Various hospitality establishments in Gipuzkoa, including for the first time venues from the Bidasoa region, will present gastronomic proposals to promote local and international ciders from November 16 to 22, as part of the 'Cider Week Astea' initiative. This event, promoted by Sagardoaren Lurraldea (The Land of Cider), aims to spread cider culture, particularly in years when the international congress Sagardo Forum is not held.
This year, fifteen establishments in Donostia, Hondarribia, Tolosa, Hernani, and Astigarraga are participating, offering a diverse gastronomic experience: guided tastings, menus paired with ciders, proposals from Michelin-starred restaurants, pairings with traditional pintxos, special aperitifs, and sales of international ciders. Visitors can enjoy local ciders, including those from the Euskal Sagardoa Denomination of Origin, as well as a wide selection of ciders from countries such as France (Brittany), Italy, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
Leire Alkorta, manager of Sagardoaren Lurraldea, highlighted the event's importance in bringing cider culture closer to the public and maintaining interest in the sector. She added that it helps demonstrate the versatility of Basque ciders in various gastronomic pairings and that they can be enjoyed outside the traditional 'txotx' season.
Azahara Dominguez, Deputy for Mobility, Tourism, and Territorial Planning, emphasized the role of cider as an economic driver for Gipuzkoa, generating activity, employment, and new opportunities. She encouraged citizens to participate in the initiative by utilizing the territory's extensive public transport network.
The initiative includes specific programs from various venues, such as Malum Rex and Ibai Lur in Astigarraga; Apar, Bertakoteka, Bodega Klandestina, Taupada, Iratze, and Gagootz in Donostia; Errioguarda Enea in Hernani; Tatapas Gastroteka and Higeralde Sagarlekua in Hondarribia; and Tolosaldea Jatetxea and Ama Tolosa in Tolosa, each offering distinct gastronomic and cider selections.
