The Txakoli route in Gipuzkoa

Discover the culture of white wine in the Basque Country

The Txakoli is a white wine, young and fruity with a slight acidity. Three of the Designations of Origin locations of this wine are in the Basque Country; Getaria, Bizkaia and Araba. Today we talk about the oldest one, the D.O. Txakoli de Getaria - Getariako Txakolina, and on how and where to take a tour of the vineyards and wineries of the province of Gipuzkoa.

INSPIRATION

THE TXAKOLI

In 1989 the Txakoli de Getaria was recognized as Denomination of Origin under the name of Getariako Txakolina. Hence, this coastal town is known as the birthplace of Txakoli. The area extends throughout the historical territory of Gipuzkoa, with 402 hectares of vineyards, mostly in coastal areas. The basis for its exquisite flavor of this wine is the white grape variety Ondarrabi Zuri. Normally, the wines from this origin present a slight carbonization, so it is advisable to pour them at a height of about 20 centimeters so that they break in the glass and thus release the carbon, offering all the aroma and flavor. The Txakoli with denomination of origin Getaria is the only Txakoli that presents the authentic "txinparta", the bubble that emerges when it breaks in the glass. It is served very cold and in little quantity, so you are able to taste it correctly.

INSPIRATION

THE ROUTE

Every Txakoli route in Gipuzkoa has to start in Getaria. If you go through the countryside and surroundings of this town you will be amazed by the landscape of vineyards. To know how this unique wine is produced, you can visit some of its wineries, such as Agerre, Aizpurua, Etxetxo, Gañeta or Urki. Allow time also to stroll through the old town, enjoy the views of the Ratón de Getaria, try the fish on the grill and discover by the interesting history of Getaria, where illustrious characters have passed, such as Juan Sebastián Elcano and the designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.

INSPIRATION

THE HOTELS

The route continues through other vineyards areas and wineries, such as Zarautz, Aia, Deba, Hondarrabia, Oñati, Orio or Villabona. In Gipuzkoa there are four Rusticae hotels on the Txakoli Route, so you can get to know and taste the world of this wine first hand. In Getaria you will find a Basque farmhouse with vineyards and views of the Bay of Biscay: Hotel Iturregi. In Zarautz, the modern Hotel Zerupe, located next to an extensive beach. In Oñati you can find the exclusive Hotel Torre Zumeltzegi, and in Hondarrabia the sophisticated Hotel & spa Villa Magalean. Very close to the Hotel Iturregi, there is the restaurant Jatextea Agote Aundi, highly recommended, where you can have a "amaiketako" a pintxo and a txakoli or zurito around 11 in the morning to recover your strength.

Also Rusticae