A life project.

Bakio, the origin of a life project.

It is said that the beginning of a project is the most difficult part. You have to have a clear mind, defined goals and know what you really want. And above all, to take the first step…

For Itziar Insausti, winemaker and co-founder of Doniene Gorrondona Txakolina, everything was clear 30 years ago.

In 1994, after completing a master’s degree project for the revitalization of old vineyards in Bakio, Itziar soon realized the potential of the valley and its historical value in the production of Txakoli since the 14th century.

What captivated Itziar was the location of Bakio. Located and protected between mountains, at the foot of the coast, with a moderate maritime climate that allows a slow and sufficiently long vegetative cycle for the vines to produce quality fruit.

With the opportunity to acquire the Gorrondona farmhouse and maintain the txakolinera tradition, he decided to propose this new project to his brother, Egoitz Insausti, and two friends, Julen Frías and Andoni Sarratea, forming a team that would begin to produce quality grapes and wines that today are benchmarks as Txakiolis of Bizkaia, and recognized around the world for their freshness, quality and evolution in the bottle.

What started as an academic project became a life project. Doniene Gorrondona Txakolina was officially founded in 1996.

The whole team, from left to right: Julen, Israel, David, Peru, Itziar, Bingen and Egoitz. And Maite Diez, in export.

Each one has specific activities and tasks, but the passion for the vineyard and wine is shared and contagious among the whole team.