Txakoli 101: What It Is and Where to Drink It

Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-lee) is the signature white wine of Spain’s Basque Country. It’s light, crisp, slightly effervescent, and made to be enjoyed fresh. While it’s a local staple, many travelers are just discovering its charm.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes Txakoli unique, how to drink it like a local, and where to find the best glasses in and around San Sebastián. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about Basque wine culture, Txakoli brings a unique refreshment to any Spain food tour.

What Is Txakoli and What Makes It Special?

Photo credit: Jon Oropeza licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (no changes made)

Txakoli is a light, dry, and slightly sparkling white wine known for its zesty acidity and refreshing finish. It’s one of the staple drinks of Northern Spain’s Basque Country, and is found throughout the coastal areas near San Sebastián.

It’s made from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape, which thrives in the region’s cool, maritime climate. Txakoli is typically served young and often poured from a height to enhance its natural effervescence.

In San Sebastian, Txakoli is more than just wine. It’s a cultural staple. You’ll find it flowing in pintxo bars across the city, perfectly complementing seafood, cheeses, and other classic Basque dishes.

Denominations of Origin (D.O.s)

Txakoli is officially recognized and protected under three Denominations of Origin (Denominación de Origen, or D.O.) in the Basque Country, each reflecting a distinct terroir and winemaking style. The most famous is Getariako Txakolina (D.O. Getaria), centered in the coastal town of Getaria in Gipuzkoa province, known for producing bright, zesty wines with noticeable salinity and gentle carbonation.

Further inland, Arabako Txakolina (D.O. Álava) in the Rioja Alavesa region of Álava province tends to yield fuller-bodied Txakoli wines with slightly less effervescence, often drawing comparisons to white wines from nearby Rioja. Lastly, Bizkaiko Txakolina (D.O. Bizkaia) in Bizkaia province produces a broader range of styles, sometimes incorporating barrel aging or rare grape varieties. Each region offers a slightly different expression of Txakoli, giving travelers a compelling reason to taste across the D.O. map—from the seaside cliffs of Elkano to the vineyard valleys inland.

Where to Try Txakoli

Spain’s Basque region around San Sebastian has tons of great bars, taverns, restaurants, and wineries offering an authentic, distinctive Txakoli experience.

Bar Txepetxa

Photo credit: Bar Txepetxa

Txepetxa is an iconic San Sebastian pintxo bar beloved by locals and tourists for its anchovy-based creations, which pair perfectly with a crisp glass of Txakoli. I like their no-frills atmosphere and focus on quality ingredients. I was blown away by the anchovy with sea urchin, which was rich with umami, and was cut perfectly by the Txakoli.

Txepetxa (€€) – Arrandegi Kalea, 5, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Rekondo

Photo credit: Rekondo

Just outside the city center, Rekondo is a must-stop restaurant for serious wine lovers visiting San Sebastian. Their cellar is one of the most respected in Northern Spain, including excellent local Txakoli and global wines. On my last visit, I enjoyed a fresh Txakoli with the grilled fish of the day, and I loved how it perfectly accented the flavor of the sea.

Rekondo (€€€) – Igeldo Pasealekua, 57, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Tximista Sagardotegia

Photo credit: Tximista Sagardotegia

About 30 minutes inland from San Sebastián, Tximista Sagardotegia is a cider house restaurant that also serves fantastic Txakoli. It’s rustic and lively, often with communal seating and a reputation for hosting grilled meat feasts. I was pleasantly surprised by how perfectly the grilled T-bone steak (txuleta) paired with a glass of palate-cleansing Txakoli.

Tximista Sagardotegia (€€) – Gudarien Etorbidea 2 20240 Ordizia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Arzak

Photo credit: Arzak

As a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s little surprise that Arzak offers one of the best Txakoli experiences in San Sebastian. The sommelier can suggest the best pairing for each course, often starting with Txakoli during appetizers. I enjoyed a class with a lobster seafood starter that kept my palate awake and ready for the next course.

Arzak (€€€) – Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Txakoli Day Trips: Vineyards Near San Sebastián

The vineyard around San Sebastian celebrates Txakoli and other local wines through winery tours, special events, and curated pairing experiences.

Txomin Etxaniz

Photo credit: Txomin Etxaniz

One of the oldest and most prestigious Txakoli producers, Txomin Etxaniz is located in the picturesque coastal town of Getaria. It’s just 30 minutes from San Sebastián, and the drive alone is photo-worthy.

The winery boasts sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea and terraced vineyards that hug the hillside. Their guided tours include a walk through the vines, a peek into the production area, and a tasting of their refreshing lineup of classic Txakoli wines.

Txomin Etxaniz (€€€) – Barrio Eitzaga 21, Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Talai Berri

Photo credit: Talai Berri

Talai Berri is a family-run vineyard just inland from Zarautz. I love how they prioritize sustainable farming and it’s reflected in the educational experience of their tours. You don’t just learn about the vineyard, the production process, and taste a variety of authentic Txakoli wines. They also help you understand the Basque connection to the land and the sense of responsibility they have for treating it right.

Talai Berri (€€) – Barrio Talaimendi, 728, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.

Rezabal

Photo credit: Rezabal

Rezabal’s picturesque vineyards stretch along the coastal hills between Zarautz and Getaria. I think this makes it an ideal day trip for nature lovers and oenophiles. The estate focuses on traditional methods while embracing innovation in their winemaking.

I find their Txakoli to be vibrant, with a light mineral body and balanced complexity. Tastings often include panoramic views and fresh seafood pairings for a full sensory experience.

Rezabal (€€) – Itsas Begi Etxea, Asti Auzoa 628 Zarautz, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

How to Enjoy Txakoli Like a Local

If you want to enjoy Txakoli like a local for the first time, I think the best spot is a bustling pintxo bar in the early afternoon or early evening. It’s the prime time for sipping and socializing.

Order by the glass and watch as the bartender pours it from high up. This isn’t just for show. This technique aerates the wine, which enhances its natural effervescence.

Locals typically drink Txakoli with seafood pintxos like anchovies, prawns, or grilled octopus. Its natural acidity cuts through the richness beautifully, without muting the seafood flavors.

Final Thoughts: Your First (or Next) Glass of Txakoli

Whether it’s your first sip or your next high-poured glass, Txakoli is a must-try experience for any Spain food tour of San Sebastián. Light, crisp, and full of character, this Basque white wine captures the spirit of the region in every glass.

Whether enjoyed at a seaside pintxo bar or on a vineyard hillside just outside the city, Txakoli offers a refreshing, authentic taste of local tradition. Don’t leave San Sebastián without raising a glass.