ITSASMENDI 2025 AND THE CHEESE-MAKING TRADITION OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY
At Bodegas Itsasmendi, we recently celebrated the second edition of Txakoli & Gastronomy, an event launched last year with the aim of presenting each new vintage at our winery, located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
This format, which we hope to establish as an annual gathering, brings together wine, gastronomy, and local culture through products that are deeply rooted in our identity and traditions. Following the first edition, dedicated to beans and the history of Balmaseda’s railway putxeras, this year’s event focused on the rich cheese-making tradition of the Basque Country.
The artwork for this edition was created by Mikel Bida, marking the beginning of a new initiative through which a different artist will be invited each year to interpret and represent the event. With this collaboration, we are launching a cultural project that seeks to connect each edition of Txakoli & Gastronomy with the unique vision of a different artist. Mikel Bida’s work is the first piece in this growing collection.
The Itsasmendi 2025 vintage was unveiled during a day designed for sharing and enjoyment. An Atlantic vintage, fresh and full of nuances, it reflects both the character of our vineyards and the dedication invested throughout the year in the vineyard.
This second edition also welcomed a very special guest winery: Iria Otero from Galicia, with whom we share a passion for wines that express their territory, authenticity, and respect for origin.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a variety of cheese-inspired gastronomic experiences and had the opportunity to learn more about the richness of Basque cheese-making traditions. Guided by Ioritz de Abatza, attendees discovered a culture deeply rooted in the landscape and rural life that shape our region.
As part of Itsasmendi’s commitment to sustainability and the local environment, family-friendly activities and experiences were also organised to help visitors connect with the natural surroundings that give life to our wines. Younger guests took part in a specially designed treasure hunt, offering a fun introduction to vineyards, nature, and the traditions linked to our territory.
With this second edition, we reaffirm our commitment to creating meaningful encounters that connect wine, culture, and place, celebrating local gastronomic traditions while sharing each new vintage with everyone who forms part of the Itsasmendi family.
