Gañeta

Gañeta has been farmed since the late 1980s by Julián Ostolaza and Itziar, who established 17 hectares of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza trained high on traditional, slanted pergolas (parral). This elevated system is essential here: it maximizes airflow, mitigates mildew pressure, and allows the vines to dry after the near-constant Atlantic rains, while also capturing reflected light from the Bay of Biscay. The soils—largely clay and marl with marine influence—further reinforce the wines’ tension and salinity.

In 2021, Julián and Itziar retired and passed the estate to their niece and nephew, Paula and Enaitz, marking a generational transition that feels both respectful and quietly radical.

Enaitz is Getariako to the core. His résumé lists only two jobs: tuna fisherman and Txakoli grower—both defined by hard work, salt air, and respect for the sea paired with an instinctive understanding of weather, wind, and timing that can’t be taught. His sister Paula brings a different but equally vital skill set, having studied business and marketing in Tolosa. Together, they form the new guard at Gañeta, blending tradition with a fresh, forward-looking vision. Julián and Itziar still live on the estate, though these days Julián’s focus is on his vegetable garden rather than the vines an instinctive understanding of weather, wind, and timing that can’t be taught.