Gordejuela ~ Visit to Vivanca & Zabala Familia

Chris with Etxaniz in the Txakoli grove.

Chris and I went out to see Chris' cousins outside of Bilboa in the Basque countryside where they live in a charming town called Gordejuela.  We had lunch at their caserio and enjoyed their gardens and grounds.  It was a warm day and the air and smell of herbs and flowers were intoxicating.  It rains a lot in the Basque country and everything is so green.  Lola, Muneca and Etxaniz live at their beautiful villa that they have impeccably rebuilt.  They grow much of their own food and also make their own Basque wine called Txokoli.  This is now my favorite Basque wine and they sent us back to San Sebastian with 6 bottles.   Muneca is an incredible cook which is always presented on a beautifully set table with china, silver and crystal.   After lunch, we all watched the soccer game and caught up.  I met Lola's daughter, also called Lola and also enjoyed getting to Carmen, a dear family friend.