Tailor-Made Wine
Tours of Basque Country
Paradise for Epicureans: Perhaps a lesser-known wine region, Basque Country is home to a growing number of wineries producing unique and flavorful wines.
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Exploring the Hidden Gems of the Basque Region
Nestled in the north of Spain and stretching over to southwestern France, the Basque Country is a region of lush landscapes and rugged coastlines, where mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion. This area, known for its distinct cultural heritage and language, offers luxury travelers and wine enthusiasts an off-the-beaten-path experience that combines the pleasures of gastronomy, history, and natural beauty.
Visitors can indulge in world-renowned Basque cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants, explore ancient txakoli wineries producing crisp, effervescent white wines unique to the region, and wander through charming villages steeped in history. Highlights include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture; the historic city of Bayonne with its Gothic cathedral; and San Sebastián, famous not only for its picturesque beaches but also as a culinary capital where pintxos (the local take on tapas) elevate bar food to an art form.
The Basque Country promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking luxury amid landscapes rich with culture and tradition.
Discover other wine regions in Spain
Spanish Grape Varieties:
- Rioja Rioja
- Ribera Del Duero Ribera Del Duero
- Basque Country Basque Country
- Navarra Navarra
- Priorat Priorat
- Madrid Madrid
Go to: Rioja →
Go to: Ribera Del Duero →
Go to: Basque Country →
Go to: Barcelona →
Go to: Priorat →
Go to: Madrid →
Basque Country
Known for its distinctive terroir, this area benefits from a unique microclimate influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, creating optimal conditions for vineyard cultivation. The region primarily showcases white wines made from the indigenous Hondarribi Zuri grape. The traditional parra trellis system enhances Hondarribi Zuri grape ripening, creating txakoli wines with a fresh, aromatic profile synonymous with Basque Country, while their natural effervescence and saline finish perfectly complement local seafood like anchovies and grilled octopus, offering a fresh, aromatic profile that's become synonymous with Basque country's identity.
Among its most acclaimed wineries are Txomin Etxaniz and Gaintza, which stand as pillars of tradition and innovation in txakoli wine production. These wineries not only demonstrate commitment to quality but also embody the spirit of Basque winemaking heritage through their dedication to sustainable practices, traditional and modern wine-making processes, and reverence for local varietals.
Highlights
A gastronomic hub: San Sebastian is famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxos bars, and outstanding dining experiences. Treat yourself to the finest cuisine paired with incredible local wines.
Breathtaking landscapes: This northern region boasts spectacular natural attractions, such as the Bay of Biscay, the lush vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa wine region, and picturesque towns dotted with medieval castles and monasteries.
Art & Museums: Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of San Sebastian and Bilbao, with its numerous galleries and museums featuring works by both local and international artists. Don't miss the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Basque Country Highlights
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Hotel Maria Cristina
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The exclusive Hotel Maria Cristina offers luxurious suites with Belle
Époque architecture for maximum comfort, perfect for those seeking to
soak up the sun and therapeutic sea air of the 19th-century seaside town
on the Bay of Biscay.
Learn About Txakoli Wines
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Experience a luxurious wine tasting with Elkano's Txakoli. Sample a young, dry white with sparkling freshness and low alcohol content. Delve into the history of Getariako Txakolina with traditional production methods combined with modern techniques for optimal results.
Visit the Fishing Port of Getaria
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The fishing port of Getaria was the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, Ferdinand Magellan’s navigator. The village is the heart of the country’s smallest wine region, producing Txakoli de Getaria.
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Basque Cooking Class
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Join a cooking class in San Sebastian and discover the authentic Basque flavors. Visit the market with your chef-guide, then don an apron and prepare a variety of dishes using seasonal, local products. Enjoy your creation paired with local wines.
Sample Itineraries
Discover Wine Pairing Trips
You're in control
At Into The Vineyard, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer you complete freedom to build your perfect trip. Start with one of our many sample itineraries and customize as you desire, or start with a blank page, and with the help of our expert Trip Planners, we can create your dream wine-inspired travel experience.
Trip Planner
Discover other regions in Spain
Testimonials
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We just had an amazing trip to France/Spain to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. I want to thank Into the Vineyard as they picked wonderful spots for us to stay along with some amazing adventures.
We did Paris, Bordeaux, and San Sebastian. As someone who hasn't been to Europe since I was a early teenager, it was really hard to narrow down where to go. Colin heard our desires and was able to point us in the right direction so that we could enjoy the experience without being constantly on the move. The part I really apprecieated was that we wanted wine activities, primarily in Bordeaux, but had enough experience to plan non-wine activities for us in the other cities, such as a Tapas tour and a cheese/barkery/chocolate tour.
Brad Janitz
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Our Spanish wine region trip was absolutely amazing and a wonderful experience and value. Hotels were perfect, especially Marques de Riscal in La Rioja, and the Monastery in Ribera! Drivers were on time and courteous, guides were all very friendly, professional, and informative. We especially enjoyed some of the pre-planned tapas tours and side attractions/locations in addition to the wineries.
Of special note, Jorge Plaza more than exceeded our expectations and was a perfect host and guide. We learned so much from him, not just historically and culturally but also my knowledge of Spanish wine and viniculture/vinification was expanded geometrically, and that was the purpose of our trip! We are very pleased with your itinerary and planning, and I can only speak positively about Into the Vineyard. Awesome tour, great job.
Ken Staggs
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Our trip to Portugal and Barcelona was excellent. The drivers were on time, courteous, the guides were knowledgeable and helpful. This is our second trip using Into the Vineyard, we will use them again. Colin is our contact person at Into the Vineyard and he is excellent.
Dennis Popplewell
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Spectacular 10 day trip to Spain in April. Colin worked with us to customize the trip and can't think of a thing we'd change, We visited 8 wineries in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, learned so much and appreciated the unique experience at each property. Our guide, Jorge, was exceptional and his knowledge of wine and the local area made the visits even more engaging. Fantastic two days in San Sebastien at the start of the trip and three in Madrid at the end (with a day of rest at the beautiful Monasterio Valbuena hotel and spa) rounded out a fantastic trip. We look forward to booking another trip with Into the Vineyard soon!
Cathy Butz
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Into The Vineyard nailed it! The team listened to our ideas and put together a fantastic Spain vacation from San Sebastián through Rioja and Ribera del Duero, with biking and wine tasting along the way. Our local tour guides knew their stuff and we learned so much, saw hidden gems, and enjoyed excellent wines, food and accommodations. The bikes were great (yes we used ebikes and it was so fun!). It was so easy once we got there, we didn’t have to worry about a thing, and still had the flexibility to explore on our own too. Perfectly balanced. Already dreaming about the next one!
Carolyn Reuss