Overview
Discover Craft Basque Cider at Zabala
Zabala is a family-run sagardotegia where visitors can experience Basque cider culture from orchard to table. With more than 200 years of family history, Zabala is known for its dedication to natural cider, local apples, and careful small-scale production.
The guided tour takes place before lunch or dinner and introduces the history of the cider house, the family story, the apple orchards, and the full cider-making process—from harvesting, washing, sorting, and pressing the apples to fermentation, barrel aging, and bottling. Visits can be offered in Basque, Spanish, or English, and include the cellar, barrels, press, grill, and both the old and new dining rooms.
Zabala owns thousands of apple trees and places great importance on making cider from its own apples whenever the harvest allows. The cider is naturally fermented with wild yeasts, and decisions such as fermentation and bottling are made carefully, taking into account the weather, climate, and even the moon. During the tour, guests taste several ciders from barrels and bottles, usually moving from younger cider to older cider to appreciate the changes in aroma and character.
Alongside its traditional natural cider, Zabala also produces Sagar Blue, a distinctive cider made with hops found and cultivated on their own land. Authentic, intimate, and full of family character, Zabala offers a deeply personal look into Basque cider craftsmanship.
The guided tour takes place before lunch or dinner and introduces the history of the cider house, the family story, the apple orchards, and the full cider-making process—from harvesting, washing, sorting, and pressing the apples to fermentation, barrel aging, and bottling. Visits can be offered in Basque, Spanish, or English, and include the cellar, barrels, press, grill, and both the old and new dining rooms.
Zabala owns thousands of apple trees and places great importance on making cider from its own apples whenever the harvest allows. The cider is naturally fermented with wild yeasts, and decisions such as fermentation and bottling are made carefully, taking into account the weather, climate, and even the moon. During the tour, guests taste several ciders from barrels and bottles, usually moving from younger cider to older cider to appreciate the changes in aroma and character.
Alongside its traditional natural cider, Zabala also produces Sagar Blue, a distinctive cider made with hops found and cultivated on their own land. Authentic, intimate, and full of family character, Zabala offers a deeply personal look into Basque cider craftsmanship.
What You'll Experience
• Visit the cider cellar and production facilities
• Discover the journey from apple harvest to barrel aging
• Taste ciders from different stages of maturation
• Experience the traditional Txotx cider culture
• Discover the journey from apple harvest to barrel aging
• Taste ciders from different stages of maturation
• Experience the traditional Txotx cider culture
• Taste Zabala's unique hop-infused cider
• Learn about the history of Basque cider and traditional cider-making process
• Continue with a traditional Basque cider house meal
What's Included
• Round-trip transportation from San Sebastián city center
• Guided cider house tour
• Traditional Basque cider tasting
• Traditional Txotx experience
• Traditional Txotx experience
• Access to the cider production facilities
• Reservation for the traditional Baque course meal
Not Included
• Traditional Basque cider house meal
Meal price: Approximately €45–50 per person, payable directly at the restaurant.
• Optional tasting of specialty products (if applicable)
• Optional private guide
Meal price: Approximately €45–50 per person, payable directly at the restaurant.
• Optional tasting of specialty products (if applicable)
• Optional private guide
Meal Information
• Cod omelet
• Fried cod with peppers
• Grilled T-bone steak (Txuleton)
• Local cheese with quince jelly and walnuts
• Fresh bread
• Unlimited Basque cider
Price: Approximately €45–50 per person (payable on-site)
Price: Approximately €45–50 per person (payable on-site)
Menu items may vary depending on the season and availability.
Important Notes
• Tours are available in Basque, Spanish, and English.
• Restaurant service is generally available from January through July.
• During the apple harvest season (September–December), special visits may be arranged for groups upon request.
• Seasonal experiences such as orchard visits, apple harvesting, and cider production demonstrations may be available depending on the time of year.
• 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.
• Restaurant service is generally available from January through July.
• During the apple harvest season (September–December), special visits may be arranged for groups upon request.
• Seasonal experiences such as orchard visits, apple harvesting, and cider production demonstrations may be available depending on the time of year.
• 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
・“Very nice traditional cuisine. Recommended if you want to savor the local experience and connect with the culture.”
・“Super cool experience where we enjoyed lunch and learned about cider making. The staff were exceptionally kind, and we had a wonderful time.”
・“My family and I had an amazing visit to this family-run Cider House. The tour was engaging, and we felt very welcomed. The cider and food were delightful, showcasing the family’s passion.”
・“Delicious cider and superb food make this place a brilliant choice for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.”
・“Craft beer was a highlight here, and the warm atmosphere along with attentive staff made our visit truly enjoyable.”
How to Get There
Train / Subway
2.5km (1.56mi) from Billabona-Zizurkil
Bus stop
300m (0.19mi) from Aduna - Almankor Street 22, Herrigunea - about a 5-minute walk
Map
Garagartza Baserria, Goiburu Auzoa, 4, 20150 Aduna, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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