Cider-making, an ancient tradition
In A Estrada, about fifty indigenous apple varieties are cultivated. Using this valuable fruit, the region has reactivated an industry that dates back to the Iron Age. Come and indulge yourself with the aromatic cider from Rías Baixas!
Rabiosa, raída, marafouza or pimienta are some of the autochthonous varieties of apple used to produce the cider from the town of A Estrada. The old industry of traditional cider has strongly resurged in this region of the northern part of the province of Pontevedra.
As a result of the intensive work of local producers to revive this activity, more than 100 hectares were planted with apple trees intended for cider production in the green valleys of the rivers Ulla, Umia and Liñares.
don’t miss ...
- The banks of the rivers Ulla, Umia and Liñares
- Feira da Sidra (Cider Festival)
- The manor house Pazo de Oca
- The meadows Brañas de Xestoso
The blooming period is from April to May, and the latest production is also marketed in these months. The amazing fields of the region of Tabeirós-Terra de Montes are an invitation to travel around an enjoy the inland part of the province of Pontevedra.
Sweet-scented, light, slightly sour, and with plenty of body, the cider from A Estrada has preserved the essence of the past, its nobility and authenticity
Spring is the best season to enjoy the aroma of the fifty sweet, sour and bitter apple varieties, and immerse yourself in a longstanding tradition. Cider is sweet-scented and its taste is light and slightly sour, having plenty of body. A delight for the senses that can be paired with traditional dishes of the local cuisine.
The production of apples in A Estrada is mainly organic, and the essence of the past, its nobility and authenticity have been preserved. A perfect occasion to taste this beverage is the Feira da Sidra, born in 2012 to promote the cider produced by the manufactures who have revived this deep-rooted and ancient tradition in the province of Pontevedra.
Among the many attractions of A Estrada, it is worth visiting the traditional eighteenth-century manor house Pazo de Oca and its gardens known as "the Galician Versailles", the cascades of the Curantes River, the meadows known as Brañas de Xestoso and the Sacra de Olives Lagoon. The region of Tabeirós has many natural landscapes to get away from it all and taste first-quality products.
Cider presses filled with history
Even though cider manufacturing fell into decline more than 100 years ago, many houses in the region of Tabeirós-Terra de Montes still keep their old cider presses. Moreover, plantations started to be recovered in the late 20th century. These places are considered true ethnographic treasures, silent witnesses of the work of the past with more than 100 years of antiquity. Today, you can visit the cider presses Lagar de Ribela and Sidrería Peroja.
