The Aiaraldea region will come alive with gastronomy, art, humor, magic, heritage, tastings, and outdoor activities from November 6 to 22 for the sixth edition of Txakoli Bizi. This initiative will showcase Txakoli de Álava and the region's richness through twelve distinct offerings.
The official presentation of the festival will take place on November 6, a Friday, at the Beldi winery, which will also host the inaugural toast. The event, by invitation only, will run from 12:00 to 14:00 and will kick off a program aimed at bringing Alavese txakoli closer to both residents and visitors.
Txakoli Bizi celebrates a product closely linked to the territory. Txakoli de Álava is the result of its landscape, a way of working the land, and the commitment of winemakers, wineries, and professionals who keep the Alavese wine tradition alive. The program also invites visitors to discover local products, restaurants, museums, cultural spaces, traditions, villages, and natural environments.
“"Txakoli Bizi is an opportunity to showcase everything Aiaraldea has to offer, from Txakoli de Álava and gastronomy to our heritage, culture, and landscapes. We want to invite citizens to discover the region, enjoy its experiences, and support the people and projects working every day to keep it alive."
The program includes various events: on November 7, at the San Román School (Okondo), there will be a local product show cooking with Jorge Romero, dishes paired with Txakoli de Álava, and included transportation. In the afternoon, the Restaurant Arcos de Quejana will host a monologue by Andoni Agirregomezkorta, accompanied by a regional drink or liqueur.
On November 8, the Santxotena Museum-Workshop will offer a visit to the creative universe of Xabier Santxotena, featuring a live demonstration and a tasting paired with Txakoli D.O. Arabako Txakolina.
On November 13, at the Txoko Armuru Gastronomic and Cultural Association in Amurrio, a vermouth workshop will be held with Gaizka Barañano from Licores Barañano. Participants will create their own vermouth and take home a bottle as a souvenir.
On November 14, the Ardantze restaurant in Artomaña will present a gastronomic experience with local products and Txakoli D.O. Arabako. In the afternoon, the Artziniega Kultur Etxea will host Live Magic with María Arandia, accompanied by txakoli and gildas.
On November 15, the Artziniega Museum will feature a theatrical guided tour to explore the history and traditions of the land, concluding with a toast of regional txakoli and pintxos.
On November 20, Bodega Astobiza will hold a commented tasting of Txakolis from the D.O. Arabako Txakolina, led by oenologist José Ignacio Junguitu. The following day, November 21, the Amurrio Liquor Museum will offer a guided tour and a tasting of Karpy Liquor and Pacharán. The day will end with an afternoon gathering at El Lío in Laudio.
The festival will conclude on November 22, Sunday, with a guided Nordic walking excursion along the Aiara Route. The 10-kilometer circular route, of easy difficulty, will start and end in Arespalditza (Respaldiza), including an introduction to using poles, pintxos, and a toast with regional txakoli.
Iñigo Pinedo emphasizes that "this program is possible thanks to the involvement of wineries, producers, hospitality establishments, museums, associations, artists, and professionals from the region." The Cuadrilla encourages participation and support for local producers and establishments.
Txakoli Bizi showcases a region where vineyards coexist with mountains, villages, heritage, museums, restaurants, wineries, and projects dedicated to keeping the territory alive. Places are limited, and registrations can be made at turismo.aiaraldea.org.
