From Valencia: Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting

This guided tour from Valencia offers a taste of rural Spain with a full day of cheese-making, vineyard visits, and wine tasting in the beautiful Utiel-Requena region. With a focus on authenticity, the experience combines educational workshops, delicious local products, and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for food and wine lovers eager to see a more rural side of Spain while enjoying the warm hospitality of local producers.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to actually craft your own cheese — a hands-on experience that many travelers cherish—and the chance to sample some of the region’s famous Bobal wines in a picturesque setting. However, keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of moving around and some walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full-day outing. Overall, it appeals most to curious travelers who appreciate local craftsmanship, scenic landscapes, and genuine tastes of Spain.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience in the Utiel-Requena wine region, known for Bobal vineyards.
• Hands-on cheese-making workshop with the chance to craft your own cheese.
• Scenic visits to caves with cheese aging and a charming countryside winery.
• Multiple cheese tastings with unlimited drinks, paired with local wines.
• Beautiful landscape views that make for memorable photo opportunities.
• Professional guides with strong knowledge and engaging personalities enhance the experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up in Valencia, with multiple pickup points including Sercotel Sorolla Palace, NH Valencia Center, and centrally located spots like Torres de Serranos. The drive to Utiel-Requena takes about an hour, giving you a comfortable buffer to leave city life behind and prepare for the day ahead.

Cheese Factory Visit in Pedrones

Your first stop is the authentic cheese factory managed by three passionate brothers. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the cheese-making process, which is rooted in traditional methods but refined through modern techniques learned from northern Spain. The cheese caves—unique natural environments that regulate temperature and humidity—are a highlight. As one reviewer noted, the cheese here is made manually with top-quality goat milk, sourced from goats grazing peacefully in natural surroundings. This dedication to quality means you’ll taste cheeses with distinct, memorable flavors.

The workshop component allows you to create your own cheese under expert guidance—an activity that many reviewers found fun and memorable. As Ryann put it, “We tried about 9 cheeses, one of which we made fresh, and it was such a great experience.” This hands-on element elevates the visit from a simple tasting to an interactive adventure that many will remember well beyond the day.

Cheese Tasting and Cave Exploration

The guided tasting follows, where you’ll sample eight different cheeses—from creamy fresh varieties to aged, flavorful types. Unlimited drinks accompany the tasting, including white wine and soft drinks. The reviewers praised the pairing, with Triinu noting how well the cheeses complemented the wines and describing the experience as “overall a great experience.”

Exploring the caves where cheeses are stored gives insight into the aging process and enhances the appreciation of the craftsmanship. The guides explain the methods thoroughly, which benefits those interested in food production or simply eager to deepen their understanding of cheese.

Vineyard and Winery Experience in Vera de Estenas

After the cheese experience, the tour continues to Vera de Estenas, a picturesque hillside winery managed by Edu. The setting is idyllic—surrounded by rolling vineyards and a charming farmhouse—offering perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.

Edu is known for his friendly approach and deep knowledge. He will show you around the vineyards, explaining the unique qualities of the Bobal grapes, which are one of the oldest and most distinctive varieties in Spain. You’ll also learn about the production process and what makes their wines special.

The tasting here includes three wines, paired with local sausages, which add a savory touch to the experience. Reviewers like Andrew appreciated the “more rustic” atmosphere, which added authenticity and charm to the visit. Sitting in the garden with a glass of wine and good company makes this a relaxing end to the touring portion.

Practical Details and Considerations

The day lasts about seven hours, covering transportation, visits, and tastings at a relaxed pace. The tour includes transportation with pickup, making logistics simple and stress-free. The group size appears manageable, with reviews emphasizing the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Paula and Edu.

The cost of $112 per person offers good value given the inclusions: guided visits, workshops, tastings, and transportation. For wine and cheese enthusiasts, the experience offers a great balance of learning, tasting, and scenic views—an authentic slice of Spain’s culinary culture.

Why Travelers Will Love This Tour

Most reviews highlight the warm, knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and educational. The cheese workshop is frequently praised as the highlight—”I would return just for that,” said Triinu—adding a memorable, interactive element that stands out from typical tasting tours.

The scenery is another big draw, with several reviewers mentioning the “beautiful” vineyard landscapes and the charming countryside environment. The wines are described as delicious and well-paired with local delicacies, making the tasting sessions not just educational but also genuinely enjoyable.

The tour’s flexibility—from pick-up points to the option to reserve and pay later—gives it a practical edge for travelers planning their trip to Valencia. Plus, the full refund option if canceled 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Would This Tour Suit Best?

This experience is ideal for food and wine lovers who appreciate hands-on activities and local craftsmanship. It’s equally suited for those seeking a relaxing rural escape from Valencia, with beautiful scenery and a taste of traditional Spanish life.

While not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the visits, it’s a good choice for anyone looking for an authentic and engaging day trip. The mix of education, tasting, and scenic beauty makes it perfect for curious travelers, couples, or small groups of friends wanting to learn about Spain’s culinary heritage while enjoying gorgeous countryside views.

If you’re visiting Valencia and want to go beyond city sights, this guided tour to Utiel-Requena offers a genuine taste of rural Spain’s flavors and scenery. The cheese-making workshop adds a layer of fun and authenticity, while the wine tastings showcase some of the region’s best offerings. The guides’ passion and knowledge shine through, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

The tour balances leisure and learning, all set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and idyllic countryside. It’s a memorable way to learn about local traditions, taste incredible products, and see a different side of Spain that’s often overshadowed by its big cities.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, this trip promises a well-rounded, authentic, and enjoyable day away from Valencia’s hustle.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, including transportation, visits, and tastings, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided visits, a cheese-making workshop, tastings of 8 cheeses and 3 wines, all transportation with pick-up, and water throughout the day.

Are there any special requirements?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be some walking during cave and vineyard visits. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it’s a fun and educational experience, the physical aspects and tasting nature might be better suited for adults or older children who can appreciate the activities.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at a booked pickup point in Valencia and ends back at the same location, with multiple pickup options available for convenience.

Overall, this tour offers a delightful blend of craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and local flavors—making it an excellent choice for those wanting an authentic day in the countryside with a focus on wine and cheese.