Wine tours from San Sebastian

Did you know that you can explore different wine regions from the city of San Sebastián?

The Basque Country and Navarre have different climates. In the north, the climate is Atlantic, and on the other side of the Basque mountains, it is Mediterranean and continental.

The Mediterranean climate in southern Navarre, the Basque Country, and La Rioja is ideal for red wines, primarily Tempranillo and Garnacha. Good white wines are also produced from the Viura, Tempranillo Blanco, and other varieties. In the north, in the Atlantic region, the white Hondarribixuri grape is grown to produce Txakoli.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 1

Rioja wine region

Located in north-central Spain, Rioja is the country’s most famous and prestigious wine region. It was the first to be awarded the highest quality tier, DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada). Its identity is defined by a unique marriage of Spanish terroir and traditional French winemaking techniques, many of which were imported from Bordeaux in the 19th century.

The Three Sub-Regions

Rioja is not a monolith; it is divided into three zones, each shaped by different climates and soils:

• Rioja Alta: Located at higher altitudes with a cooler, Atlantic-influenced climate. Known for producing elegant, acidic wines with great aging potential.

• Rioja Alavesa: Technically part of the Basque Country. It shares the Atlantic influence of Alta but has very chalky, clay-limestone soils, yielding wines with bright fruit and finesse.

• Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja): The easternmost part, which is warmer and more Mediterranean. This region produces riper, more powerful wines with higher alcohol levels, often featuring the Garnacha grape.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 2

Guetaria & Hondarribia wine region

While Rioja is the king of Spanish reds, Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-LEE) is the undisputed crown jewel of the Basque coast. It is a vibrant, high-acid, and slightly effervescent white wine that perfectly captures the “green” and salty Atlantic character of the region.

The towns of Getaria and Hondarribia both fall under the same legal designation—DO Getariako Txakolina—but they offer slightly different vibes and historical significance.

Getaria is the traditional powerhouse of Txakoli. If you see a bottle of Txakoli in a shop, it likely comes from here.

• The Landscape: Vineyards are planted on steep, emerald-green hills that overlook the Bay of Biscay. The vines are often grown on high trellises (parras) to allow air to circulate and prevent rot in the humid climate.

• The Style: Txakoli from Getaria is famous for its natural carbonation. During fermentation, some CO2 is trapped in the wine.

• The Pour: Traditionally, it is poured from a height into a flat-bottomed glass (vessel) to “break” the bubbles and aerate the wine, though modern producers are moving toward standard wine glasses to preserve the delicate aromas.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 3

Navarra wine region

Just east of Rioja lies Navarra, a region that was once famous almost exclusively for its bright, strawberry-scented rosés. Today, however, it has reinvented itself as one of Spain’s most diverse and experimental wine zones, bridging the gap between traditional Spanish styles and international influences.

The Famous “Rosado” (Rosé)

Navarra is arguably the rosé capital of Spain. Unlike many modern pale Provencal rosés, the Navarra Rosado is traditionally made using the Saignée (Sangrado) method:

• Instead of pressing grapes immediately, the juice “bleeds” off the skins naturally under its own weight.

• This results in a deeper pink color and a much more intense, “gastronomic” flavor profile—think ripe raspberries and wild strawberries that can stand up to hearty food.The “Garnacha” Revival

  While the region planted a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the 1990s, the current trend in 2026 is a return to Old Vine Garnacha.

  The “Garnacha” Revival

  While the region planted a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the 1990s, the current trend in 2026 is a return to Old Vine Garnacha.

  • Winemakers are reclaiming abandoned vineyards in the northern hills.

  • These wines are a far cry from the heavy, jammy reds of the past; they are translucent, floral, and spicy, often compared to fine Pinot Noir or wines from the Northern Rhône.