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Planning a day out that combines wine, history, and spectacular scenery? This premium winery tour from Alicante takes you on a laid-back journey through some of the region’s tastiest wines and most charming villages. With seven wine tastings, paired with delicious local tapas, and a visit to a medieval castle, it promises a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic flavors, scenic views, and a personal touch in their excursions.
One of our favorite things about this tour is the guided tasting at Enrique Mendoza winery, where knowledgeable guides walk you through the wine-making process while you sip on some of the best local vintages. The carefully curated tapas help enhance the flavor profiles and make the experience feel even more genuine. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the castle visit can be unpredictable — as one reviewer pointed out, the castle they hoped to see was closed, which might happen depending on the day.
If you enjoy discovering local wines and want a personal, relaxed tour with the opportunity to explore a picturesque village or castle, this experience will suit you well. It also works nicely if you prefer small group settings and guided commentary that enriches your understanding of the region.
Key Points
- Authentic wine experience with seven tastings at Enrique Mendoza Winery, guided by experts.
- Paired with local tapas, including cheeses, cold cuts, olive oil, bread, and chocolates.
- Visit to a scenic village or castle, with options depending on availability—either Guadalest or Villena.
- Small group size (max 8 travelers), offering a more personalized experience.
- Includes transportation from Alicante, making logistics easy.
- Flexible cancellation policy—free up to 24 hours in advance.
An Authentic Day Out in Alicante: What to Expect
If you’re looking for a mix of excellent wines, stunning scenery, and a touch of history, this tour hits all those marks. It’s a carefully curated journey that balances guided education, leisure, and sightseeing, making it a solid choice for wine lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
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The Itinerary: A Closer Look
Stop 1: Bodegas Enrique Mendoza
The tour begins with a guided visit to the renowned Enrique Mendoza winery, situated in a natural, tranquil setting. Here, you’ll get a personal look at the vineyards, production facilities, and barrel rooms—an insight into how Alicante’s wines are crafted. The highlight is the tastings of 7 high-quality wines, each paired with local gourmet products such as cheeses, cold cuts, and olive oil.
Based on reviews, the guides, like Gregir, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. One traveler appreciated the “great host” and the way the guide explained the wine process, making complex topics accessible. The environment feels authentic, and the tasting experience is designed to appeal to all senses, not just taste buds.
What you’ll love: The chance to sample some of the best local wines in a relaxed setting, learning about their production and history from passionate guides. Plus, the carefully selected tapas elevate the tasting, offering a true taste of regional flavors.
Drawback to consider: Since the focus is on the winery, this part takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, leaving less time for the castle or village exploration.
Stop 2: El Castell De Guadalest or Villena Castle
The second part of the tour varies depending on availability. The preferred destination is Guadalest, a tiny village famously perched on a hillside, offering stunning panoramic views of mountains and reservoirs. You can wander cobblestone alleys, explore quaint museums, and soak in the scenic charm.
Alternatively, if Guadalest is unavailable, the visit is to Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena, an impressive fortress with historical significance. One review noted that the castle was closed during their visit, which was disappointing, but the guide explained that sometimes access depends on the day’s schedule.
What makes this stop special: It’s a chance to step into history, with castle ruins, dungeons, and towers offering a glimpse into the past. The views from these locations are often cited as phenomenal and are perfect for photos.
Authentic insights: Visitors have mentioned that Guadalest is one of the most beautiful and tranquil villages in Spain, perfect for leisurely strolling and snapping pictures. The castle provides a tangible connection to Alicante’s medieval past, even if some areas are closed.
Practical Details and Value
The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours and includes transportation in a private car, making logistics hassle-free. The group size is kept intimate—a maximum of 8 travelers—which enhances the overall experience by allowing more interaction with guides.
The cost is $179.37 per person, which might seem high at first glance. However, when you consider that this includes 7 tastings, guided tours, local tapas, bottled water, and transportation, it offers good value—especially for those interested in genuine, niche experiences rather than generic sightseeing.
What travelers find particularly valuable: The personalized approach, with guides who are friendly and informative, adds a lot to the experience. One reviewer mentioned that their guide went “above and beyond,” making the day memorable.
Considerations When Booking
- Advance booking is recommended, as the tour is popular, often booked 37 days in advance.
- The castle visit can vary based on availability; check if your preferred castle is open when you book.
- The price includes a lot—wine, tapas, transportation, and guided insights—making it a worthwhile splurge for wine lovers.
- The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems
What sets this tour apart from generic wine tastings is its focus on regional authenticity. The wines are from a respected local winery, and the tapas reflect genuine flavors of Alicante. The guides’ stories and explanations help you appreciate your tastings beyond just drinking—understanding the nuances of Alicante’s wine culture.
The visit to Guadalest or Villena Castle offers a chance to see lesser-known parts of the interior of Alicante, away from the tourist crowds. The villages’ charm and views make for memorable moments, especially if you enjoy photography or quiet exploration.
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Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience suits adventurous wine enthusiasts eager to taste local vintages in a relaxed, guided setting. It’s also ideal for history lovers who appreciate combining wine with scenic castle or village visits. If you prefer a small, intimate group with personalized attention, this is a great choice.
It’s perfect for travelers seeking a balanced day — combining tasting, learning, and sightseeing without rushing through busy tourist spots. However, if you’re expecting a full castle tour or a large group environment, you might want to consider other options.
The Sum Up
This Alicante wine and castle tour offers a well-rounded blend of authentic regional wine tasting, scenic village or castle exploration, and cultural insight. The guided tastings at Enrique Mendoza are especially noteworthy, providing a genuine taste of Alicante’s wine heritage in an authentic setting. The visit to Guadalest or Villena adds a picturesque and historical dimension that rounds out the experience.
While the castle visit can sometimes be affected by closures, the overall value remains strong, especially given the quality of the wines and the personalized service. It’s best suited for those who want to indulge in local flavors, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy some of Alicante’s most beautiful views.
If you’re after a memorable, intimate day that balances wine, history, and scenery, this tour checks all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transport in a private car from Alicante, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.
How many wines will I taste? You will enjoy seven different wine tastings during the visit to Enrique Mendoza Winery.
Are there options for different castle visits? Yes, depending on availability, the tour visits either Guadalest or Villena’s Castillo de la Atalaya.
What do I need to bring? Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, a camera for photos, and an open mind for tasting and exploring.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
Is this tour suitable for large groups? No, it is designed to be a small and personalized experience, with a maximum of 8 travelers.
Are meals included? The tour includes tapas and snacks during the wine tasting, but not a full meal.
Is the tour accessible for everyone? Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should check directly with the provider.
What is the price? The cost is $179.37 per person, which covers tastings, guided tours, tapas, water, and transportation.
