Northern Spain is home to some of the absolute best wine in the country—which makes chic San Sebastian an ideal spot for a wine tasting.
You’ve got your crisp Basque txakolis, classic riojas, underrated gems from nearby Navarra—when it comes to wines to order in San Sebastian, you’re spoiled for choice. But why limit yourself to just one fabulous variety when you can try several? That’s where the top wine tastings and wine tours in San Sebastian come in.
Here’s everything you need to know about wine tastings in San Sebastian, from where to go to what to expect.
Goñi Ardoteka
Considered one of the best wine shops in San Sebastian for decades, it comes as no surprise that the family behind Goñi Ardoteka really knows their stuff when it comes to wine. With hundreds of wines from all over Spain, they offer something for everyone. Their wine tastings are 100 percent personalized to your tastes, group, and budget, so you can be sure you’re getting the exact experience you want. Get in touch and their friendly, professional staff will be happy to help organize the tasting of your dreams.
Essencia
In addition to housing more than 700 fantastic international wines, Essencia also offers some of the most exclusive wine tastings in San Sebastian. Each tasting offers a glimpse at the countless flavors, scents, and experiences that a single bottle of excellent wine can contain, evoking an ever-growing passion for vino with each sip. They send regular updates about upcoming tastings and events via email and WhatsApp, so sign up through the contact form on the main page of their website to get on the list.
Curdelón
The team at Curdelón is deeply passionate about wine and eager to indulge your curiosity with a wide range of Spanish and international wines to purchase by the glass or bottle. The menu changes frequently so you’ll always find something new to try. Curdelón offers custom wine tastings for both small and large groups where you’ll sample five wines with delicious artisan cheeses.
Lurka
If you enjoy a sweet treat with your wine, look no further than the award-winning chocolate shop Lurka for wine and chocolate tastings. Inspired by his Mexican and Basque heritage, pastry chef and chocolate maker Pablo Ibarreche is proud to share his love for Mexican chocolate and cacao. At San Sebastian’s first “bean to bar” shop, the chocolate is made in-house with the highest quality ingredients. We think this chocolate and vino tasting is perfect for any occasion.
Txakolí winery day trip
We’ve already mentioned txakolí—the crisp, semi-sparkling white wine native to the Basque Country, and one of the can’t-miss options for what to drink in San Sebastian. You’ll be able to find it at just about any bar here in the city, but if you want to go one step further and taste it straight from the source, you’ll love San Sebastian Tourism’s Txakoli Winery Tour with Tasting. The experience will whisk you away to the idyllic coastal village of Getaria, one of the foremost txakolí production areas, where you’ll visit the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of the final product complete with traditional bites.
This post was originally published on March 13, 2019, and updated with new text on August 10, 2023.
Craving more than just wine? We can’t blame you—you’re in San Sebastian, home to some of the best food in the world! Join us on our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour to experience the best of both worlds: a curated selection of the best authentic pintxos San Sebastian has to offer, perfectly paired with the drinks locals love, including an outstanding selection of regional wines. Along the way, you’ll pick up invaluable insider info and tips for eating like a local—so you can make every meal count throughout your stay in San Sebastian.
