Wine tourism has existed for hundreds of years, and even the most prominent cultures were devoted to wine production. Alicante wine tourism offers you a perfect getaway, combining a cultural break and a relaxing holiday. If you want to make the most of your wine tourism break, stay at one of our charming, romantic hotels where the well-being of guests is paramount, and you will have everything you need for an unforgettable experience in Alicante. Try the sparkling cavas and splendorous wines produced in Alicante’s wineries as well as our designation of origin wines.

D.O. Alicante wines

Alicante wines have been awarded numerous national and international awards, and they are highly rated by wine experts. Over time, various Iberian settlements, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs as well as Christians have contributed to the historical background and experience of this D.O. (designation of origin) which spans thousands of years.

Archaeological finds have disinterred ancient villas, wine amphoras, jugs, utensils as well as other amphora remains. In 1510, King Ferdinand the Catholic banned the distribution of wines from other territories. Orihuela, Jijona, Monforte and Novelda were at that time high yielding wine producers.

According to the D. O. Alicante Regulatory Council, there are 44 wineries spread across an area of 14,613 hectares of vineyards situated on both sides of the Vinalopó River in Alicante province.

The province of Alicante produces: 

• White varieties – Chardonnay, Macabeo, Meseguera, Moscatel of Alexandria, Sauvignon Blanc, Planta Fina and Verdil.
• And red varieties – Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Noir and Shyra.

Wines produced in Alicante include young, white, rosé and red (with an indication of the vintage on the label), harvest, aged (aged for 24 months), reserve (aged for 36 months) and grand reserve (aged for 42 months), mature wines and muscatel wines produced in the Marina area from the Moscatel of Alexandria grape variety, as well as the internationally renowned Fondillón made from the Monastrell grape. Aged wines must be at least two calendar years old.

The alcohol content according to the type of wine:

• Moscatel Liqueur Alicante / min. 15% vol.
• Garnacha Tintorera / min. 12% vol.
• Fondillón / min. 16% vol. (kept in locally produced classical oak barrels and based on traditional ageing processes known soleras. It is aged for a minimum of 8 years.)
• Rosés and reds / min. 15% vol.
• Doble pasta highly concentrated wine / min. 12% vol.

Alicante tastes of wine.

The municipality of Alicante is still registered with the D. O. Alicante Regulatory Council as one of its production area centres. Interesting fact: for years Alicante was one of the wine capitals of the Iberian peninsula, thanks to its extensive and diverse production in wineries and to its Port, which was created and promoted for years to export the wide variety of wines that transported the name of Alicante around the world. This is why Alicante is still emblematic of the history of Alicante wines. It is the sector’s nerve centre, not only as the headquarters of the D. O. Alicante Regulatory Council (one of the oldest in Spain) but also because it still bears the traces of this Agricultural industry. In today’s restaurants, these wines are also part and parcel of our exquisite cuisine. Alicante wines are mainly made from the Monastrell grape variety, which is very expressive and powerful on the palate and is used to produce young red, aged, reserve and sweet wines as well as Alicante’s renowned Fondillón. Alongside these wines is the Moscatel wine: made from an extremely aromatic white grape that is used to produce dry and sweet white wines, renowned throughout Spain for their unique charm.

D.O. Alicante wines

Alicante wines have been awarded numerous national and international awards, and they are highly rated by wine experts. Over time, various Iberian settlements, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs as well as Christians have contributed to the historical background and experience of this D.O. (designation of origin) which spans thousands of years. Archaeological finds have disinterred ancient villas, wine amphoras, jugs, utensils as well as other amphora remains.In 1510, King Ferdinand the Catholic banned the distribution of wines from other territories. Orihuela, Jijona, Monforte and Novelda were at that time high yielding wine producers.

The province of Alicante produces:

• White varieties – Chardonnay, Macabeo, Meseguera, Moscatel of Alexandria, Sauvignon Blanc, Planta Fina and Verdil.
• And red varieties – Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Noir and Shyra.

Wines produced in Alicante include young, white, rosé and red (with an indication of the vintage on the label), harvest, aged (aged for 24 months), reserve (aged for 36 months) and grand reserve (aged for 42 months), mature wines and muscatel wines produced in the Marina area from the Moscatel of Alexandria grape variety, as well as the internationally renowned Fondillón made from the Monastrell grape. Aged wines must be at least two calendar years old.

 

Wineries

According to the D. O. Alicante Regulatory Council, there are 44 wineries spread across an area of 14,613 hectares of vineyards situated on both sides of the Vinalopó River in Alicante province. Alicante wineries are dotted throughout the province. All tours are initiated from the city of Alicante and either head further inland towards the Vinalopó River or to the Marina Alta. Many wineries are open to visitors, but it is advisable to book visits in advance: