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Welcome to the Basque Coast
The Basque Country stretches across southwestern France and northern Spain, hugging the Atlantic coastline between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. It is a region known for dramatic ocean views, rolling green hills, and one of the most distinctive culinary cultures in Europe.
Wine here is not just a beverage. Txakoli and more are truly part of daily life, hospitality, and celebration. The wines of Biarritz and San Sebastián reflect the land itself: fresh, vibrant, structured, and deeply tied to place.
We begin in Biarritz, in the French Basque Country, before crossing into San Sebastián on the Spanish side, where wine culture meets the iconic pintxos tradition.
Climate: A Viticulturist’s Dream
Climate: A Viticulturist’s Dream
The Basque wine identity is shaped by its geography.
Atlantic Influence: Cool ocean breezes moderate temperatures and preserve natural acidity in the grapes.
High Rainfall: The region receives more rain than most French and Spanish wine areas, contributing to lush green landscapes.
Mountain Protection: The Pyrenees create microclimates and protect vineyards from extreme conditions.
Hillside Vineyards: Many vines are planted on steep slopes, allowing excellent drainage and sun exposure.
This combination produces wines that are fresh, aromatic, mineral-driven, and beautifully food friendly.
BIARRITZ: French Basque County
Primary Wine Region: Irouléguy
Primary Wine Region: Irouléguy
Just inland from Biarritz lies Irouléguy, one of France’s smallest and most unique appellations. Vineyards are tucked into the foothills of the Pyrenees, often farmed on dramatic terraced slopes.
Climate Character
Climate Character
Mountain meets ocean
Cooler growing season
Excellent natural acidity
Long ripening period for structure
Red Wines
Red Wines
Grapes: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste: Dark berries, black cherry, spice, firm structure
Texture: Medium to full-bodied, elegant tannins
Pairing: Lamb, duck, aged cheese
White Wines
White Wines
Grapes: Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Petit Courbu
Taste: Citrus, white peach, floral notes, crisp minerality
Texture: Bright acidity, clean finish
Pairing: Seafood, oysters, Basque sheep’s cheese
Rosé Wines
Rosé Wines
Often Tannat-based blends
Taste: Dry, strawberry, subtle spice
Texture: Fresh, structured, never sweet
Pairing: Charcuterie, summer aperitif, somewhat salty or acidic fresh flavors, creamy cheeses, or fruit-based desserts and tarts
SAN SEBASTIAN: Spanish Basque County
Primary Wine: Txakoli
Primary Wine: Txakoli
San Sebastián sits along the Bay of Biscay and is world-famous for its culinary scene. Wine here is vibrant, coastal, and inseparable from food culture.
Grape: Hondarrabi Zuri
Taste: Green apple, lemon, saline minerality
Texture: High acidity, slightly spritzy, very fresh
Serving Tradition: Poured from height to aerate
Pairing: Anchovies, oysters, grilled seafood, pintxos
Get ready for many, many glasses of Txakoli!
Another popular wine is Rioja Alavesa (Basque Rioja)
Although Rioja spans multiple areas, Rioja Alavesa lies within the Basque Country.
Grape: Tempranillo
Taste: Cherry, plum, subtle vanilla, soft spice
Texture: Smooth, structured, balanced
Pairing: Jamón, grilled meats, manchego
These wines offer more depth and structure while maintaining elegance.
The Basque Wine Identity
The Basque Wine Identity
Across both Biarritz and San Sebastián, Basque wines share core characteristics:
Bright acidity
Mineral backbone
Moderate alcohol
Food-first philosophy
Strong regional pride
They are not overpowering wines. They are wines of balance, place, and culture.
Located in the coastal hills of Getaria, just outside San Sebastián, Ameztoi Txakolina is one of the most recognized producers of traditional Basque Txakoli.
Family-owned for generations, Ameztoi farms its vineyards on dramatic, sloping terrain overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The proximity to the Atlantic defines everything about the wine. Cool ocean breezes preserve natural acidity, while the green, rain-nourished landscape gives the grapes their vibrant freshness.
What Makes Ameztoi Special
What Makes Ameztoi Special
Signature Grape: Hondarrabi Zuri
Style: Bright, coastal white with natural lift
Flavor Profile: Green apple, lemon zest, white peach, subtle salinity
Texture: High acidity with a gentle natural spritz
Tradition: Poured from height to aerate and enhance aromatics
Visiting Ameztoi offers more than a tasting. We will be having a wine pairing class, as Basque wine is traditionally crisp, refreshing, and built for food. After our luncheon at the hotel, we will drive over to the vineyard (30 minutes) and have a post-lunch tasting and wine pairing lecture. Visting this family-owned vineyard give our guests a look into a distinctly Basque philosophy of winemaking, where terroir, family heritage, and Atlantic climate come together in every glass.
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