SAGARDOTEGI: THE BASQUE CIDER HOUSE
The production of cider has a long history in the Basque Country, going all the way back to the 11th century. The sagardotegi was originally where locals would go to buy cider and they would typically take a meal with them so they didn’t drink on an empty stomach.
This eventually developed into the tradition of the sagardotegi functioning as a restaurant and a place for social gatherings.
Today, sagardotegis are typically old farmhouses located mainly in Gipuzkoa, around San Sebastian, however, they can be found all throughout the Basque Country. For 30-40 € you receive a set menu that is pretty much always the same. It consists of:
First Plate: Tortilla de Bacalao (cod fish omelet)
Second Plate: Bacalao al pil pil (cod fish in a garlicky sauce)
Third Plate: Txuleton (enormous aged ox steak)
Dessert: Walnuts + local cheese with membrillo (quince jelly)
And of course there is cider and you can drink as much as you like, and even become a connoisseur in the process since there are normally several different types of cider to sample. The cider comes from giant wooden barrels (kupelas), which are opened periodically when someone yells “Txotx!”
The cider shoots out of the tap and must be caught several meters away and as close to the ground as possible. This is done for aeration purposes and its incredible fun. The entire sagardotegi experience is one that shouldn’t be missed and could easily be the highlight of any trip to the Basque Country.
Apples for the cider production are harvested from September to November and then left to ferment. The official start of the cider season kicks off around the middle of January and runs until April or May. The cider houses are generally only open during the cider season.
However, there are a few that stay open all year round. One such is Petritegi and its located just 15 minutes outside of San Sebastian.
Helpful Links:
Cider House Petritegi (open all year round)
List of cider houses in the Basque Country
