"The Basques are one of the unique people-island to be found on the face of earth, completely different in every sense from the peoples around them"
(Lewy D´Abartiague, on The Origin of The Basques, 1896)
Rooted in tradition. Driven by passion.
Gaizka Picaza
But, who are we?
Hello, thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me!
I am a 47-year-old born and raised in Bilbao, a city that embodies the heart of the Basque Country. My journey in tourism began 26 years ago, when I completed my degree in Tourism, a field that I have been passionate about ever since. Throughout these years, I have dedicated myself to understanding the unique blend of culture, tradition, and innovation that makes the Basque Country such a special destination.
For the past years, I have had the privilege of working with the most prestigious Txakoli winery in Biscay, where I spearheaded the development of their tourism program, becoming President of Biscay´s Wine Tourism Association.
This experience allowed me to dive deep into the world of Basque wines, connect with winemakers, and design experiences that bring the richness of our terroir to life for visitors.
Whether it’s exploring the intricacies of Basque wine or uncovering the cultural treasures of our land, I am here to provide a unique, immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
Hi Everyone!
I grew up in Bizkaia moving between French and German schools, picking up English along the way. That early immersion in languages and cultures planted something in me: a curiosity for the world, and a deep anchor to this particular corner of it.
Before settling into a career, I did what that curiosity demanded: I left everything and spent a year travelling the world: South America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, two months working in Japan... I needed to see it. All of it.
For ten years after that I took that curiosity further. I built Namibia's first agro-processing project from a blank field and a feasibility study to a fully operational company with nearly 800 people. I learned what it means to create something from nothing, in a foreign land, against genuine resistance. And throughout all of it, I kept thinking about home.
Returning to the Basque Country wasn't a retreat. It was a choice. Gaizka and I founded Basquelanders because we believe what we have here - the food, the wine, the people, the way of life - deserves to be shared with the people who will truly appreciate it. Not as a product. As an invitation.
My role is to make sure the right people find us, and that when they do, everything we promise is exactly what they receive.
I will be your guide
Carlos Lertxundi
Your Naples, FL based contact
