Vines, wines and travel: The very best wine tourism in the Region of Murcia

Tradition and precision lie at the heart of Murcia’s most celebrated wineries

Discover the captivating charms of the Region of Murcia, where grape growing reigns supreme and the legacy of wine echoes through idyllic vineyards and cutting-edge wineries.

This sun-soaked region provides the perfect setting for indulging in a wine-tasting odyssey, coupling the rich history and culture of the area with sumptuous vinos that tantalise the senses.

The adventure begins in Bullas, a charming little town nestled in the heart of the Region of Murcia, teeming with tales of yesteryear and contemporary innovations that are simply any wine lover’s delight.

Begin your voyage by stepping back in time at the Don Pepe Marsilla House Museum, a veritable treasure trove of 19th-century memorabilia and architecture, lovingly curated and animated by informative guides.

Breathing life into the annals of history, descendants of the esteemed Don Pepe regale visitors with riveting narratives of the era, expertly resurrecting the spirits of generations past.

After this step back in time, it’s time to admire the modernity and dynamism of the San Isidro Winery. Here, the past gives way to the present of the wine process, transforming grapes into an elixir of the gods. The intense aroma of fermenting grapes fills the enormous facilities and the wine produced here is some of the finest in the world.

Just minutes away, Bodega Tercia de Ulea exemplifies the marriage of tradition and sustainability in the pursuit of excellence. Engage your palate with three remarkable wines, complemented elegantly by scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. Delight in the care and precision employed in cultivating the finest varietals, nurtured lovingly by skilled hands every step of the way from vine to bottle.

As the sun softens the horizon, it’s time for a trip to a biodynamic vineyard, the Monastrell-Bio Experience. Absorb the wisdom of the earth as you learn about the indispensable relationship between wine, land and the celestial cycles governing the entire process.

Crossing the threshold into Jumilla, immerse yourself in the BSI Experience, a sublime fusion of conventional methods and visionary techniques manifested gracefully in three unbeatable wines. Pamper your taste buds with exquisite pairings of superior olive oil and delectable Jumilla tapas, elevating the experience to new heights.

A half hour or so away in Yecla is the charming Bodegas Castao, which has been perfecting wine making since the 1950s. Pioneers of the Monastrell grape, this vineyard is a family affair that has made its mark over the years on an international scale.

Here you’ll have a chance to explore two winemaking cellars, an underground oak barrel-ageing cellar and a warehouse where the wine bottles make their final stop before being released into the wider world.

Amidst the breathtaking landscape of Jumilla, you’ll find another family-run winery in the scenic valley of El Carche, the Bodega Madrid Romero.

El Valle de El Carche is a natural area protected for its beauty and some 17 hectares of vines are lovingly tended to produce several grape varieties, including Macabeo, Monastrell, Garnacha, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syra, and Petit Verdot.

Established in the 19th century, Asensio Carcelén is an organic winery located in Jumilla amid rolling hills and incredible scenery. Today, the fourth generation of the Carcelén Family runs the winery, which has become one of the most famous winemaking companies in the world.

Visitors will be treated to tastings of some of the best organic wines of the estate, as well as a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar.

The next step in our journey brings us back to Bullas and the Bodega Balcona, which started life humbly to offer wine to its workers during the Spanish civil war. This winery was the first in Bullas to offer guided tours of its vineyards, and today a visit will take you through the rich history of wine making in the area, the current intricate processes and of course, an all-important tasting of the exquisite produce.

Every chapter in this narrative of wine tourism weaves an intimate bond with the fabric of the Region of Murcia, whether experienced via bicycle journeys through verdant vineyards or romantic retreats tucked away in sleepy villages.

Surrender to the irresistible pull of the Region of Murcia, a kaleidoscope of stories, flavours and traditions, united with the rich tapestry of wine tourism. Each vineyard, each winery and each bottle speak of an enchanting region full of adventure just waiting to be experienced.

Source: ITREM

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