Live in the cider house, the tradition of the txotx.

Experience the Heart of Basque Culture: Live in the Cider House and the Tradition of the Txotx

When it comes to truly understanding the Basque Country, nothing beats living the tradition firsthand. This 4-hour tour takes you just 15 minutes outside San Sebastian to an authentic cider house, where you’ll get a deep dive into the cider-making process and the festive act of Txotx—the communal opening of barrels that’s as much about friendship and culture as it is about drinking cider. The tour, priced at $215.50 per person, offers a personalized experience with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with your guide.

What makes this experience stand out for us is the chance to enjoy traditional Basque dishes paired with cider in a setting that feels both genuine and warm. We also love the intimate size of the group, which fosters a relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that the guide is a local who genuinely loves sharing their heritage. A potential consideration is the transportation—since it’s a short drive from San Sebastian, you’ll want to plan for a bit of extra time to get there and back.

This tour is perfect if you’re eager for an authentic cultural experience beyond the usual tourist spots. It suits foodies, history buffs, or anyone interested in local traditions, especially those who enjoy tasting the real flavors of a region and learning about its customs directly from a local.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Offers a genuine look into Basque cider traditions and the famous Txotx act.
• Local Guide: Led by a passionate Basque native who shares insights with warmth and humor.
• Traditional Food & Drink: Includes tasting of cider and traditional dishes, making it a delicious journey.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers for a more personal and engaging experience.
• Educational & Entertaining: Learn about cider production, tasting techniques, and cultural significance.
• Convenient & Flexible: Meeting point in San Sebastian, with options for personalization.

Discovering the Authentic Basque Cider Tradition

The tour begins with a brief drive from San Sebastian—just around 15 minutes—to arrive at a traditional Basque cider house. Here, the guide, Julen, or another local, will warmly welcome you and immediately begin sharing the story of cider in the Basque Country. From historical roots to modern practices, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how this beloved beverage is crafted and celebrated.

Why the Cider House Matters

Cider houses, or sagardotegiak, are more than just places to drink—they are social hubs where locals gather to enjoy good company, food, and, of course, cider. Julen emphasizes that Txotx isn’t just about opening a barrel; it’s an act of friendship, respect, and community. As you settle in, you’ll see the kupelas (barrels) lined up, waiting for the festive moment when the cider is poured directly from the barrel into your glass.

Learning about Cider Production

Before tasting, you’ll get a mini-lesson on how Basque cider is made. Expect to see the facilities, learn about the fermentation process, and understand how each step influences the flavor. Julen’s explanations are straightforward, friendly, and peppered with local anecdotes, making the technical aspects easy to grasp. We loved the way the guide explained the evolution of cider making through history, giving you some context on why this tradition endures.

Tasting the Real Deal: The Txotx Experience

The highlight? Participating in the Txotx itself. As you are invited to open your own kupela (barrel), you experience firsthand the festive act that is central to Basque culture. The cider, typically cloudy and sharp, is served in small glasses, encouraging a slow, appreciative tasting. Julen explains how to distinguish good cider from the rest and guides you through the tasting process, which is as much about social connection as it is about the drink.

Local Cuisine & Traditional Dishes

After enjoying the cider, you’ll sample some traditional dishes. The tour offers an opportunity to learn how these dishes are prepared, and you might get a chance to see the cooking process up close or even participate. The pairing of food and cider amplifies the flavors, and it’s clear that this is much more than just a drinking session—it’s part of a cultural ritual.

The After-Party in Astigarraga

Following the cider house experience, the tour continues to the town of Astigarraga, a place where locals and visitors mingle after a day of eating and drinking. It’s a lively spot, full of good vibes and hearty conversations. Spending extra time here gives you a chance to soak up the local atmosphere and perhaps even visit a few more cider houses or local taverns on your own.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

Transportation: The tour includes a short drive from San Sebastian, which means you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. The vehicle is comfortable, and this small element of transport adds a relaxed pace to the experience.

Duration & Group Size: Lasting about four hours, the tour balances enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed. The group size is capped at 8, making it intimate enough for genuine conversation and personalized attention.

Cost & Value: At $215.50 per person, this experience offers in-depth insight, authentic food, and plenty of cider—delivered in a setting that’s more “friendly local” than “tourist trap.” The price reflects a premium experience, but with the small group and personal guidance, many travelers will find it well worth the investment.

Personalization & Accessibility: The guide is open to customizing the experience, whether about food preferences or timing, making it suitable even for those with specific dietary needs or tight schedules.

What Past Travelers Say

While the tour currently has only one review, it’s glowing: “Julen adapted our custom private day tour along the Basque coast because of the continuous rain,” says a traveler on TripAdvisor. This adaptability and the positive tone suggest a flexible, friendly, and knowledgeable guide who cares about guest experience.

Other travelers highlight the delicious food and tapas served alongside the cider, emphasizing that the authentic flavors and the communal spirit of the event left a lasting impression.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone curious about regional traditions. It’s ideal if you’re after a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at Basque life—something more enriching than just tasting cider in a bar. Perfect for those who enjoy small-group activities and appreciate learning from passionate locals.

The Sum Up

The Live in the Cider House and the Tradition of the Txotx tour offers a rare glimpse into a much-loved Basque tradition. You’re not just sipping cider—you’re participating in a vibrant cultural ritual that’s about community, history, and good old-fashioned fun. The experience delivers authentic insights, delicious local dishes, and a warm, engaging guide—all in a cozy, intimate setting.

If you’re keen to understand and taste the real Basque spirit, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and palate alike. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than surface-level sightseeing and are eager to connect with local customs in a relaxed, friendly environment.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a short 15-minute drive from San Sebastian to the cider house, making it a hassle-free experience.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum is 8 travelers, which ensures a personalized and intimate atmosphere.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $215.50 per person, which covers the guided experience, cider tastings, traditional dishes, and transportation.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, the guide is happy to personalize the tour based on your food or drink preferences and schedule needs.

What should I wear?
Casual clothing suitable for walking and indoor environments. You might want to bring a light jacket if it’s cooler or rainy.

Are children or pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted; other pets or children are not explicitly mentioned, so it’s best to inquire directly for specific needs.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste traditional Basque cider and enjoy local dishes, with the opportunity to learn about their preparation and cultural significance.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, it involves a short drive and walking within the cider house; contacting the provider for specific accessibility needs is advised.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

This guided journey into Basque cider culture provides a genuine, fun, and flavorful experience. It’s a perfect way to deepen your understanding of local traditions, savor delicious food, and meet like-minded travelers—all in a setting that feels more like visiting friends than taking a tour.