Basque delicacies: Idiasabal cheese and Chacoli Basque wine

Our way lies in the Ayala Valley, which for the beauty of the landscapes is called “little Switzerland”. This region of the Basque Country, surrounded by the Sierra Salvada and Gorbeya mountains, is a true pastoral of green meadows with grazing sheep, vineyards and Basque caserios. In addition to the delightful landscapes, it is famous for its wines DO Txakoli de Alava, as well as sheep cheese of the brand Idiasabal.

We will visit one of the old “garage” bodegas for the production of Chakoli wine. In this place, a new history of one of the oldest Basque drinks was revived. You will walk through the vineyard, learn the traditional technology of making this white and slightly sparkling wine, which is made from a local grape variety that grows only in the Basque Country, and taste it in combination with local snacks.

Then you will visit the family cheese factory, located in the old Basque cacerio in a picturesque area, near the sheep farm, where you will get acquainted with the secrets of the production of sheep cheese Idiasabal and farm honey with tasting.

Lunch at one of the best restaurants in the region. Chacoli de Alava's signature menu with a milk lamb baked in a wood-burning oven. On the way to the restaurant, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Marogno reservoir, in the mirrored waters of which the peaks of the Sierra Salvada mountain range are reflected.

After lunch, you can visit the liquor museum, located in the family liquor factory operating since the 19th century. Tasting Basque liqueurs - pacharan, oruho, etc. Feel the spirit of the real Basques!

The cost of entrance tickets to the winery, cheese factory and liquor museum is paid separately.