{"id":1073,"count":6,"description":"","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/spain\/valencia","name":"Valencia wine region","slug":"valencia","taxonomy":"category","parent":826,"meta":[],"acf":{"short_region_name":"Valencia","region_id":156,"h1":"Visit the Valencia Wine Region: The Complete Guide","subtitle":"","term_author":17,"term_co_authors":"","term_published":"2025-11-29 19:28:58","term_last_updated":"2026-05-29 19:28:58","tldr_title":"The essentials for visiting the Valencia wine region","tldr_content":"<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Valencia wine in brief<\/strong>: a <strong>Mediterranean<\/strong> <strong>wine region<\/strong> in <strong>eastern Spain<\/strong>, spreading <strong>inland from the city<\/strong> of Valencia up onto a high plateau, plus the coast down to <strong>Alicante<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What it's famous for<\/strong>: robust <strong>red wines<\/strong> from <strong>Bobal<\/strong> and <strong>Monastrell<\/strong>, sweet <strong>Moscatel de Valencia<\/strong>, and Alicante's legendary aged <strong>Fondill\u00f3n<\/strong> dessert wine.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>The three DOs<\/strong>: <strong>Valencia<\/strong> (broad, varied), <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong> (inland plateau, <strong>Bobal<\/strong> heartland) and <strong>Alicante<\/strong> (<strong>Monastrell<\/strong> + Fondill\u00f3n).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Grapes<\/strong>: reds from <strong>Monastrell<\/strong>, <strong>Bobal<\/strong>, <strong>Garnacha<\/strong> and <strong>Tempranillo<\/strong>; whites from <strong>Merseguera<\/strong>, <strong>Macabeo<\/strong> and <strong>Moscatel<\/strong>; plus international <strong>Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, <strong>Merlot<\/strong>, <strong>Syrah<\/strong> and <strong>Chardonnay<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Must-sees<\/strong>: the Bobal <strong>bodegas<\/strong> of Requena, the Monastrell country around Alicante, and the Cava made in Requena.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ideal stay<\/strong>: 1\u20132 days, easily added to a Valencia city break.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Local table<\/strong>: paella (born here), rice dishes, seafood and <em>turr\u00f3n<\/em> \u2014 built for the region's wines.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: fly to Valencia or Alicante, then drive inland.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Budget for two<\/strong>: $250\u2013$500 (\u20ac230\u2013460) for a comfortable visit.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","link_to_wl_landing_page":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/valencia","override_cta_in_quick_access":"Best Valencia wineries to visit ","intro":"Valencia is one of Spain's great coastal cities \u2014 paella, the Mediterranean, the futuristic City of Arts \u2014 so few visitors think to head <strong>inland from the city<\/strong>, where the real <strong>wine<\/strong> country begins. Climb up onto the high plateau behind the coast and you find a different Valencia: cool, altitude-grown <strong>vineyards<\/strong> of <strong>Bobal<\/strong> and <strong>Monastrell<\/strong>, ancient <strong>bodegas<\/strong>, and a wine scene that has quietly transformed from a bulk-wine giant into a source of serious, characterful bottles. It's the side of Valencia I always tell people to make time for, between the beach and the paella.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Valencia wine region<\/strong>, on the <strong>Mediterranean<\/strong> coast of <strong>eastern Spain<\/strong>, spans three main <em>Denominaciones de Origen<\/em> \u2014 <strong>Valencia<\/strong>, <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong> and <strong>Alicante<\/strong> \u2014 each with its own grapes and styles, from robust reds to the famous sweet <strong>Moscatel<\/strong> and the legendary <strong>Fondill\u00f3n<\/strong>. With the Winalist team, we work with the <strong>wineries<\/strong> across the region. In this guide, we've gathered the essentials: the <strong>DOs<\/strong>, the <strong>grape varieties<\/strong>, and the best places to taste.","best_hosts_title":"The wineries to visit in the Valencia wine region","best_hosts_content":"The <strong>wines in Valencia<\/strong> come from a region transformed: once known mainly for <strong>bulk wine<\/strong>, it's now home to ambitious <strong>wineries<\/strong> making characterful, <strong>altitude<\/strong>-grown bottles. The inland plateau, <strong>southwest of Valencia city<\/strong>, is the heartland \u2014 around <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong>, old-vine <strong>Bobal<\/strong> makes deep, fresh reds, and the area is also a major centre of <strong>Cava<\/strong> production. To the south, the <strong>Alicante<\/strong> <strong>bodegas<\/strong> specialise in powerful <strong>Monastrell<\/strong> and the rare, oxidatively aged <strong>Fondill\u00f3n<\/strong>. Across the region you'll also find sweet <strong>Moscatel de Valencia<\/strong> and a growing range of <strong>indigenous and international<\/strong> styles.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/valencia\">Book a wine tasting in Valencia<\/a>","things_to_do_content":"<h2>The best wine experiences in the Valencia wine region<\/h2>\r\nHere's our pick of the best wine experiences across the <strong>Valencia wine region<\/strong> \u2014 built on the three <strong>DOs<\/strong> and the <strong>grape varieties<\/strong> that define this corner of <strong>eastern Spain<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>1. Taste old-vine Bobal in Utiel-Requena<\/h3>\r\nThe inland <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong> plateau is the world heartland of <strong>Bobal<\/strong> \u2014 a deep, fresh <strong>red grape variety<\/strong> that has been rediscovered as one of Spain's most exciting. Tasting old-vine Bobal at altitude is the highlight of a Valencia wine trip.\r\n<h3>2. Discover Alicante's Monastrell<\/h3>\r\nThe <strong>Alicante<\/strong> DO specialises in <strong>Monastrell<\/strong> (Mourv\u00e8dre) \u2014 powerful, sun-soaked reds from the Mediterranean hills. <strong>Alicante is also<\/strong> home to a fascinating range of styles built on this grape.\r\n<h3>3. Try the legendary Fondill\u00f3n<\/h3>\r\nAlicante's <strong>Fondill\u00f3n<\/strong> is one of the world's great rarities \u2014 a <strong>non-fortified dessert wine<\/strong> from sun-dried Monastrell, aged a <strong>minimum of 10 years<\/strong>. Tasting this historic wine is a unique Valencian experience.\r\n<blockquote>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tip<\/strong>: to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/valencia\">book a winery visit near Valencia<\/a> with tasting, browse Winalist's partner bodegas across Utiel-Requena and Alicante.<\/blockquote>\r\n<h3>4. Explore the three DOs<\/h3>\r\nThe region splits into <strong>Valencia<\/strong>, <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong> and <strong>Alicante<\/strong> \u2014 from the broad Valencia DO to the Bobal plateau and the Monastrell coast. Tasting across them reveals the region's full <strong>range of wine styles<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>5. Sip sweet Moscatel de Valencia<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Moscatel de Valencia<\/strong> is the region's classic sweet white \u2014 fragrant, honeyed and easy to love. A glass with dessert is a delicious Valencian tradition.\r\n<h3>6. Visit a Cava bodega in Requena<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Requena<\/strong> is a surprising centre of <strong>Cava<\/strong> production. Touring a Cava <strong>bodega<\/strong> here, with its underground cellars, adds a sparkling note to the inland wine country.\r\n<h3>7. Pair wine with paella<\/h3>\r\nPaella was born in Valencia, and the region's wines are made for it \u2014 and for its rice dishes and seafood. A tasting paired with the local table is the heart of any visit.\r\n<h3>8. Taste the altitude wines of the plateau<\/h3>\r\nThe inland plateau's <strong>altitude<\/strong> and cooler nights give the reds freshness and the whites crispness. A tasting that explains the high-country <strong>terroir<\/strong> shows why Valencian wine has risen in quality.\r\n<h3>9. Discover the local and international grapes<\/h3>\r\nBeyond Bobal and Monastrell, the region grows <strong>Garnacha<\/strong>, <strong>Tempranillo<\/strong>, white <strong>Merseguera<\/strong> and <strong>Macabeo<\/strong>, plus <strong>Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, <strong>Merlot<\/strong>, <strong>Syrah<\/strong> and <strong>Chardonnay<\/strong> \u2014 an <strong>indigenous and international<\/strong> mix.\r\n<h3>10. Time your visit for the harvest<\/h3>\r\nThe Valencian harvest (late August\u2013October) is the most vibrant season, the <strong>bodegas<\/strong> busy and the plateau turning gold. A great time to combine wine country with the coast.","title_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"The towns and cities of the Valencia wine region","text_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"A few places anchor a Valencia wine trip: the <strong>city of Valencia<\/strong> itself, the coastal capital and natural base; <strong>Requena<\/strong>, the inland wine town at the heart of Bobal and Cava country; <strong>Alicante<\/strong>, the southern coastal city and gateway to Monastrell; and <strong>Castell\u00f3n<\/strong> to the north. Each deserves its own guide.","villages_content":"","title_itineraries":"Our itineraries for visiting the Valencia wine region","text_itineraries":"Depending on how much time you have, several itineraries work well: a <strong>day trip<\/strong> from Valencia to the <strong>Bobal<\/strong> <strong>bodegas<\/strong> and Cava cellars of <strong>Utiel-Requena<\/strong>; a <strong>weekend<\/strong> combining the inland plateau with the city and the coast; or a <strong>longer trip<\/strong> heading south to the <strong>Monastrell<\/strong> country and <strong>Fondill\u00f3n<\/strong> of <strong>Alicante<\/strong>. The plateau is a short drive <strong>inland from the city<\/strong> \u2014 a car makes linking the <strong>wineries<\/strong> easy, and it pairs perfectly with a Valencia or Alicante beach break.","when_visit":"<strong>Spring (April\u2013June)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWarm and pleasant, with the inland vineyards green \u2014 a lovely time to tour the bodegas before the summer heat.\r\n\r\n<strong>Summer (July\u2013August)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHot, especially inland, though the <strong>altitude<\/strong> plateau and the coastal breeze help. The busiest beach season; mornings are best for tasting.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harvest (late August\u2013October)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe most vibrant time, with the <strong>bodegas<\/strong> at work and the plateau golden. A great season to combine wine country with the warm Mediterranean coast.\r\n\r\n<strong>Autumn (late October\u2013November)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nMild and quiet, with the vineyards turning \u2014 an ideal, relaxed time to tour inland and taste the new vintages.\r\n\r\n<strong>Winter (December\u2013March)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCool inland, mild on the coast. The larger <strong>wineries<\/strong> stay open year-round, and it pairs well with a Valencia city break.","how_visit":"<strong>By plane<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Valencia (VLC)<\/strong> \u2014 the main gateway, close to the city and the inland DOs<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Alicante (ALC)<\/strong> \u2014 for the southern Monastrell and Fondill\u00f3n country<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By car<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Valencia \u2192 Utiel-Requena (Bobal plateau): ~40 mi (65 km), 50 min<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Valencia \u2192 Alicante: ~110 mi (175 km), 1h45<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Alicante \u2192 inland Monastrell country: ~30 mi (50 km), 45 min<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The inland plateau is a short drive from the coast<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>By train<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>High-speed and regional trains link Madrid and the coast with Valencia, Requena and Alicante<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Getting around<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Car<\/strong>: best for reaching the <strong>wineries<\/strong> across the inland plateau and the Alicante hills.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Guided tours with driver<\/strong>: many Winalist partners run Valencia wine tours from the city, so you can taste without driving.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Base on the coast<\/strong>: Valencia or Alicante both work well, with the wine country a short drive inland.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","hotels_visit":"<strong>Charm and luxury<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Design hotels in the <strong>city of Valencia<\/strong>, near the beach and old town.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Boutique and seafront hotels in <strong>Alicante<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Wine-estate stays around Requena and the inland plateau.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Wine-estate bodegas<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSeveral <strong>wineries<\/strong> offer rooms among the vineyards, especially around Utiel-Requena and inland Alicante, with tastings and estate dining. Expect $90\u2013$200 (\u20ac85\u2013185) per night.\r\n\r\n<strong>For a different kind of Valencia experience<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBase in the <strong>city of Valencia<\/strong> for the beach and culture, in <strong>Alicante<\/strong> for the south, or in a Requena wine estate inland. Plenty of options for trips with family or friends.","display_map":true,"map_title":"Map of the Valencia wine region","map_widget_link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/affiliate\/widget?partner=14&type=map&lat=39.4699075&lng=-0.3762881&location=Valencia,%20Spain&locale=en_US","other_images_for_term":"","title_faq":"Good to know before visiting the Valencia wine region","text_before_faq":"","acf-repeater-faq":[{"faq_question":"Where is the Valencia wine region?","faq_answer":"The Valencia wine region is on the Mediterranean coast of eastern Spain, spreading inland from the city of Valencia onto a high plateau and south toward Alicante. Its three DOs are Valencia, Utiel-Requena (inland) and Alicante (south). Fly to Valencia or Alicante."},{"faq_question":"What wine is Valencia known for?","faq_answer":"Robust red wines from Bobal (Utiel-Requena) and Monastrell (Alicante), the sweet Moscatel de Valencia, and Alicante's rare aged Fondill\u00f3n dessert wine. The region is also a significant Cava producer around Requena."},{"faq_question":"What grapes are grown in the Valencia wine region?","faq_answer":"Reds: Monastrell, Bobal, Garnacha, Tempranillo and international Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. Whites: Merseguera, Macabeo, Moscatel, plus Chardonnay and others. Bobal and Monastrell are the signatures."},{"faq_question":"What is Fondill\u00f3n?","faq_answer":"Fondill\u00f3n is a rare Alicante speciality \u2014 a non-fortified dessert wine made from sun-dried Monastrell, aged a minimum of 10 years. One of the world's great historic wines, and a must-taste in the region."},{"faq_question":"When is the best time to visit?","faq_answer":"Spring and autumn (April\u2013June, late September\u2013October) are ideal \u2014 mild, scenic and quieter, with the harvest atmospheric. Summer is hot inland but tempered by altitude and the coast; the larger wineries stay open year-round."},{"faq_question":"How do you get around the Valencia wine region?","faq_answer":"A car is easiest for reaching the wineries across the inland plateau and the Alicante hills, though Valencia, Requena and Alicante are linked by train. Many visitors take a guided Valencia wine tour from the city so they can taste without driving."}],"country":"Spain","api-name":"valencia","unique_places_to_visit_content":"","highlights":"","highlights_title":"","text_content_overview":"","about_wines_of_region_intro":"","text_for_appellations_of_the_wine_regions_":"","text_for_wine_taste_notes_&_flavors":"","text_for_grape_varieties_of_wine_region":"","text_for_popular_wines":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/1073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/taxonomies\/category"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/826"}],"acf:user":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"wp:post_type":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts?categories=1073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}