The Sierra de Espadán has always been worked by man producing harvests of olives, almonds and wine! Whilst few vineyards exist here today one artisan bodega in the heart of the Natural Park farms the unique “Rodeno” mineral soils to produce wines of exclusive personality. The vineyards are fragmented in a magical valley; one of the oldest remaining cork oak forests of Europe. The cork bark is harvested using mules and ecologic wine corks made locally . Pertaining to a Mediterranean climate it is protected from the cold north wind …..all conductive to the grapes & quality of the wines on difficult to work slopes.
Check out the photos in the Gallery at foot of page!
The winery & cheese maker
We visit a micro-winery nestled among tree-covered slopes, where the chimes of the church bell break the silence. First, an introduction to their robust, structured wines, regulated under IGP Castelló. A tasting of 4-5 wines is paired with local cheeses from the award-winning “Los Corrales” cheesemaker, located just 100 metres from the winery. A visit to the vines weather permitting.
*Later you may also taste & purchase the extraordinary Ex. Virgin Olive Oil from the mountains of Sierra Espadán. I plan to inc. visit to olive oil musem soon.
After the tasting, there is an optional visit to the cheesemaker, where you can buy their range of artisan cheeses. They use raw and pasteurized goat & sheep’s milk from local herds, utilizing both thistle and lactic rennet for coagulation, creating seven unique cheese recipes that reflect the region.
The Vineyard
The rugged landscape boasts 8 hectares of terraced Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carignan, producing impressive red wines. These are complemented by the local, recovered varieties Castellana and Planta Fina, along with Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing white wine. The vineyards are organically dry-farmed benefiting from the sandstone “Rodeno” terroir which retains water efficiently and yields well-balanced wines in moderate quantities.
The harvest is done manually in 12kg boxes, using native yeasts, longer macerations, and aging in 225L French oak barrels. Each of the wines produced ranges from just 100 to 2,400 bottles per year, depending on weather condition….each bottle a unique creation.
Artisan Cheese
Raw milk preserves its original nutritional qualities, including vitamins and protein structures, while maintaining its natural bacterial flora, flavor, and aromas. The cheesemaker crafts their own ferments from raw milk to maintain biodiversity and offer a unique product.
Vegetable coagulant is used for the Tronchón and Extramuros cheeses, while lamb or kid rennet is used for the others—none of which are genetically modified. Importantly, no additives or powdered milk are used, and the cheese rinds are coated with extra virgin olive oil from the Sierra de Espadán, free from antibiotics, making them completely edible.
Each cheese is handmade, one by one, and matured in an air-conditioned cellar on wooden shelves.
“Keeping centuries of tradition and sustainable use of natural resources, two of our cheeses use vegetable coagulant instead of animal rennet, as was traditionally done by Mediterranean cheesemakers. This coagulant gives the cheese a special flavor and texture.”
The maturation process follows a natural, low-temperature, high-humidity approach on wooden boards. No ripening regulators are used, ensuring the milk’s original qualities shape the cheese’s natural evolution. The techniques applied inside the cellar—turning, oiling, and washing the rind—are what give each cheese its distinctive, artisanal character.
Sagunto Visit & Lunch
Leaving the mountains behind and passing the castles of Castelnovo & Segorbe, we soon arrive at Sagunto. We begin with a visit to the colossal 1st-century AD Roman amphitheatre, which once seated 4,000 spectators.
Adjacent, you will enjoy a creative gourmet lunch at Le Fou Restaurante, accompanied by Valencian white & red wine overlooking the Roman fortress.
The restaurant has a curious, restored wine cellar in the Roman Ruins & you are invited to browse the interesting wine selection. You can also choose wine or Champagne at special prices to drink or take home!
After lunch you have option to walk up to Sagunto Castle to explore Roman antiquities including the Forum, Almenara Gate & Military History Museum. We can also visit Sagunto Archaeological Museum housing a collection of Roman relics. *Mon-Tues alternative Restaurant in mountains with authentic Valencian Paella a leña + swimming pool dip in summer!
Saguntum Roman History
Sagunto Castle dates back to the 5th century BC, when the wealthy Iberian town of Arse was established. It was conquered by Carthaginian General Hannibal in 219 BC after an eight-month siege and later reclaimed by Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio in 213–212 BC. Under Roman rule, the city, renamed Saguntum, flourished with new civil and religious constructions. Notable Roman monuments include the Forum, Theatre, Puerta del Circo, Temple of Diana, remains of a Roman bridge (Via Augusta), Plaza Romana, Roman road (Via Pòrtic), and Villa Romana.
During the 8th-century Islamic rule, the city was renamed Murbyter, the 11th-century castle from this period remains well-preserved. After the Christian conquest by King James I in 1237, the city became Murviedro (later Morvedre). From this era, notable sites include the porticoed Plaza Mayor, Jewish Quarter, El Almudín granary, noble palaces, and the 13th-century Iglesia del Salvador and 14th-century Santa María, built on the site of the original mosque.
Optional Itinerary Adjustments
You may choose to return to Valencia after lunch or opt for the shorter itinerary (without lunch/wines) returning after the Theatre/Castle visit. The tour can also be customized to include historic Segorbe, Olive Oil museum, Cartuja de Valldecrist, Cathedral etc, & as mentioned alternative restaurant with traditional Paella a Leña ..authentic non tourist ! Please inquire for pricing on tailor-made itinerary options as this new tour is being refined.
You will also taste the Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the Sierra ..a premium Organic Olive Oil !
Prices
Discount for large group or joining group
Itinerary
- 09:30 AM – Hotel pickup scenic drive to hills.
- Organic Winery visit in the mountains, including tastings of four wines + local artisan cheeses.
- Optional visit inc. to the organic cheesemaker to purchase cheese (7 varieties).
- Three-course lunch with Valencian white & red wines from recovered vines & taste Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the Sierra. The local Olive Oil & Wine are also available. Visit restored wine cellar in ruins below restaurante.....wines may be purchased .
- Guided tour of Sagunto, visiting its most emblematic landmarks, including the Castle, Amphitheatre & Museums (entry fees included).
5+ hours, with a flexible return to Valencia between 1530-1630hrs.
Important Notes
- This tour includes stairs inside buildings and walking up and down inclined roads to the castle, with some rugged terrain inside the ruins.
- Walking shoes or trainers are highly recommended.
- This tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, health concerns or disabilities.
Please ask for availability and tour options/prices as can be tailor made for you.