Wineries near Biarritz FR?

WINE TALK
1

Some family of a colleague is going to Bearritz. We would like to set them up with an appointment or two at a nice winery. Looking at the map, it seems possible that Spain might actually be a better option for finding wineries? I would think the coast between San Sebastian and Bilbao would probably have some things…

I am totally unfamiliar with the area so any help/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

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2

Spent a week in Biarritz in '05 but didn’t visit any local or Spanish wineries. Bordeaux is 2-2 1/2 hours north (by car). Also the TGV has a train that takes you directly there much quicker. Would be a long day, but I imagine it’s doable in the same day via car or train. We TGV’d to Bdx from Biarritz but stayed there for a few days.

3

To the southeast, in the Basque foothills of the Pyrenees is Irouléguy: Irouléguy AOC - Wikipedia" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It’s very pretty country, and only an hour’s drive from Biarritz, according to Google Maps: Google Maps" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, a little east of there, is a very pretty old town on the pilgrim’s route over the Pyrenees, and well worth a stop if you’re in the area. Be sure to load up on brebis (sheep) cheese and try a gateaux basque, a sort of fruit-filled pound cake that’s a local specialty.

4

Irouléguy is 54 kilometers (32 miles) from Biarritz, with picturesque twisty roads - about one hour indeed. On the other hand, Getaria is 74 kilometers (46 miles) away, but it’s mostly motorway, so it’s just about a 45-minute ride. One good producer in Getaria is Txomin Etxaniz: http://www.txominetxaniz.com/en/" onclick=“window.open(this.href);return false;. The Irouléguy co-operative is also very good for a co-op: http://www.cave-irouleguy.com/index.asp” onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

5

Brent,

Both John and Victor are spot-on. The French Basque area is an hour away and has some lovely food, wines and people. I spent a couple of days there, my report is here:
Random Ramblings on Food and Wine: A Day Visiting Wineries in the Basque Country (and an accidental, quickie pop into Spain)" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this helps!
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