of Bilbao.
Infants are welcome, but they must sit on their guardians’ laps during the experience. The meeting point is easily accessible by walking, bus, or metro, located just a short distance from popular landmarks like the Mercado de la Ribera and Cathedral of Santiago.
While the venue may pose some mobility challenges, the intimate, hands-on nature of the pintxos workshop offers an authentic culture in the heart of this vibrant Basque city.
Participant Capacity and Price
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 12 travelers, allowing for an intimate and hands-on experience.
Priced from $110.70, the workshop offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring value for money. Participants can enjoy the traditional pintxos preparation with modern twists, complemented by Txakoli wine or Rioja Alavesa red wine, and Idiazabal cheese and ham.
The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing peace of mind for travelers.
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Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the workshop experience starts. This policy provides flexibility for participants who may need to change their plans.
Here are the key details:
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the start time aren’t eligible for a refund.
- Partial refunds may be offered for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance, depending on the circumstances.
- Participants are encouraged to contact the organizers as soon as possible if they need to cancel or reschedule.
- No-shows won’t receive a refund.
- The cancellation policy is designed to balance the needs of participants with the logistical requirements of running the workshop.
Host and Languages
Umamie, the host organization, operates this private workshop in the old town of Bilbao.
The experience is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring travelers can fully engage with the culinary techniques and cultural traditions.
Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless within 6 hours of travel, then it’s subject to availability.
This hands-on workshop offers a chance to explore the world of Basque pintxos, learning how to prepare four traditional dishes with modern twists.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the intimate setting allows for personalized guidance and ample opportunities to savor the flavors of this renowned gastronomic region.
Reviews and Feedback
Based on the 27 reviews, participants have generally found the pintxos workshop to be a fun, informative, and culturally enriching experience.
The workshop received an overall rating of 4.5 stars, with the majority of reviewers (24) giving 5 stars.
Positive feedback highlighted the great teaching and use of molecular cuisine techniques.
However, there were a few outliers:
- 1 review gave 4 stars
- 1 review gave 2 stars
- 1 review gave 1 star
These negative reviews mentioned issues with cancellations and the venue being closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine or Alcohol?
The workshop provides txakoli wine or red wine from Rioja Alavesa, so you can’t bring your own wine or alcohol. The experience is focused on learning to prepare pintxos using modern techniques, not on drinking your own beverages.
Is This Experience Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The experience may not be fully suitable for vegetarians or vegans as the menu includes traditional pintxos with seafood and meat. However, it’s best to inquire with the host about any potential accommodations or alternative options they can provide.
What Is the Dress Code for the Workshop?
The dress code for the workshop is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear clothes they don’t mind getting a bit messy during the hands-on cooking demonstration. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety reasons.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Experience?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the culinary experience. However, they should be mindful of not disrupting the workshop or infringing on the intellectual property of the hosts and other participants.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies to Be Aware Of?
The workshop doesn’t specifically mention any dietary restrictions or allergies. However, it’s a good idea to inform the host about any special dietary needs when booking, so they can accommodate them. The menu includes items like cod, cheese, and nuts.
Sum Up
This private workshop in Bilbao’s historic Old Town offers a unique opportunity to discover the art of pintxos, the iconic Basque Country appetizers. Led by expert instructors, you will learn to prepare four classic pintxos with modern twists using molecular cuisine techniques, accompanied by local wines. This hands-on experience immerses guests in the vibrant culture and history of Bilbao, making it a must for any food enthusiast visiting the region.
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