An authentic cider house in Astigarraga (the cider capital of the Basque Country) with a history spanning over 400 years. The traditional January–April cider season brings locals flocking to taste cider straight from 25,000-litre barrels, accompanied by the classic txotx menu.
Zapiain Sagardotegia is one of the most celebrated and historic cider houses in the Basque Country, located in Astigarraga — the municipality in Gipuzkoa province that is considered the undisputed capital of Basque cider culture. The Zapiain family has been producing cider on this estate for over 400 years, using traditional Basque apple varieties grown in the surrounding orchards to create natural, unfiltered cider that ferments slowly over winter in enormous wooden barrels holding up to 25,000 litres each. The annual cider season — January through April — is when the sagardotegia opens fully for the txotx experience: guests gather around barrels as the tap is opened, allowing a jet of cider to arc into glasses held at a distance. The ritual is repeated throughout a fixed traditional meal that follows the centuries-old format: salt cod tortilla first, then txuleton steak grilled over charcoal, then idiazabal cheese with quince paste and walnuts, all accompanied by unlimited cider drawn directly from the barrel. The price for the full txotx menu with unlimited cider is approximately €32 per person. Zapiain also offers cider tastings and bottled cider purchases year-round, and the estate and cellar are worth visiting outside the season for those interested in the production process. The rural setting in the Urumea valley is beautiful in any season.
Signature dishes
- Cider house menu with unlimited cider — €32 per person
Good to know
- Known for
- 400-year-old cider house in Astigarraga's cider country
- Hours
- January–April: daily 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM; weekends year-round
Location
Barrio Katarain, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa
43.2702, -1.9321 View on map
Highlights
- Over 400 years of cider production — one of the oldest and most prestigious sagardotegiak in the Basque Country
- Enormous 25,000-litre barrels of traditional, unfiltered Basque cider made from estate-grown apples
- Full txotx barrel experience: arc-catching ceremony, unlimited cider, and the classic fixed menu
- Astigarraga location — the undisputed capital of Basque cider culture, surrounded by apple orchards
- Bottled cider and cellar visits available year-round; cider season January–April is the peak experience
Tips for visiting
- The January–April cider season is the unmissable time to visit for the full txotx experience — book well ahead
- The traditional txotx menu (salt cod omelette, txuleton, idiazabal cheese) is fixed — it cannot be modified significantly
- Wear casual, practical clothes — cider houses are informal and cider drops are part of the barrel-catch experience
- Zapiain also sells bottled cider from the estate; purchasing a bottle to take home is a popular option
- A car is essential — Astigarraga is about 10–15 minutes from San Sebastián, with limited public transport
Accessibility
Zapiain is a traditional rural cider estate with barn-style cider halls and outdoor areas. Ground surfaces are uneven in parts, particularly around the barrel cellar. Wheelchair access is limited and the txotx barrel areas involve standing for extended periods. Guests with mobility needs should contact the sagardotegia directly before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Zapiain Sagardotegia?
The Zapiain family has been producing cider on the estate for over 400 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating sagardotegiak in the Basque Country.
Is it possible to visit Zapiain outside the cider season?
Yes — Zapiain offers cider tastings, cellar tours, and bottled cider purchases at weekends year-round. The full txotx barrel experience is exclusive to the January–April season.
What is the difference between Zapiain and Sidrería Petritegi?
Both are authentic, highly regarded sagardotegiak near Astigarraga, and both offer the traditional txotx experience. Zapiain is notable for its exceptional age (400+ years) and the scale of its production. Petritegi is slightly better known internationally; both are excellent and the experiences are comparable.
Can children attend the txotx experience at Zapiain?
Yes — cider houses in the Basque Country are family-friendly institutions. Children are welcome, and non-alcoholic alternatives to cider can be arranged for them.
How much does the txotx menu cost at Zapiain?
The traditional fixed menu with unlimited cider costs approximately €32 per person, which is exceptional value for a three-course meal with unlimited drinks.