Although perhaps better known for its beautiful beaches, Valencia is also home to an ancient winemaking heritage that reflects centuries of grape growing and cultural influence.
Blending its deep-rooted viticultural history with rich gastronomy and Mediterranean charm, Valencia offers a delicious and immersive wine route to explore. With near-perfect sunshine and mild weather year-round, it’s an equally appealing destination in summer or winter.
What does change, however, is the seasonal produce – and with zero-kilometre (Km0) cuisine at the heart of the local food scene, each season brings a different flavour. Chefs here are inspired by an abundance of fresh ingredients from the sea, fields and mountains, which are reimagined each harvest into inspired dishes to pair with local wines.
Picture this: a stroll through centenarian vineyards, followed by a glass of wine made from those very vines, as an authentic paella is cooked over a woodfire in the quiet of the countryside… That’s the art of Valencian living – and the beauty of its wine routes.
With over 350 wineries, there are four key wine routes worth taking your time to explore:
Utiel-Requena
The largest, most lionised and best-known of Valencia’s wine regions, Utiel-Requena is home to the native red grape Bobal – responsible for many of the region’s most sought-after wines. Wineries here have spent generations honing their skills with this unique variety, which produces rich, fruit-driven reds with floral and earthy character.
The wine route is well-established, offering memorable visits to medieval caves and underground cellars, as well as sleek, state-of-the-art wineries – including some of Spain’s esteemed Vino de Pago estates. Whether exploring by bike, foot or horse-drawn carriage, Utiel-Requena is a must-stop on Valencia’s wine journey.
Valencia
Embracing the diversity afforded by its Mediterranean climate, the DO Valencia spans a variety of grape varieties and wine styles – from crisp whites to juicy reds and luscious dessert wines. Key subzones include Alto Turia, Valentino, Clariano, Terres dels Alforins, Moscatel and Valencia itself. Throughout, you’ll find wineries with deep-rooted traditions that aren’t afraid to innovate.
The sweetest way to finish any visit here? With a glass of the region’s renowned Moscatel dessert wine – an elixir fit for the gods.
Alicante
From the mountainous inland zone of Alto Vinalopó to the vine-covered coastal strip of Marina Alta, DO Alicante is a region defined by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea – an omnipresent backdrop to tastings. Many wineries boast views of the sea from their cellars.
Monastrell is king here – used in bold dry reds and the region’s rare, historic sweet wine: Fondillón. Alicante’s heritage runs deep, and a visit here promises both vinous and cultural richness.
Castelló
To the north of the Valencian Community lies this small yet proud IGP, where boutique producers make vinos de autor in the subregions of Terres del Maestrat and l’Alcalatén. This is a land of artisan-scale wineries, organic viticulture and traditional techniques, with rare local varieties like Embolicaire.
The combination of charming towns and passionate producers makes Castelló an ideal place to while away an afternoon or two.
Discover more about the Comunitat Valenciana
Connect on Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
-
Protos: Defining the wines of the futureSponsored Content Winemaker Marilena Bonilla has overseen many changes during two decades at Protos, one of Spain’s most famous wineries. She reflects on the history and legacy of the iconic Ribera del Duero brand, and how she is adapting the wines for the future.
-
Selvanella: A Chianti Classico pioneerSponsored Content In 1969, when Chianti Classico was still dominated by blends and bulk production, one estate put the name of its vineyard on the label. It was an act of conviction that still defines it today.
-
Gavi: Piedmont’s hidden gemSponsored Content Set between the Apennines and the Ligurian coast, Gavi combines medieval charm, distinctive gastronomy and one of Italy’s finest wines.
-
Cuatro Rayas: Past-proofing the futureSponsored Content Responsible for the largest area under vine in Rueda, this forward-thinking wine cooperative has embraced its role as the custodian of an invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
-
Cantina Tollo: Business not as usualSponsored Content In the heart of Abruzzo, Cantina Tollo is proving that cooperatives are becoming a key source of quality wine. The benchmark producer shows how a long-term vision can balance tradition and innovation to create a truly sustainable business – and some very serious wines.
-
Two different faces of Tuscany: Castello di Radda and Cantina Fabio MottaSponsored Content For 50 years the Agricole Gussalli Beretta group has been dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality in Italy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions.
-
Tenuta Il Finale – Shining a spotlight on Piedmont’s land and grapesSponsored Content A friendship forged through the world of business led three wine lovers to the steep hills of Piedmont, where they are championing the region’s local varieties.
-
Bordeaux whites and crémants: Energy, freshness and renewalSponsored Content A deep dive into the new-wave dry white and sparkling wines from a region undergoing a vibrant renaissance creating crisp, lively expressions that blend Atlantic freshness, historical roots, and modern innovation for everyday enjoyment.
