Cider and cider houses in Tolosaldea
A very rooted tradition in Tolosaldea
Celebrations, tradition and gastromony all together
The apple cultivation and the cider making tradition have been present in Tolosa for centuries. In the past cider would be made to drink it with family or friends; nowadays is sold bottled, as well as being available at cider houses with the typical cider house menu.
Cider ritual
Cider is an apple wine, a bit sour, made using the old Gipuzkoan tradition. After crushing and pressing the apples, followed by a fermentation period in “kupelas” or barrels, it’s ready for cosumption.
Cider season
From January to May you can enjoy a uinque experience by going to a cider house (sagardotegi). The visit is really worth it, as you can be part of a cheerful and festive atmosphere, specially on the weekends: singing, bertsos, popular music…
Txotx
“Txotx” announces the opening of any of the barrels. In the past the “Txiri” would be uncovered, a small hole in the barrel wood covered in grease, from which a fine stream would come out when pierced. Cider is drunk in small quantities but in many ocassions.
Cider house menu
In order for the continuos drinking not to casue any effect, the menu is made of cod omelette, fried cod with peppers on in sauce, T-bone steak, nuts, Idiazabal cheese and quince apple jelly.
Basque cider
Ciders with Euskal Sagardoa – Sidra Natural del País Vasco Certificate of Origin, with a red capsule on the bottle’s neck, must be made with 100% native apples and obtain the seal of quality. The Gorenak back capsuled cider bottles are also very high quality cider, but not necessarily using native apples. The golden coloured capsule means it’s made with native apples and labelled as premium.
Cider houses in Tolosaldea
There are six producer-cider houses in Tolosaldea, all of them family owned: some open only during cider season, and the others all year round. All of them have the cider house menu.
Aburuza, Aduna
More than four decades old cider house located in Adina and surrounded by apple trees. With 29 barrels and a dining area with seating for over 300 people. They also offer guided tours of the cider cellar.
Aburuza cider house
Eguzkitza, Tolosa
Just a few minutes from the centre of Tolosa. They’ve been producing cider for many years, although the cider house only opened in the 1990s. There’s a display with old tools used for the cider production.
Eguzkitza cider houseGoikoetxea, Lizartza
Makes cider using their own apples, grown in the hillsides of mountains around. The barrels can be seen from the dining area, with seating for over 120 people.
Goikoetxea cider house
Isastegi, Tolosa
Located in the rural are of Tolosa, on Aldaba neighbourhood, has been producing cider since the 17th century. The suppliers are from an area on 15km around. They also offer a bus service from Tolosa, from January to April.
Isastegi cider houseSarasola, Asteasu
Family ciderhouse with half a century of history, located in Asteasu. The dining area is surrounded by wooden barrels, with seating for 150 people. It produces 120,000 litres of cider a year, using 75% of native apples.
Sarasola cider house
Zabala, Aduna
Cider house-winery located close to the centre of Aduna, which ahs been producing cider using apples from Gipuzkoa for over 200 years. There are over 8,000 apple trees in their property. Awarded numerous times as the best cider. Includes a big terrace.
Zabala cider houseYou may
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Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday
11:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Saturdays
10:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Sundays
10:00 — 14:00
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