Requena Winery 1/2 Day

Option 1 or 2 wineries

Come and explore the historic old bush vine vineyards, tasting some of the best organic wines of Utiel-Requena with a professional WSET/Sommelier who produces his own Bobal from a small centenary plot; explaining Spain´s grape varieties, organic viticulture and really learn about wine with a revealing behind the scenes tour.

Meet the owners at the bodegas & appreciate their top wines gaining insight into the lesser understood Cava.

D.O Utiel-Requena is the largest, highest (600-900m) & the furthest inland of the Valencian D.O´s possessing great growing conditions.
It´s the rising star of the Valencian wine regions with a re-image of autoctono varieties like Bobal, Merseguera & rare grapes like Tortosi & Tardana. Good vintages & talented vintners have brought Utiel-Requena into a new era and is more relevant with wine critics praise than ever before!

The main grape is the autoctono Bobal red variety.. somewhat abandoned here a long time ago, providing identity and signature wines of structure & young, fresher styles. The many old bush vines en secano (without irrigation) give uniqueness to the landscape; withstanding seasons…. seemingly immortal to the passing of time. Wines are varied from dry herbal rosé, lively Cava focusing on chardonney, rich whites tinged with subtle toast of new oak & red wines from noble grapes like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah etc. complimenting Bobal as a single variety or coupage.

These wines now compete with more well known Spanish names and often outshine their competition!

We visit one or two unique wineries producing Organic wines; “generous” guided tastings of 5-9 quality dry wines & Cava inc. maridaje of DOP Embutido/cheese & estate olive oil. Ask about our own recent artisan wines ! You will always learn something new on my tours! Our “one” winery tour is a top Pago visit looking at the viticulture techniques, differences like hand vs. machine harvesting and concept of terroir…yes it´s not imagination as recent science proves in Bordeaux! A private visit of the winery explaining how they make their wine and Cava (the Spanish Champan) ….more of a mini 101 wine education with interesting facts from grape to bottle.

We explain each stage from grape selection, destemming or whole bunches, fermentation/yeasts & the various techniques of making the wines.

You will learn more about oak barrel aging, differences in USA vs French and these nuances in wine!

Down to the Cava cellar & gain insight into how it still is an unchanged art…you often witness degorge & final corking take place…the journeys end before you drink it!

The property varias but often includes a visit through the original owners home/bodega or game lodge.

The tasting is a selection of min. 5 of the best wines & Cava of the winery, complimented with local cured cheese, charcouteria & also taste the estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The Pago visit is approx 2.5hrs with many features to appreciate.

The “two” wineries tour is as above but also previously we visit another unique bodega, a shorter duration of 75 mins. A fully guided tour of the bodega with 4-5 wines tasted inc. maridaje & varies from a smaller artisan cellar or an acclaimed family winery of status with wines, Cavas & eclectic natural wines chosen to suit our itinerary.

Note- we may substitute a winery for another on par quality estate as our private visits are by appointment & not always available 365 days/year.

Although we have just outlined the visit here it is not a typical wine tour and I believe this is a unique experience....even for a seasoned wine buff.

Travelling through a rolling landscape of vines, almond & olive trees it´s a territory steeped in history of viticulture from Phoenican times. We include a short walkabout visit to La Villa de Requena; 10thC Castle, Plaza, Moors caves & Gothic churches of the conquest with opportunity to shop for artisan local products (cured sausages, cheese, honey etc).

Requena has it´s own DOP for embutido with own recipes like “chorizo marinated in Cava” or “salchichon & walnuts”… local delicatessen at great prices.

Utiel-Requena with almost 40,000 hectares in vines is 2nd largest producer of wine in Spain. Requena is located 70km from Valencia city.

Well connected by autovia it´s a journey of just under an hour from Valencia.

We offer trips for small groups from Valencia. Tours are guided by myself Toni & the winery in English, so you are assured of a good understanding of wine & historical knowledge of the region in comfortable transport.

Requena is a town rich in history and culture with a tradition of winemaking dating from Phoenician times.

The gastronomy is famous for strong, hearty dishes & its artisan cured sausages, largely prepared by hand using natural ingredients. Amongst the popular fiestas praising these products, the “Fiesta de la Vendimia” & the “Feria del Embutido” (Sausage Fair) are important social events for local Valencians.