When people think of cider in Spain, the image of Asturias is usually the most recurrent. However, the Basque Country also has a rich cider-making tradition that forms part of its cultural identity. The Sagardoa Route, also known as the Cider Route of the Basque Country, is a unique wine tourism experience that allows visitors to discover the history, production and flavours of this ancestral drink.

This route, which covers various cider makers and landscapes of the Basque Country, will be present at FINE #WineTourism Marketplace, highlighting its importance in the world of wine tourism and its commitment to tradition, sustainability and innovation.

More than a thousand varieties of apples for cider production

The history of Basque cider dates back to the 12th century, when the writings of the pilgrims already mentioned its presence in the region. Over time, this drink became essential for sailors and fishermen, consolidating its relevance in the local culture.

The Sagardoa Route allows you to explore this history at first hand, showing more than a thousand varieties of apples used in the production of cider. Of these, around one hundred are approved by the ‘Euskal Sagardoa’ designation of origin, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of the product.

Foto: Sagardoa Route

4 experiences to discover a Basque cider cellar

Every year, the txotx season is the perfect time to visit Basque cider houses and taste the new ciders directly from the kupelas (barrels). To enrich this experience, the Sagardoa Route offers four experiences designed to bring you closer to the world of cider:

• Long visit with tasting in a cider cellar: a one-hour guided tour that allows you to get to know the farmhouse, the apple orchard and the cellar, as well as tasting different local ciders and musts.
• Short visit and lunch at the cider maker for groups: a 30-minute experience ideal for groups of more than 10 people, where you can learn about the history of the cider maker and taste its cider before enjoying a traditional meal.
• Long tour with tasting and lunch at the cider maker: a complete tour that ends with a typical cider maker’s menu, consisting of cod omelette, fried cod with peppers and onions, txuletón (txuletón steak) and Idiazabal cheese with quince jelly and walnuts.
• Visit and lunch in a cider cellar with transport included: a service that picks up visitors in San Sebastian and takes them to the cider house to enjoy the txotx, the local gastronomy and a carefree return.

Cider maker, cheese dairy and Basque farmhouse: a complete rural experience

For those seeking total immersion in Basque culture, the Sagardoa Route offers the possibility of combining a visit to a cider maker with a cheese dairy and a traditional farmhouse.

The route includes a visit to a cheese factory where artisan cheese is made, a stop at the 16th century cider press farmhouse, Igartubeiti, and a closing at a cider house, where local ciders are tasted directly from the barrels.

Cider and txakoli cider cellars on the Basque Coast

Another of the most attractive options on the Sagardoa Route is a visit to the cider and txakoli wineries on the Basque coast. This route allows you to enjoy the unique landscapes of the Basque Coast Geopark and discover the connection between the Cantabrian Sea and cider culture.

It also includes a tasting of txakoli, a typical white wine of the region, accompanied by pintxos made with local products.

Foto: Sagardoa Route

Txotx season, a tradition with centuries of history

The txotx season is one of the most eagerly awaited moments for cider lovers. It is a tradition that consists of opening the barrels of cider and tasting the drink in its youngest state in order to evaluate its evolution.

This custom has its roots in the Basque gastronomic societies of more than half a century ago, when the groups would meet in the cider houses to taste the new ciders and enjoy each other’s company. Although it has evolved over time, the essence remains the same: sharing a good drink in a festive and authentic atmosphere.

A journey to the essence of the Basque Country

The Sagardoa Route is not only an opportunity to taste cider, but also to immerse yourself in the history, culture and gastronomy of the Basque Country. Your participation in FINE is an excellent opportunity to find out more about this proposal and plan a visit to its cider houses.

If you love wine tourism and are looking for a different experience, the Sagardoa Route awaits you with open arms. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the cider-making tradition at its best!