Valencia is typically known for paella, oranges, and the famous Fallas festival. However, the city also has a long history of wine cultivation dating back several thousands of years and is starting to gain more international recognition. The thriving wine industry of Valencia owes its success to two key things: the arrival of Romans in Spain, and the geographical location of Valencia on the Eastern coast of Spain.
After a decrease of wine production in the past few decades, the area has seen a sort of renaissance with new winemakers and growers, attempting to reestablish the city as a wine hub for Spain. The varying climates of the area produce many types of wines to try, including light sparkling cavas, rich fruity reds, and dry white wines. Sea Saffron has prepared more information about the different vineyards in the region for Valencia wines and where to try them in the city.
Valencia Wine Regions
D.O. Utiel-Requena
This is the largest region for wine in Valencia and has a long tradition of winemaking dating back to the 7th century. The name is based on the two neighbouring towns, Utiel and Requena. This area has many vineyards to visit and is located 80 km from the city center. The consistent warm climate has enabled the Bobal grape to thrive, used predominantly for red wines and rosés.
Pasión de Bobal 2016
Winery: Bodega Sierra Norte
Region: Utiel-Requena
Grape: Bobal
Price: <10 euros
Characteristics: Cherry red in color
Flavor Notes: Fruity with good acidity. Light notes of vanilla, smoke and toast.
Of course, Utiel-Requena is not strictly limited to Bobals and offers a wide variety of highly recommendable wines. Below, we recommend our favorites from the region that are less typical - those which are coupage wines or are focused around grapes other than Bobal.
Bassus Pinot Noir 2017
Winery: Bodegas Hispano Suizas
Region: Utiel-Requena
Grape: Pinot Noir
Price: ~20 euros
Characteristics: Cherry red with violet hues
Flavor Notes: Ripe red fruit, toast and spicy notes
Tantum Ergo Chardonnay - Pinot Noir
Winery: Bodegas Hispano Suizas
Region: Utiel-Requena
Grape: Coupage (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir)
Price: ~25 euros
Characteristics: Intense golden yellow
Flavor Notes: Ripe white fruit with notes of pastry, dried fruit and vanilla
Hoya de Cadenas Reserva 2014
Winery: Vicente Gandía
Region: Utiel-Requena
Grape: Tempranillo
Price: ~ 10 euros
Characteristics: Intense cherry
Flavor Notes: Fruity with notes of wood and cocoa
Finca Terrerazo 2017
Winery: Mustiguillo
Region: Utiel-Requena (Vino de Pago)
Grape: Bobal
Price: ~ 25 euros
Characteristics: Intense cherry
Flavor Notes: Red and black fruits with toasted and herbaceous notes
Mestizaje Blanco 2018
Winery: Mustiguillo
Region: Utiel-Requena (Vino de Pago)
Grape: Merseguera, Viognier, Malvasía
Price: ~ 10 euros
Characteristics: Clear straw yellow
Flavor Notes: Fresh and fruity with notes of apricot and peach
Mestizaje Tinto 2017
Winery: Mustiguillo
Region: Utiel-Requena (Vino de Pago)
Grape: Bobal, Garnacha, Syrah
Price: ~ 10 euros
Characteristics: Cherry red with violet flecks
Flavor Notes: Red and black fruits with mineral and spicy notes
D.O. Alicante
Alicante is at the Southern end of the region and has a high production demand both locally and internationally. Its most famous wine is the sweet Fondillón, made with overripe Monastrell grapes. However, the region provides a wide variety of grapes and wines due to its size and climate.
Laudum Fondillón 1988
Winery: Bodegas Bocopa
Region: Alicante
Grape: Monastrell
Price: ~ 30 euros
Characteristics: Mahogany color with amber hues
Flavor Notes: Ripe and sweet fruit, pacified fruit, with hints of cocoa and hazelnut
El Sequé 2016
Winery: Bodegas y Viñedos El Sequé
Region: Alicante
Grape: Monastrell
Price: ~ 20 euros
Characteristics: Cherry red
Flavor Notes: Ripe red fruit with light toasted and spicy notes
Santa Rosa Reserva 2016
Winery: Bodegas Enrique Mendoza
Region: Alicante
Grape: Coupage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah)
Price: ~ 20 euros
Characteristics: Intense ruby
Flavor Notes: Well balanced and slightly smoky
Tarima Hill 2016
Winery: Bodegas Volver
Region: Alicante
Grape: Monastrell
Price: ~ 10 euros
Characteristics: Ruby red
Flavor Notes: Blackberry, peppery notes and light quality of grass
D.O. Valencia
These grapes come from market gardens surrounding the city as well as the mountain ranges bordering the region. This includes wine from Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel de Valencia, and Clariano, producing a wide variety of wines. Some principal grapes here are Merseguera, Moscatel de Alejandría, and Sauvignon Blanc for white wines, and Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for red wines.
Pasión de Moscatel 2017
Winery: Sierra Norte
Region: Valencia
Grape: Moscatel
Price: ~10 euros
Characteristics: Pale straw
Flavor Notes: Fruity and dry with notes of apricot, apple and flowers
Maduresa 2016
Winery: Celler del Roure
Region: Valencia
Grape: Coupage (Mandó, Syrah, Petit verdot, Merlot, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Price: ~20 euros
Characteristics: Cherry red
Flavor Notes: Ripe, mineral, warm fruit
Cullerot 2018
Winery: Celler del Roure
Region: Valencia
Grape: Coupage (Pedro Ximénez, Verdil, Charonnay, Macabeo)
Price: ~10 euros
Characteristics: Clean bright yellow with golden hues
Flavor Notes: Fruity, floral and mineral with citrus notes
Venta del Puerto Nº12
Winery: Anecoop La Viña
Region: Valencia
Grape: Coupage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah)
Price: ~10 euros
Characteristics: Bright red, slightly garnet
Flavor Notes: Sweet with roasted coffee and good acidity.
Within Valencia D.O. there is a region known as Alto Turia. This region is 72 km northeast of the city and is located along the banks of the Turia river in the highest part of the province. The climate and location of the region is perfectly suited for the production of dry white wines. This white wine is typically from the Macabeo and Merseguera grapes.
Vegamar Seleccion Merseguera 2018
Winery: Bodegas Vegamar
Region: Alto Turia (D.O. Valencia)
Grape: Merseguera
Price: <10 euros
Characteristics: Green-yellow
Flavor Notes: Fruity with fresh acidity
Castellón
Castellón is located in the mountains but is only a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. Centuries of farmers have cultivated this area and this region is known for the native grape varieties such as Macabeo, Embolicaire, and Monastrell.
Bellmunt I Oliver Brut Nature
Winery: Bodega Ildum
Region: Castellón
Grape: Macabeo and Chardonnay
Price: ~10 euros
Characteristics: Straw yellow
Flavor Notes: Well-balanced and pairs perfectly with desserts and all foods
Odisea Roble 2016
Winery: Cooperativa de Viver
Region: Castellón
Grape: Coupage (Tempranillo, Cabernet sauvignon)
Price: ~5 euros
Characteristics: Bright garnet red
Flavor Notes: Intensely fruity with notes of herbs
Valencia Wine in Unforgettable Venues
Want to discover the best wines of the region without having to leave Valencia city? At Sea Saffron we bring the vineyards to you, along with traditional local tapas in an unforgettable venue.
"At Sea Saffron, we bring the vineyards to you"
Discover the city's highest viewpoint on TripAdvisor's top-rated activity. We invite you to discover Valencia wine and gourmet tapas with an unmissable backdrop. After exploring the iconic City of Arts and Sciences on a small group tour, ascend to the highest private rooftop terrace in Valencia for an exclusive wine tasting experience. Your passionate host shares the stories behind the wines and from the rooftop can point out where the wines have come from.
Or explore the historic district on TripAdvisor's award-winning small group Old Town Tour, we combine the city's famous culture and gastronomy, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the wine, food, and history of this incredible city.
On this tour, you will be able to learn discover the rich history of the Old Town and then dine in the city's most history venue, dating back to the 11th Century. Taste our selection of prize-winning Valencia wines, and enjoy specially-designed seasonal menus, all whilst experiencing one incredibly unique location in Valencia.