Ha, your screen name reminded me of Derek and the Dominos, I still play that record (and I do mean vinyl) and then I realized it was indeed a Hendrix song- good one! Also good info about Spain, thanks for asking the question.

Gulf of Biscay is such a beautiful part of Europe. Great choice!
Bordeaux is lovely, but yes, there are a lot of lovely neighbouring places nearby (good thing about France and Spain).

I'd advice taking a car in the Basque region, so many towns that you might miss if you don't. Roads are wide and easy, and they drive on the 'right side' of the road.

I recomend the route from Bayonne to Zumaia by car. Just a quick look a towns like Bayonne itself, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hondarribia, Pasaia, San Sebastian, Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia.

Obviously stay a while in San Sebastian and let it soak in. Just so lovely.

As in Hiking, on the way to the most amazing winery experience you'll have (in Rioja Alavesa, near Vitoria), you can see the Gorbea natural park and Urederra (in Urbasa natural park).

There are plenty of nice cute villages to see, like Olite, Leitza, Elciego...

Regarding wineries nearby, I'd book a hotel in Vitoria (from there you can visit the Guggenheim museum (about 30-40 minutes away) and also the wineries (30-40 minutes away). I'd recommend Ysios (near Laguardia) to see from the outside and Marques del Riscal (in Elciego, by Frank Gehry) to do Spa treatment and wine tasting.

Other typically basque villages you might be interested in are Leitza, Elorrio, Bermeo, Onati and you can always go further and visit Burgos (very pretty Gothic cathedral and grand city centre).

Hope this helps.

I'm sure you're overwhelmed with ideas, but allow me to add another small town in Spain: LaGuardia. Wonderful food & lovely historic setting.

nvl325 yes Hendrix is the man. So decided plan of action thanks to all your wonderful suggestions and thoughtful help is flying to Bilbao staying for 3 days then driving to San Sebastian where we'll spend most of our time. Head to Laguardia thanks to AliciaJ where we can explore surrounding cities and Rioja wine country and many of the places mentioned by others. I cannot thank everyone enough for being a part of such a memorable trip for us!! Appreciate all your comments, may your bellies always be filled with great food and your feet be set to explore.