Txakoli by the sea
The professionalisation of good winemakers making good wines, and even the effects of climate change, have led to txakoli – a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine traditionally produced in Basque farmhouses for family consumption – becoming an emblem of the Basque Country. This wine is now arousing curiosity and finding success in new markets. The landscape of the D.O. Txakoli in Getaria – the oldest of the three in existence – is unparalleled. It makes this region, which boasts some 30 wineries by the coast and totals more than 400 hectares of vineyards (with 95 per cent being Hondarrabi Zuri, and Hondarrabi Beltza, the red, making up the rest), a top-rate destination for wine tourism. Explore it in these wineries, just a half-hour from San Sebastián, where you can fly for just 4,500 Avios.
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1 Txomin Etxaniz
The views of Getaria’s coast from the Txomin Etxaniz winery are second to none. With some of the most recognised txakolis from the D.O. and one of the most respected names, this family-owned winery was founded in 1649 by Domingo de Echaniz. His descendants – the Txueka-Ttxaniz family – are now at the helm, and they have successfully modernised the wines while maintaining a deep respect for their artisanal production.
Their offer: There are 90-minute tours at 11am from Monday to Saturday. The tour ends with a tasting of txakolis, along with anchovies and white tuna. However, if you’re looking for more, you can visit its TX wine and food shop/restaurant. It’s located in the historic winery next to the restored Church of San Salvador in the heart of Getaria’s old town.
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2 K5
This winery in Aia was founded in 2006 by five friends – including Karlos Arguiñano, who produced his own txakoli for consumption by the group – and is located next to the idyllic Pagoeta Natural Park, which is very close to Zarautz. With a modern building designed by Alonso & Balaguer, 15 hectares of land dedicated to the Hondarrabi Zuri, along with views of Getaria and the Port of Orio, it produces K5, the young KPilota and the jewel in the crown, Kaiaren. The latter – a limited edition of 6,729 bottles from the 2016 vintage that matured for 48 months on its own lees and for the rest of the time in the bottle – won the Gold Medal and 96 points at last year’s Decanter World Wide Awards (DWWA).
Their offer: Among its different wine tourism options, K5 offers a helicopter flight to contemplate San Sebastian from the air. You will enjoy a tasting of two vintages of K5 and Kaiaren 2016 and of regional produce in the winery, and fly back over Zarutz and Getaria.
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3 Hiruzta
The Rekalde family opened the Hiruzta winery in 2012, in the foothills of Mount Jaizkibel in Hondarribia, bringing back the lost tradition of wine production to the town, the birthplace of the Hondarrabi Zuri. Added to the quality of its wines – with interesting options such as sparkling wines – are its excellent gastronomic offerings. The 17 hectares dedicated to vineyards surround one of the area’s best restaurants, Asador Sutan, which specialises in cuisine from the River Bidasoa.
Their offer: Hiruzta offers guided tours with tastings of the Hiruzta, Hiruzta Berezia and Hiruzta Rosé txakolis, tastings and wine and gastronomic experiences with delicious pintxos made from seasonal local produce.
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4 Urkizahar
At 350m to 450m above sea level, the Urkizahar organic winery in the inland municipality of Beizama is the highest in the D.O. It is described as a micro-winery, a boutique concept that is committed to quality over quantity – it has just 2.5 hectares of cultivation distributed over two plots – and promotes an ethical commitment to the ecosystem.
Their offer: Guided tours of Urkizahar end with a tasting of Urkizahar 2022, Urkizahar 2020 Limited Edition and Urkizahar Aparduna, with a delicious lunch.
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5 Talai Berri
One of the most innovative wineries in the D.O., Talai Berri is located in the foothills of Mount Talai. In addition to the traditional white txakoli Talai Berri, it produces Txacoli Red, vermouths and pomace distillates, vinegar and sweet and sour products.
Their offer: Talai Berri offers tours at 11am on Fridays and Saturdays, which end with a tasting of txakoli and Euko Label quality produce, from Ibarra chillies to D.O. Idiazábal cheese and Basatxerri chorizo. It also organises tours for families with children.
