Overview
Discover Authentic Basque Cider at Lizeaga
Nestled in the hills just outside San Sebastián, Lizeaga is one of the Basque Country's most beloved cider houses, where local traditions and generations of craftsmanship come together. Highly regarded by local residents, Lizeaga is the perfect place to discover what makes authentic Basque sagardoa so special.
During the guided tour, you'll follow the journey of the apple from harvest to bottle while exploring the cider house. You'll see how apples are naturally washed and transported through the production process using the power of water and the natural slope of the land, a traditional system that minimizes mechanical handling and preserves the fruit's quality.
Lizeaga carefully blends different varieties of apples to create its distinctive cider. The Basque Country is home to around 500 apple varieties, with 24 considered essential for cider production, each contributing bitterness, acidity, or sweetness to achieve the perfect balance. During the visit, you'll taste mosto, fresh apple juice before fermentation begins, followed by the unforgettable experience of tasting cider poured directly from the barrel in the traditional Txotx style.
Lizeaga proudly produces two ciders recognized under the prestigious Basque cider quality certification. One carries the Red Label, while the other has earned the even more selective Golden Label. Interestingly, many local people still prefer the classic Red Label for its familiar, traditional character. The tour concludes with a tasting accompanied by Lizeaga's exceptionally flavorful apple juice, another local favorite that showcases the quality of the region's apples.
During the guided tour, you'll follow the journey of the apple from harvest to bottle while exploring the cider house. You'll see how apples are naturally washed and transported through the production process using the power of water and the natural slope of the land, a traditional system that minimizes mechanical handling and preserves the fruit's quality.
Lizeaga carefully blends different varieties of apples to create its distinctive cider. The Basque Country is home to around 500 apple varieties, with 24 considered essential for cider production, each contributing bitterness, acidity, or sweetness to achieve the perfect balance. During the visit, you'll taste mosto, fresh apple juice before fermentation begins, followed by the unforgettable experience of tasting cider poured directly from the barrel in the traditional Txotx style.
Lizeaga proudly produces two ciders recognized under the prestigious Basque cider quality certification. One carries the Red Label, while the other has earned the even more selective Golden Label. Interestingly, many local people still prefer the classic Red Label for its familiar, traditional character. The tour concludes with a tasting accompanied by Lizeaga's exceptionally flavorful apple juice, another local favorite that showcases the quality of the region's apples.
What You'll Experience
• Explore a traditional Basque cider house with your guide
• Learn the history of Basque cider and the Txotx tradition
• Discover how apples become natural Basque cider
• Experience the famous Txotx ritual with cider poured directly from the barrel
• Enjoy a traditional Basque cider house atmosphere shared by locals and visitors alike
• Continue with a traditional cider house meal
• Learn the history of Basque cider and the Txotx tradition
• Discover how apples become natural Basque cider
• Experience the famous Txotx ritual with cider poured directly from the barrel
• Enjoy a traditional Basque cider house atmosphere shared by locals and visitors alike
• Continue with a traditional cider house meal
What's Included
• Guided cider house visit
• Guided cider tasting experience
• Txotx barrel tasting
• Bottled cider tasting
• Fresh apple must tasting (seasonal and subject to availability)
• Local dining experience: reservation at Lizeaga cider house
• Guided cider tasting experience
• Txotx barrel tasting
• Bottled cider tasting
• Fresh apple must tasting (seasonal and subject to availability)
• Local dining experience: reservation at Lizeaga cider house
Not Included
• Traditional cider house meal.
Meal price: €42 per person, payable directly at the cider house
• Private time-slot surcharge (if requested)
Meal price: €42 per person, payable directly at the cider house
• Private time-slot surcharge (if requested)
Meal Information
After the guided tour, you may continue your experience with a traditional Basque cider house meal.
The meal is served in the classic style of a Basque cider house and is designed to accompany natural cider.
Traditional cider house menu
• Cod omelet
• Fried cod with peppers
• Grilled T-bone steak (Txuleton)
• Local cheese with quince jelly and walnuts
• Fresh bread
• Unlimited Basque cider
Price
€42 per person (payable on-site)
• Fried cod with peppers
• Grilled T-bone steak (Txuleton)
• Local cheese with quince jelly and walnuts
• Fresh bread
• Unlimited Basque cider
Price
€42 per person (payable on-site)
Important Notes
• The production facilities can only be visited with a guide.
• Free self-guided access to the facilities is not available.
• Apple availability depends on the harvest season and stock.
• Private time-slot arrangements may be available with an additional group fee.
• Once we receive your booking request, we will coordinate with you and the cider house to arrange the tour date and time. We appreciate your patience and will contact you as soon as your reservation is confirmed.
• Free self-guided access to the facilities is not available.
• Apple availability depends on the harvest season and stock.
• Private time-slot arrangements may be available with an additional group fee.
• Once we receive your booking request, we will coordinate with you and the cider house to arrange the tour date and time. We appreciate your patience and will contact you as soon as your reservation is confirmed.
Reviews
・“A satisfying evening at the cider house with incredible cider and a delightful four-course meal. We truly enjoyed the quality over quantity of the offerings.”
・“Our visit was a wonderful journey into local flavors. The omelette with cod was surprisingly delightful, and the steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. The cider was a unique addition that enhanced our experience.”
・“This is definitely a highlight of our culinary exploration. With endless cider and generous food portions, it was an unforgettable night that exceeded our expectations!”
・“We had an authentic experience filled with excellent local food and a fun atmosphere. The signature dishes, especially the rib-eye steak, were a true treat for the senses.”
・“A fantastic experience in Astigarraga, where we enjoyed lively conversations and the fine taste of cider from local barrels. The rustic setting made it a memorable night that I would love to repeat.”
How to Get There
Train / Subway
1.5km (0.95mi) from Martutene
Bus stop
36m (0.02mi) from Donostia - Martutene Pasealekua 141 - about a 1-minute walk
Map
Martutene Pasealekua, 139, 20014 Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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