Sun, sea, and... wine! Both the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida are brimming with vineyards, bodegas, and authentic villages where wine is a part of everyday life. Whether you're a connoisseur or simply enjoy sampling wine during your vacation, these regions offer surprising wine routes and unique tasting experiences—often untouched by mass tourism.

In this blog, we'll take you along the most beautiful wine regions in both areas, with tips on where to taste, hike, or simply enjoy like a local.

1. DO Alicante – Wine region around Villena, Novelda & Jalón

The Alicante wine region is one of the oldest in Spain. Here you'll find powerful Monastrell wines, as well as crisp rosés and sweet mistelais.

Highlights:

• Wine tasting in bodegas around Villena in Novelda
• The Jalón Valley (Vall de Pop): ideal for a wine walk
• Saturday market in Jalón with local products & wine
• Visit Bodegas Enrique Mendoza in Alfaz del Pi

Location:

• 📍 Camino del Romeral 42, 03580 L'Alfàs del Pi, Alicante

2. DO Yecla – Small but powerful (Murcia)

Yecla is a compact wine region with powerful wines, primarily from the Monastrell grape. It's an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon of wine.

Highlights:

• Tastings at family-run wineries such as Barahonda and Castaño
• Beautiful routes along vineyards and almond trees
• Visit the Yecla Wine Museum

Locations:

• 📍 Barahonda Winery – Pinoso Road, Km 3, 30510 Yecla, Murcia
• 📍 Bodegas Castaño – Carretera de Fuente-Álamo, 3, 30510 Yecla, Murcia

3. DO Jumilla – Largest wine region of Murcia

Jumilla lies a little further south and has a more rugged landscape. Here you'll find many modern bodegas with a blend of tradition and innovation.

Highlights:

• Tastings at large and small wineries (e.g. Juan Gil, BSI)
• Restaurant in the wine cellar at Bodegas Luzón
• Jumilla Wine Route with viewpoints and picnic areas

Locations:

• 📍 Bodegas Juan Gil – Paraje de la Aragona, Carretera de Fuente Álamo, 30520 Jumilla, Murcia
• 📍 Bodegas Luzón – Carretera Jumilla-Calasparra Km 3.1, 30520 Jumilla, Murcia

4. Vall de Gallinera & Benissa Wine Trail

This region isn't officially designated as a DO, but it's home to many small wineries, local farmers, and hidden gems. Perfect for slow tourism.

Highlights:

• Wine tasting at small-scale farms
• Walking among cherry trees and vineyards
• Combine tasting with local cheese or olive oil

Locations:

• 📍 Vall de Gallinera, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos (search for a specific bodega via Google Maps)

5. Bullas Wine Route

Bullas is a green wine region with its own wine route, perfect for hikers and tasters.

Highlights:

• Wine Museum in Bullas with tastings
• Wine Route with official signs
• Bodegas Balcona and Monastrell: open to visitors

Locations:

• 📍 Balcona Winery – Avilés Road, Aceniche Area, 30180 Bullas, Murcia
• 📍 Monastrell Winery – Bullas-Avilés Road, km 9.3, Aceniche Valley, 30180 Bullas, Murcia

Tips for a successful wine route

• Call or book your tasting in advance, especially in low season
• Many bodegas offer tastings with tapas or guided tours
• Ask for local grapes such as Monastrell or Moscatel
• Combine wine tasting with a walk or a visit to a market
• Buy local: you often pay less than in the store and you support family businesses.

Enjoy consciously, taste local and discover Spain at its best!