Founded in 1990 by Garikoitz Rios, an environmental agriculturalist, his vision was to preserve the history and viticulture of Hondarrabi Zuri within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Situated in the area where mountains slopes (Mendi) meet the Cantabrian Sea (Itsas) are 40ha of vineyards across 18 unique plots. Their state of the art, environmentally friendly winery in Gernika reflects the importance of their position within the Reserve and their respect for the surrounding environment, all of their vineyards carry an Integrated Production Certification. Additionally, they have ECO certified vineyards and work with biodynamics in specific sites. The vineyards provide distinct geographical and microclimate diversity, enabling them to create the different Txakolis, each with their own unique qualities.
The thriving appellation of Bizkaiko Txakolina, created in 1994, is much smaller in area then the often seen Getariako Txakolina DO, within the Bizkaiko DO is the subzone of the Urdaibai Biosphere . The vineyards yield fresh, fully ripe grapes, creating wines of great character, this wine is a blend of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie. Having both the influence of the Atlantic and the warmth of protected microclimates the wine is fresh, approachable and full of nuances from the diversity of the vineyards and their clay and limestone soils. Fermentation and elevage are in stainless steel for 4 months before bottling.
