Rowing activity and cider winery

07/07/2025

Rowing and a Basque cider house: an unforgettable experience with Sagardoa Route

If you're looking for a unique experience to enjoy as a group—whether with friends, family, or colleagues—we propose a plan that combines sport, history, gastronomy, and Basque culture in a privileged setting: the fishing village of Orio.

This day begins with an exciting group rowing activity and culminates with a visit, tasting, and lunch at a local cider house. A well-rounded plan that connects you with the seafaring tradition and the most authentic flavor of the Basque Country.

The experience begins at a rowing center, located on the banks of the Oria River, a river with a long seafaring, sporting, and cider-making tradition. Before we take to the water, the instructors will give us a brief introduction to the history of rowing on the Basque coast: how it originated, how it has evolved, and its importance in local culture today. You'll learn that this sport isn't just a physical discipline, but a deeply rooted expression of identity in the coastal towns of the Basque Country.

After this brief introduction, it's time to put on your life jacket, grab your paddles, and head out onto the Oria River. No previous experience is necessary: you'll receive basic instructions on technique and safety, and you'll be accompanied by a professional at all times.

On the water, fun is guaranteed! Various tests and group activities will be held to foster coordination, camaraderie, and, of course, laughter! Whether it's a company outing, a family celebration, or a group day out, rowing together becomes a unique activity that strengthens group bonding while enjoying the natural surroundings.

After rowing, there's nothing better than refueling with a traditional cider house menu. To do so, we'll head to a local cider house, where we'll experience another essential part of our culture: the txotx ritual.

The visit to the cider house is a true immersion in the world of Basque cider. We'll start in the apple orchard, where we'll learn about the different native apple varieties used to make PDO Euskal Sagardoa natural cider. We'll then tour the production area, where the entire production process will be explained: from pressing and fermentation to bottling. During the visit, you will taste PDO Euskal Sagardoa cider, both in bottles and directly from the barrels, following the traditional txotx ritual.

And to top it all off, we have the traditional menu: cod omelet, cod with peppers, grilled steak, and, for dessert, Idiazabal cheese with walnuts and quince jelly. All of this, of course, paired with the highest-quality Basque cider.

This option is an immersion in Basque culture, an active and shared experience that leaves its mark. It combines physical activity, nature, history, and gastronomy in a single day.

If you want to surprise your group with a different, active, and very authentic plan, don't hesitate: come row in Orio and savor our cider. Everything is better experienced from within... and in good company!