Cider and cider houses 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 ritual
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.
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 the Denomination of Origin Euskal Sagardoa – Natural Cider of the Basque Country, identified by a red capsule on the bottle neck, must be made 100% from local apples and obtain a quality certificate. Gorenak ciders with a black capsule are also very high-quality ciders, but not necessarily made from local apples.
Guided visit to a cider house
Aside from the txotx season, cider houses also offer the option of a full visit to the cider cellar, led by a specialist guide who will tell you all the secrets of one of the most iconic products of Basque culinary culture.
From the orchard to the cider
An easy route in Aduna that crosses the apple orchards of the Zabala and Aburuza cider houses — whenever you go you’ll see how the landscape changes with the seasons. One of the most beautiful times to visit the orchard can be spring, when the apple trees are dressed in their beautiful white blossoms.
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. A cider house that is open all year round (only closing its doors in December) and offers guided tours along with other types of experiences.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: January 14
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.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: Currently open on weekends, opening weekdays starting in January.
Goikoetxea, 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.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: January 23
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.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: January 17
Sarasola, 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.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: January 17
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.
Opening of the Txotx in 2026: January 2
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