Gipuzkoan cider is set to be the special guest at this year's CiderWorld 2026 event in Frankfurt, a leading European fair in the sector. This presents a unique opportunity to showcase Gipuzkoan cider, with Astigarraga serving as a special ambassador. Three local cider houses will travel to the German city to «promote the product and culture, but also to learn what and how things are done elsewhere,» a philosophy maintained in recent years that also drives the biennial organization of the Sagardo Forum.
Gurutzeta, Zapiain, and Petritegi will head to Germany this week, proudly representing Basque cider culture. Ion Zapiain, from the Astigarraga cider house, stated during Monday's presentation that «we have been on other occasions, but this time it is different. We go with a greater sense of responsibility, as we are the special guests.» Alongside him were members from the other two cider houses, Petritegi and Gurutzeta, as well as the Provincial Deputy for Mobility, Tourism, and Spatial Planning, Azahara Domínguez, and the Mayor, Xabier Urdangarin.
“"We have been on other occasions, but this time it is different. We go with a greater sense of responsibility, as we are the special guests."
The event holds significant importance for local cider in Germany. On Thursday, April 16, a technical working meeting and a presentation by the Tourism Department of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council will be held, aimed at tourism sector professionals. This will be followed by another, more institutional gathering. A highlight will be the organization of a txotx-style dinner for 100 people at a Frankfurt restaurant. Several kupelas (cider barrels) will be installed to allow guests to experience how txotx is enjoyed in a traditional Basque cider house.
Zapiain, Gurutzeta, and Petritegi will also lead a guided tasting this Friday in the German city. This will be aimed at cider competition judges, international producers, and enthusiasts. On the same Friday, April 17, a conference on cider culture will take place, with Sagardoaren Lurraldea discussing the region's cider houses. That same day, the CiderWorld'26 Award ceremony will be held. The Provincial Council will present an award, with Libe Otegui, the Director of Tourism for the provincial entity, responsible for its delivery and a presentation on Gipuzkoa. On Saturday, Gipuzkoan cider houses will occupy the main space at the international fair.
