Alicante's Best Wine Tasting Experiences: Explore the Local Vineyards

1. Bodegas Enrique Mendoza

One of the most renowned wineries in the Alicante region, Bodegas Enrique Mendoza is a must-visit for any wine lover. Located near Villena, this family-owned vineyard offers guided tours of their beautiful estate, showcasing the entire wine-making process from grape to bottle. Visitors can enjoy tasting a variety of their award-winning wines, including Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, paired with local cheeses and cured meats.

What to Expect:

• Guided Vineyard Tours: Learn about the winery’s eco-friendly practices and see the vineyards up close.
• Wine Tasting: Sample some of the best wines in Alicante, including their signature Monastrell and Moscatel varieties.

Tips:

• Book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Don’t miss their Enrique Mendoza Reserva, a red wine that’s a perfect blend of Alicante’s traditional flavors.

2. Finca Collado

Located in the heart of the Valle del Vinalopó, Finca Collado is a picturesque vineyard that offers a truly immersive wine-tasting experience. The vineyard’s scenic surroundings, combined with its commitment to sustainable farming, make it a popular destination for eco-conscious travelers. Visitors can explore the vineyard on a guided tour, where they will learn about the winemaking process, followed by a tasting of their Monastrell and Chardonnay wines.

What to Expect:

• Sustainable Winemaking: Learn about Finca Collado’s dedication to eco-friendly and traditional farming techniques.
• Wine and Food Pairing: Enjoy tastings of their organic wines paired with delicious local tapas.

Tips:

• Visit during harvest season (September–October) for a chance to see the grape harvest in action.
• Be sure to try their Chardonnay, a refreshing white wine that’s perfect for a warm Alicante day.

3. Bodegas Bocopa

A leader in Alicante’s wine industry, Bodegas Bocopa is famous for producing some of the region’s best-known wines, including Marina Alta and Alcanta. Located near Petrer, this large winery offers an in-depth tour of its vineyards and wine production facilities. The experience includes a tasting of their finest wines, with an emphasis on their popular Moscatel de Alejandría and Monastrell varieties.

What to Expect:

• Extensive Wine Collection: Sample a wide variety of Alicante’s best wines, from sweet Moscatel to bold reds.
• Winemaking Tour: Learn about the large-scale production techniques that make Bocopa one of the region’s most successful wineries.

Tips:

• Try their Marina Espumante, a sparkling wine that is perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
• Check their calendar for seasonal events and festivals that highlight the best of Alicante’s wine culture.

4. Bodegas Vinessens

For a boutique wine-tasting experience, head to Bodegas Vinessens, located in Villena. This family-run winery is known for producing high-quality, organic wines using sustainable practices. The small, intimate vineyard allows for personalized tours where you can meet the winemakers, tour the cellars, and taste a selection of their limited-edition wines. Bodegas Vinessens is particularly known for their innovative approach to blending traditional Monastrell grapes with more modern techniques to create unique flavors.

What to Expect:

• Personalized Tours: Enjoy an up-close experience with the winemakers and learn about their passion for organic wine production.
• Limited-Edition Wines: Taste rare, small-batch wines that are crafted with care and attention to detail.

Tips:

• Visit the Vinessens wine shop after your tour to take home a bottle of their Sein, a full-bodied red wine made from Monastrell and Syrah.
• Book a private tasting session for a more exclusive experience with the vineyard’s wine experts.

5. Casa Sicilia 1707

Located in the Novelda region, Casa Sicilia 1707 is a historic vineyard that has been producing wine for over 300 years. This elegant estate combines history and tradition with modern winemaking techniques, offering visitors a unique wine-tasting experience. The vineyard is famous for its Muscatel and Petit Verdot wines, and the tour includes a visit to the old winery, the wine cellar, and a tasting session that pairs their wines with local dishes.

What to Expect:

• Historic Vineyard: Explore the rich history of winemaking in Alicante at this 300-year-old estate.
• Food Pairings: Enjoy a gourmet experience with wine and food pairings that highlight the flavors of the region.

Tips:

• Try their Muscatel, a sweet wine that perfectly complements local desserts.
• Stay for lunch at their on-site restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine paired with the vineyard’s wines.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler looking to explore Alicante’s wine region, these top vineyards offer some of the best wine-tasting experiences in the area. From large-scale producers like Bodegas Bocopa to boutique wineries like Bodegas Vinessens, Alicante’s vineyards provide a perfect mix of tradition, innovation, and stunning scenery, making your wine-tasting adventure unforgettable.