What to do > Wine Tourism > Discover Txakoli and visit one of its wineries
Txakoli, a white wine originating in the Basque Country, dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was originally cultivated by monks in Basque monasteries.
It is produced mainly from the native Hondarribi Zuri grape, adapted to the region’s Atlantic climate, resulting in a fresh and fruity wine.
Initially a locally consumed wine for religious festivities, txakoli reached its splendour in the 17th and 18th centuries, evolving from a low-quality wine to a hallmark of the region.
Today, txakoli has three denominations of origin: Getariako Txakolina, Bizkaiko Txakolina and Arabako Txakolina. Txakoli stands out for its moderate alcohol content, freshness, fruity aroma and characteristic acidity.
It has become a symbol of Basque culture and cuisine, appreciated for its ideal pairing with fish and seafood.
In Gernika you can visit one of the main Txakoli wineries: Itsasmendi.
In the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the Itsasmendi Winery invites you to discover txakoli. At this winery, you can learn about the harvesting and winemaking process, and take part in tastings that will help you appreciate the nuances of this local wine.