San Sebastian Wine

San Sebastian offers a unique vantage point on two of Spain’s most important wine regions: the Basque Country and La Rioja. From the refreshing whites of Txakoli to the age-worthy reds of Rioja Alavesa, the city is a natural base for tasting the diversity of Northern Spanish wine.

To explore Spain's broader wine industry, including other regions and grape varieties, visit our Spain Wine page.

The most emblematic local wine is Txakoli (or Txakolina), a slightly sparkling white made from the indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza grapes. Grown on coastal slopes near towns like Getaria and Zarautz, Txakoli is light, high in acidity, and often poured from a height to enhance its natural effervescence. It pairs naturally with seafood and pintxos—making it a staple in San Sebastian’s wine bars.

Three official DOs (Denominación de Origen) produce Txakoli in the Basque Country:

• Getariako Txakolina (the closest to San Sebastian)
• Bizkaiko Txakolina (centered around Bilbao)
• Arabako Txakolina (inland, near Álava)

Wineries near Getaria are within a 30-minute drive, making Txakoli tasting an easy day trip from the city.

To the south of San Sebastian lies Rioja Alavesa, the Basque portion of Spain’s most famous wine region, La Rioja. This subregion produces some of Rioja’s most elegant and age-worthy red wines, primarily from Tempranillo. Vineyards sit at higher altitudes with limestone-rich soils, lending freshness and finesse to the wines.

Many wine bars and restaurants in San Sebastian feature Rioja wines by the glass—ranging from young Crianza to more complex Reserva and Gran Reserva bottlings. Though the heart of Rioja Alavesa is about two hours away by car, several wine tours offer convenient day trips from San Sebastian.

San Sebastián is as much a city for wine as it is for food. From atmospheric bars in the Parte Vieja to modern enotecas in Gros, the city offers a wide range of places to explore local wines—especially Txakoli, Rioja, and natural Spanish selections.

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

Address: Calle Mayor 18, 20003 San Sebastián

Bustling and central, this wine-focused pintxo bar serves Txakoli and Rioja alongside creative small plates, just steps from the basilica.

Address: San Jeronimo Kalea, 21, 20003 Donostia

A classic stop known for high-quality seasonal pintxos and an excellent wine list with aged Rioja options.

Address: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 28, 20003 Donostia

Tucked into the Old Town, this cozy spot pairs inventive dishes with well-curated local wine selections.

Address: Calle Pescadería 5, 20003 Donostia

Specializing in anchovy pintxos, this no-frills favorite pours fresh Txakoli by the glass in traditional style.

In Gros

Address: Calle Zabaleta 55, 20002 Donostia

A quiet, modern bar with a focus on biodynamic and natural wines, perfect for relaxed evening tastings.

Address: Calle Usandizaga 8, 20002 Donostia

Specializes in organic and lesser-known Spanish producers, offering wines by the glass and bottle.

Address: General Artetxe Kalea, 8, 20002 Donostia

Famed for its pintxos, this local institution also features a deep and varied Spanish wine list.

Address: Kolon Pasealekua 35, 20002 Donostia

Family-run with over 200 bottles on offer, Curdelón blends a wine shop and bar atmosphere just steps from Zurriola Beach.

Address: Marino Tabuyo Kalea 13, 20013 Donostia

A sleek, recently opened enoteca offering 30+ wines by the glass, including regional highlights and hard-to-find bottles.

Address: Segundo Izpizua Kalea 9, 20002 Donostia

An intimate and budget-friendly spot with wines, cocktails, and vermouths—perfect for a casual drink in the evening.

Whether you're looking for a bottle of local Txakoli, a Rioja Reserva, or a natural wine from a small Spanish producer, San Sebastián offers several excellent wine shops across both the Parte Vieja and Gros. Many combine deep regional knowledge with personal service and curated selections.

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

Gros

Other

San Sebastián sits close to two notable wine regions: Txakoli country—home to crisp, lightly effervescent Basque whites—and the Rioja Alavesa, one of Spain’s most important red-wine areas. Both regions are within easy reach, making winery visits a natural extension of exploring San Sebastián’s food and wine culture.

Basque Country Wineries

Address: Barrio Jaizubia, 266, 20280 Hondarribia, Spain

A family-run estate just outside Hondarribia producing Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza. Visitors can stroll the vineyards, tour the modern cellar, and enjoy guided tastings overlooking the slopes near the French border.

Address: Bº Talai Mendi, 728, 20808 Getaria, Spain

A small family winery located in the heart of Getaria’s Txakoli zone. Known for clean, traditional Txakoli and an informative tasting experience with views of the sea and surrounding vineyards.

Address: Goierri Bidea, 2, 20808 Aia, Spain

Founded by chef Karlos Arguiñano, K5 focuses on premium, barrel-aged Txakoli crafted from hillside vineyards in Aia. The minimalist tasting room and panoramic setting make it one of the most striking wineries in the region.

Address: Talai Berri Bidea, 16, 20808 Getaria, Spain

A renowned producer famous for both traditional Getariako Txakolina and the rosé-style Rubentis. Offers tastings that highlight the distinctive style and salinity associated with coastal Basque vineyards.

Address: Nagusia Kalea, 28, 20808 Getaria, Spain

One of the oldest and most respected estates in Getaria, with vineyards descending toward the sea. Visitors can tour the winery and taste classic expressions of Txakoli rooted in long-standing family tradition.

Rioja Alavesa Wineries

Address: C. Torrea, 1, 01340 Elciego, Spain

One of Rioja’s most famous estates, known worldwide for its Frank Gehry–designed hotel and its historic, 19th-century cellars. Offers full vineyard tours, guided tastings, and deep insight into classic Rioja winemaking.

Address: Camino de la Hoya s/n, 01300 Laguardia, Spain

A boutique winery set in a striking Santiago Calatrava–designed building at the foot of the Cantabrian Mountains. Known for high-quality, modern-style Tempranillo and carefully guided tastings.

Address: Ctra. Vitoria-Logroño, km 53, 01309 Samaniego, Spain

A gravity-flow winery housed in a dramatic glass structure overlooking the vineyards of Samaniego. Visitors can tour the multi-level facility and taste wines that emphasize fruit purity and elegance.

Address: C. Mayor, 80, 01307 Villabuena de Álava, Spain

A respected family estate producing expressive Rioja reds using both traditional and modern techniques. Known for warm hospitality and accessible tastings in the village of Villabuena.

Address: Ctra. Vitoria-Logroño, s/n, 01307 Samaniego, Spain

A family winery crafting terroir-driven Rioja wines from high-altitude vineyards. Offers tastings and tours that highlight vineyard practices, traditional aging, and the distinct character of the Alavesa.

Address: C. Mayor, 22, 01307 Villabuena de Álava, Spain

A boutique project of the Luis Cañas family focused on high-quality, single-vineyard reds. Tastings typically emphasize micro-parcels, barrel aging, and the expression of limestone soils.