Tastings in Asturias

If you’re planning to spend time in Asturias, tastings are a fantastic way to get under the skin of this place. And I’m not talking about touristy, rushed affairs. Here, it’s about sitting down with a glass of sidra poured the traditional way, letting the local fizz and apple flavors hit your palate as you chat with folks who’ve been making cider for generations.

Cheese lovers, don’t miss the chance to try Cabrales or Afuega’l Pitu. These aren’t your average supermarket finds , they’re rustic, punchy, and deeply tied to Asturias’ mountain culture. Often you can find small producers offering tastings in villages like Arenas de Cabrales or near Cangas del Narcea. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble on a local market where artisans sell their wares alongside fresh bread and honey.

Here’s a little tip: go in spring or early autumn when cider production is in full swing and many places offer tastings directly at the llagar (cider house). They’ll gladly pour you sidra escanciada, that dramatic pour that both aerates and cools the drink. Don’t knock it till you try it , it’s as much a show as it is a flavor boost. And don’t rush. Tastings here are often accompanied by small plates of chorizo or fabada bean stew, so sit back, relax, and let a local cider maker tell you their story.