In Spain, where there is great food, there is great wine. With San Sebastian’s rising status as the gastronomy capital of Europe, local production of Txakoli wine has been revitalized.
Along the coast on either side of San Sebastian are a number of towns with Txakoli vineyards and wineries. These towns comprise the Txakoli Route, and they’re home to our favorite vineyard tours near San Sebastian. Here, long-standing winemaking families open their doors to share their passion, tradition and, of course, their wine!
Txakoli is a delightfully refreshing local wine. It is also slightly effervescent which is why you’ll often see it poured from arm’s length, in order to enhance the bubbles. Pair it with San Sebastian’s specialties: seafood, Idiazábal (smoky sheep’s milk cheese) and cured meats.
They say that there are four main factors that influence the quality of this wine: the soil, the sea, the climate and, most importantly, the Basque people. A hundred years ago, families would produce Txakoli in their country cottages for personal consumption. In fact, “txakoli” is Basque for “cottage wine.”
Nowadays, Txakoli wine is a major feature of the foodie scene in San Sebastian! With that in mind, get a taste of the local culture at these five vineyard tours near San Sebastian.
1. Gaintza
This century-old vineyard in Getaria is magnificently set between the rolling green slopes and wild blue waves of the Cantabrian coast. On a guided tour, get the lay of the picturesque land and learn about the production of their three wines. Additionally, you can savor local products along with your tastings.
Address: Barrio San Prudentzio 26, Carretera Meagas
2. Hiruzta Bodega
Located at the foot of the Jaizkibel Mountain, a passionate family of winemakers owns and operates Hiruzta. Their claim to fame is the resurrection of Txakoli wine production in Hondarribia. This area is the origin place of the Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Tours include a fascinating visit of the grounds followed by a wine tasting and a locally-made snack. You can also enjoy an excellent meal on the terrace overlooking the vineyard.
Address: Barrio Jaitzubia, 266
3. Bodegas Txomin Etxaniz
This breathtaking bodega on the coast of Getaria has everything. Your guide will beam with pride as he describes the cultivation techniques and processes that result in their refreshing, earthy Txakoli. Also, the welcoming atmosphere, stunning vistas, and the family’s eagerness to share their tradition make this one of the best vineyard tours near San Sebastian.
Address: Barrio Jaizubia 266
4. Bodega Rezabal
The winemakers at Rezabal focus their efforts on sustainable agriculture. Wander through the trellised vineyard and learn how they make their exquisite red and white Txakoli. Also, enjoy your tastings at the beautiful country bodega. They provide aperitives or a full meal made with fresh farm-or-sea-to-table ingredients.
Address: Asti Auzoa, 628
5. Bodegas Itsasmendi
Eighty percent of the Txakoli produced today is made of the Hondarrabi Zuri, a white grape. Itsamendi is one of the few to produce the Hondarrabi Beltza, a red grape. What’s more, this grape is grown almost exclusively in the Basque region, so it doesn’t get much more local. Different from those founded on family tradition, a group of enthusiastic friends started this bodega. They are committed to creating the best product and winery experience possible, therefore making it one of our favorite vineyard tours near San Sebastian.
Address: Barrio Arane 3
We are 4 couples visting San Sebastian in May. We would be interested in a private tour amongst the Txakoli wine yards near San Sebastian. If possible we would like to have the tour on Saturday ,May 12. We are from Sweden so need English speaking guide. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Erik
Hi Erik! Thanks for getting in touch. We’ll send you an email! 🙂
Thanks, I would very much appreciate if you could revert by Wednesday, April 25 so that we know if you can help us. Otherwise we need to ask someone else
Kind regards
Erik
Will do!
My wife and i are in Honarribia and wish to do a vineyard tour close to here on Sunday April 29 or Monday April 30.
Hi Tom! We do have a private vineyard tour though we would need a little more notice to get it set up for you! We’d recommend that you visit one of the wineries on the post, or join us for our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in San Sebastian. Though it doesn’t include a vineyard visit, there are lots of great wines!
Hi, my family (2 boys ages 11 and 13) will be in San Sebastian between June 28 and July 1, and we would like to visit a sheep farm. Do you have anything available? Ideally Saturday, 30 June at around mid-day. thank you, Stephania
Hi Stephania! Though we don’t offer sheep tours, that sounds amazing! A quick Google search has led us to Basque Cooltour—give them a look!
Hi! Looking to do a vineyard tour on either June 30th or July 1st for me and my husband, can you help?
Hey Amanda! Though we don’t offer any vineyard tours ourselves, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the above!
Oh, above you say you do offer a private vineyard tour..
If not, do you know any of these that could provide transportation?
I’m sorry to say we aren’t offering our tour currently! From a quick Google search, here is a company with a couple of options that include transportation from San Sebastian: https://winetourismspain.com/wine-tours/san-sebastian/
Hi, my girlfriend and I will be visiting San Sebastian on July 23-25, 2019 and would love to visit a vineyard or two, perhaps through a private tour. Is this something you could help with?
Thanks for your comment Dylan! Though we don’t offer any winery tours, we definitely think it’s a great idea for while you’re here! And if you’re looking for a pintxo tour in town, we’ve got you covered 🙂