Wine & Beer Day Trip in the City of Love: Altea!

If you’re after an authentic taste of Spain combined with scenic beauty and cultural charm, this wine and beer day trip in Altea offers a compelling option. Spanning roughly six hours, this tour guides you through some of the region’s best breweries, vineyards, and traditional tapas spots—all wrapped in a relaxed, small-group setting. It’s a well-balanced mix of tasting, learning, and soaking up local atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to savor your favorites and discover new ones.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? We love the way it combines craft beer and fine wine tastings with a glimpse into Spain’s culinary and viticultural heritage. Plus, the guide’s insights add a layer of appreciation that turns simple tasting into a genuine cultural experience. That said, the moderate pace and focus on specific venues mean it’s best suited for those who enjoy structured yet relaxed activities centered around food and drink. If you’re passionate about exploring local flavors in a scenic setting, this tour hits many right notes.

One potential consideration is the itinerary’s tight schedule—if you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely, unhurried pace, or if you have dietary restrictions, you might find parts of the day a bit brisk. Still, for lovers of good drinks, authentic local cuisine, and cultural discovery, this experience promises a memorable day in Altea, the so-called “City of Love.”

Key Points

• Authentic tasting experiences at a local brewery and a historic vineyard.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of beer brewing and wine production.
• Tasty Spanish tapas paired with drinks in a cozy, family-owned restaurant.
• Beautiful scenery and cultural charm of Altea provide a lovely backdrop.
• All-inclusive logistics including transport, guided commentary, and meals, offer great value.
• Limited spots ensure a more personalized, engaging experience.

Introduction: A Flavorful Day in Altea

This wine and beer day trip in Altea promises a delightful escape from the usual tourist routine—perfect for those wanting to learn, taste, and relax in a beautiful setting. The experience is designed to give you a taste of local craftsmanship, from the meticulous process of brewing craft beers to the heritage-rich vineyards producing Spanish wines.

One thing that immediately stands out is the variety of experiences packed into a single day. You start with a tour of Althaia Brewery, where you’ll sample four distinctive beers brewed with care and passion, complemented by local cheeses and sausages. Next, a cozy, family-run tapas bar invites you to enjoy a hearty meal, making you feel like a guest in Spain’s warm hospitality. The day concludes with a visit to the historic Bodega Pepe Mendoza, where the vineyards have been producing wine since Roman times, and the tasting of six exquisite wines.

A notable highlight? The guided tours in both the brewery and the vineyard, led by passionate guides who share stories and insights that deepen your appreciation. However, travelers should keep in mind that the schedule is somewhat packed—expect a day filled with moving between locations, tasting, and learning. This experience is ideal for those who want a structured, engaging day with a focus on culinary culture, rather than a completely leisurely or unstructured outing.

Exploring the Itinerary

A Warm Welcome in Altea

The tour kicks off at Estación de Altea, where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. The group size is private, ensuring a more intimate experience, and the guide speaks fluent English or Spanish, making explanations clear and engaging.

First Stop: Althaia Brewery

The journey begins with a 30-minute drive into the local brewing scene. Once at Althaia Brewery, you’re introduced to the brewing process and a variety of beers brewed with local passion. We loved the way the guide explained the nuances of each beer—each one crafted with love and precision, just as the tour description promises. Sampling four different beers paired with cheeses and sausages sourced from nearby producers makes for a satisfying tasting. Review comments highlight “the passion behind each sip” and the “insightful, friendly guide.”

Midday: Lunch at a Family-Owned Tapas Bar

After the brewery tour, you’re transported to the heart of Altea, where the Tapas Gastro Bar awaits. This family-owned restaurant radiates warmth and authenticity. You’ll enjoy three traditional Spanish tapas made with fresh, local ingredients. The experience is more than just eating—it’s about feeling at home with the friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere. Included with your meal is a glass of wine or drink of your choice, enhancing the relaxed vibe. Several reviews mention how “delicious and authentic” the tapas are, with some noting the quality of ingredients as a standout.

Afternoon: Discovering Bodega Pepe Mendoza

Post-lunch, another 40-minute drive takes you to the historic Bodega Pepe Mendoza, a vineyard with roots stretching back to Roman times. Walking through the picturesque vineyards, you’ll see the Giró and Moscatel de Alejandría grapes thriving since the 1920s—a visual treat for any wine lover.

The bodega’s guide shares stories about the heritage and production, and you can expect to taste six different wines—a significant highlight for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The wines are paired with Spanish cheeses and cured meats (embutidos), raising the tasting experience to a new level. One review mentions the “exceptional wines” and the “passionate, knowledgeable guide,” which adds depth to the visit.

Return Trip

After a comprehensive day of tasting and discovery, the group heads back to Altea, arriving at the original meeting point. The entire journey is guided, with transportation included, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.

The Practicalities: What to Expect and Consider

Transport & Guides: The tour provides guided transportation throughout the day, including pick-up and drop-off, which makes logistics hassle-free. The guides speak multiple languages—Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, and Spanish—ensuring clear communication and a friendly atmosphere.

Timing: The schedule is well-organized, with ample time at each stop—two hours at the brewery, 1.5 hours for lunch, and two hours for the vineyard tasting. The total duration is about six hours, which is manageable for most travelers, though it involves some moving between locations.

Cost & Value: At $244 per person, the tour is an investment, but it includes transport, guided tours, tastings, and a meal. For enthusiasts of craft beer and fine wine, plus the opportunity to learn from passionate guides, this price offers good value, especially considering the intimate, small-group setting.

Limitations: The experience is not suitable for children under 19 or babies under 1 year, and the tour is not recommended for those over 70—likely due to the walking involved and the structured schedule. Also, the experience requires at least three days’ notice for booking, so plan ahead.

Authentic Experiences & Authentic Flavors

Throughout the day, it’s clear that the focus is on authenticity and quality. The brewery tour isn’t a superficial tasting—it’s a genuine look into the craft behind each beer, with guides explaining the process and passion. The wine tasting at Bodega Pepe Mendoza isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the heritage, the grapes, and the artistry involved.

The local cheeses and sausages add a delicious, authentic touch, bringing local flavors directly to your palate. The family-owned tapas bar embodies Spanish hospitality, making you feel like a guest rather than a tourist.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food and drink enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of Spanish beverages in a scenic, cultural setting. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided experiences and are open to a moderate pace—covering multiple locations in a day but with enough time to savor each tasting.

Couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an enriching yet relaxed day will find this tour rewarding. It’s also perfect for those who have a curiosity about traditional Spanish cuisine, local wine, and craft beer production.

Who Might Not Be the Right Fit?

If you prefer a leisurely exploration that leaves plenty of time to wander or relax, this schedule might feel a little packed. Likewise, if you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth considering as the tour emphasizes local, traditional foods. Finally, travelers under 19 or with mobility concerns might find the schedule or walking involved challenging.

The Sum Up

The Wine & Beer Day Trip in Altea offers a well-rounded look into the region’s beverage craftsmanship, paired with delicious local cuisine and stunning scenery. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day if you love discovering authentic flavors and learning about the local production process. The knowledgeable guides, quality tastings, and intimate atmosphere make it a memorable experience suitable for curious travelers eager to explore Spain’s culinary culture in a relaxed setting.

If your idea of a perfect day involves good drinks, friendly atmospheres, and scenic views, this tour is a strong contender. It provides genuine value through expertly curated experiences that go beyond just tasting—offering storytelling, cultural context, and a sense of place that stays with you long after the day ends.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes guided transport with pick-up and drop-off at the meeting point, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, with scheduled stops at each location, allowing for a comfortable pace.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suited to the weather is recommended, especially since there’s walking involved at the vineyard and brewery.

Can I customize the drinks or meals?
The tour includes specific tastings and a set meal, but you can choose drinks at the lunch and wine tastings. Special dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on beer and wine tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the cultural and culinary aspects, such as the lunch and the scenic vineyard walk.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking must be made at least three days ahead, which allows for proper planning and guarantees your spot.

This thoughtfully curated day in Altea pairs authentic local flavors with engaging storytelling, making it a highlight for anyone eager to explore Spain’s beverage heritage in a vibrant, scenic setting.