When to go
The txotx season, when cider is drunk straight from the barrel, runs from mid-January to the end of April. That is when the kupelas (the big casks) are opened and when most sagardotegiak (Basque cider houses) serve the cider house menu. Out of season many stay open: find them in the directory with the open all year filter.
Saturdays have the liveliest atmosphere and are also the busiest days. On weekdays and for Friday dinners you can usually get a table with less notice.
Booking
In season, always book, and well ahead for weekends. Almost all cider houses take bookings by phone: each listing gives you the number and, if they have one, their website. If there are a lot of you, ask about group menus and private dining rooms.
Getting there
Many cider houses are in farmhouses outside the village. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive: in season there are extra public buses to the cider areas (in Gipuzkoa, for example, Lurraldebus to Astigarraga and Hernani), and many cider houses lay on a coach or recommend a taxi for groups. Each listing gives you the address and a link to open it on the map.
What to wear
Traditional sagardotegiak are halls full of kupelas, cool and sometimes cold, and you spend a good while on your feet by the barrels. Comfortable clothes, a warm layer and shoes that won’t mind a splash of cider.
With children
Many cider houses have a children’s menu, a garden or a play area, and children enjoy the ritual. Find them with the children’s menu and play area filters.
In a group
The cider house is the classic outing for a group of friends: work meals, hen and stag parties, birthdays. Say how many of you there are when you book, ask whether there is a private dining room and sort out the journey home before you go.
With respect
The cider areas are villages where people live. In season, town councils such as those of Astigarraga and Hernani ask for respect: don’t leave glasses or litter in the street, don’t make noise in the early hours and look after anyone who needs it. The party is better for everyone that way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book through sidrerias.ws? No: you book directly with the cider house, which is the one that knows whether it has room. Each listing gives you their phone number, email and website. We don’t act as an intermediary or charge anything.
I’ve called several times and nobody answers, or some information is wrong. The listing may be out of date. Write to us at info@sidrerias.ws saying which cider house it is and we’ll check with them.
I can’t find a cider house. Try the search box at the top: it also finds places by town and by similar names. If it isn’t there, tell us which one it is and we’ll look for it to add it.
Can I buy cider on the website? We don’t sell anything, but under cider makers you’ll find who makes cider, where they sell it and who has an online shop.
I run a cider house. Your listing is free: see what we offer cider houses and cider makers.
Looking for more ideas? Have a look at the guides and plans in the news section.