CIDER HOUSES
When the “Txotx!” season arrives, the Basque Country is full of flavor, tradition, and joy. Astigarraga, Hernani, and San Sebastian form the perfect triangle to immerse yourself in the world of natural Basque cider, where cider houses are not only places to eat and drink, but true temples of local culture. In this guide, we take you on a tour of the best cider houses in the area, so you can enjoy a good steak, a glass of cider straight from the kupela, and an experience that goes far beyond the gastronomic.
astigarraga
1. petritegi
Originating from the Petritegi farmhouse, dating back to 1526, this cider house brings you closer to the culture of apples and cider. Set in a natural environment surrounded by apple trees, you can not only enjoy a culinary experience but also explore the Urumea River by canoe or even make your cider. The cider house is open year-round.
CAMINO PETRITEGI, 8
2. ZAPIAIN
Committed to innovation while preserving tradition in cider-making, Sidrería Zapiain built the cellar in 1961, which today houses 22 barrels with a total capacity of 15,000 liters. Ongoing research and process improvements have positioned their cider as one of the leading brands in the market. The cider house is open seasonally, from January to April.
C/ MAYOR, 96
3. OIALUME ZAR
Since opening in 2002, this family-run cider house has successfully blended innovation with tradition, focusing on quality ingredients and adapting to market needs by also offering a vegetarian menu. You can visit from mid-January through the end of April.
CAMINO MIKEL AROZAMENA, 19
HERNANI
4. ALTZUETA
Dedicated to cider making since 1878, Sidrería Altzueta cultivates 7 hectares of land with thousands of apple trees across dozens of varieties to produce this traditional Basque beverage. In 2017, it joined the Euskal Sagardoa Denomination of Origin for crafting cider made from 100% native apples. The “¡Txotx!” season opens its doors from January to April.
C/ OSINAGA, 7
5. ITXAS-BURU
This cider house opened its doors in 1982 and produces 700,000 liters of cider per year from 8 hectares of apple orchards. By blending all their apple varieties – tart, sweet, and bitter – the family creates the best possible juice, which they sell under their standard label or with the Euskal Sagardoa Denomination of Origin. Enjoy this unique culinary experience from January to April!
BARRIO OSINAGA, 54
6. ZELAIA
Sidrería Zelaia offers visitors only those ciders that have earned a quality certification. Their culinary offerings also include a vegan menu option. With 15 hectares of orchards in northern Navarre, they harvest apples to produce organic cider. Discover this cider house from January through May!
BARRIO MARTINDEGI, 29
SAN SEBASTIÁN
7. intxaurrondo
In the Intxaurrondo neighborhood of San Sebastián, you’ll find a restaurant with the authentic atmosphere of a traditional cider house, where you can also enjoy alternative local menus. All year round, the doors of the “¡Txotx!” are open for you to savor a wide selection of quality ciders from various cider houses across Gipuzkoa.
PASEO ZUBIAURRE, 72
8. txirrita
Just steps from La Concha Beach, at Sidrería Txirrita, you’ll feel the roots and spirit of cider culture. In collaboration with the region’s top cider brands, the restaurant offers the traditional cider house menu along with vegetarian and vegan options. With its carefully curated decor, the space evokes the charm of the local farmhouses where this tradition first began.
C/ SAN BARTOLOME, 32
9. beharri
Craving small bites, seasonal grilled dishes, or a traditional cider house menu? At Sidrería Beharri, you’ll find everything from classic San Sebastián pintxos to dishes cooked over a natural charcoal grill, along with a year-round traditional cider house menu. Enjoy a wide variety of local specialties, always paired with top-quality cider served straight from the barrel.