The sixth edition of Txakoli Bizi, organized by the Aiaraldea Association, has launched to great acclaim, combining gastronomy, culture, and Basque cider until November 22. The initial activities, held last weekend in various locations across the region, have been well-received, and the program continues with a wide range of offerings for the upcoming weekends.
The festival began on Friday, November 6, with an official presentation at the Beldui winery, accompanied by an inaugural toast for World Enotourism Day. Over the weekend, a local product showcooking took place at the San Román School in Okondo, a monologue by Andoni Agirregomezkorta at the Arcos Restaurant in Quejana, and a visit to the Santxotena Museum-Workshop, which introduced participants to the creative world of Xabier Santxotena with a live demonstration and a txakoli-paired snack.
The president of the Aiaraldea Association, Iñigo Pinedo, expressed great satisfaction with the event's start: “We are very pleased with the reception Txakoli Bizi is receiving. The initial activities have had an excellent response, and we are delighted to see the interest this initiative sparks, allowing us to showcase the diversity of experiences Aiaraldea offers and bring our gastronomy, culture, heritage, and natural environment closer to the public”.
In the coming weeks, the program includes workshops, magic shows, gastronomic experiences, cultural visits, tastings, and outdoor activities. Places are still available for the magic show in Artziniega, the afternoon gathering in Laudio, and the Nordic walking excursion along the Aiara Route.
This Friday, November 13, in Amurrio, a vermouth-making workshop will be led by Gaizka Barañano. On Saturday, November 14, in Artomaña, there will be a gastronomic experience, and in Artziniega, a live magic show by María Arandia. On Sunday, November 15, a theatrical guided tour of the Artziniega Museum is scheduled.
On Friday, November 20, Bodega Astobiza will host a commented txakoli tasting led by enologist José Ignacio Junguitu. On November 21, a guided tour of the Amurrio Liquor Museum will be followed by an afternoon gathering at El Lío Laudio. The program concludes on Sunday, November 22, with a guided Nordic walking excursion along the Aiara Route, starting and ending in Arespalditza (Respaldiza).
Iñigo Pinedo has encouraged everyone to "take advantage of the opportunity, participate, and enjoy these experiences," emphasizing that Txakoli Bizi is also "an invitation to discover Aiaraldea, its towns, landscapes, gastronomy, and heritage".
Registration for activities with available spots can be completed through the website www.turismo.aiaraldea.org.
