Premium Winery with 7 Tastings and Castle from Alicante and Benidorm

An Authentic Wine and Castle Tour from Alicante and Benidorm

This premium tour offers a delightful combination of seven wine tastings, carefully paired with local tapas, alongside visits to some of Alicante’s most scenic castles. Priced at $179.37 per person, it lasts around 5 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day escape. The tour departs from Alicante and is designed for small groups, with a maximum of eight travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

We like how this tour balances oenology, gastronomy, and local history in one seamless package. The highlight is the guided tasting at Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, where you get to sample seven high-quality wines while enjoying gourmet accompaniments like cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil. The visit culminates with a visit to a picturesque castle—either Guadalest or Villena—depending on availability, giving a glimpse of Alicante’s interior beauty. While the castle may occasionally be closed, the experience remains rich and engaging thanks to flexible planning.

This tour is ideal for those eager to sample regional wines, explore historic sites, and enjoy a relaxed pace in a private group setting. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a fast-paced or solely sightseeing experience, but perfect for anyone who appreciates quality wine, authentic local food, and scenic views.

Key Points

• Includes 7 wine tastings paired with local tapas such as cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil
• Guided tour at Enrique Mendoza Winery with vineyard visits and barrel room exploration
• Visit to Castillo de Guadalest or Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena, depending on availability
• Transport and bottled water included for convenience and comfort
• Tour duration of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, with a private, small-group format
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience

Exploring Bodegas Enrique Mendoza and Its Wines

The Enrique Mendoza Winery is the starting point of this experience, where a guided tasting showcases seven selected wines. The guides explain the wines’ characteristics and production process, adding depth to the tasting. Visitors also explore the vineyards and wine-making facilities, including the barrel room, providing insight into Alicante’s renowned winemaking.

This part of the tour lasts approximately two and a half hours and is included in the ticket price. Gourmet products such as cheese, sausages, bread, and olive oil are served alongside the wines, enhancing the sensory experience. The environment at the winery emphasizes authenticity and natural beauty, making it a favorite for wine lovers.

While most reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable guides, one note mentions that the castle visit can sometimes be affected by closures, which is a consideration for planning your day.

The Château of Guadalest or Villena: A Historic Climb

The second major stop offers a visit to the Castillo de Guadalest or the Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena. Both sites are impressive medieval castles built on rocky outcrops, offering spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, reservoirs, and surrounding countryside.

The Guadalest castle features historic ruins, ancient dungeons, and defense towers. Visitors can also explore small local museums that add to the setting’s charm. The villages surrounding the castles have cobblestone alleys and white houses, making for great photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.

Depending on castle availability, the tour might visit either site, as sometimes the castle may be closed. The visit lasts around two hours, providing enough time to enjoy the scenery and learn about local history without feeling rushed.

Logistical Details and Practical Tips

The tour departs from The Ocean Race Museo in Alicante and concludes back at the same point. Transportation is provided via private car, which ensures a comfortable and relaxed journey between stops. The group is small, capped at 8 travelers, fostering a personalized and friendly environment.

Included in the package are bottled water, guided tours, and tastings of seven wines. Light appetizers such as cheese, sausages, bread, and chocolate are also served, complementing the wines and enhancing the tasting experience. Personal expenses and shopping are not included, so travelers should plan for extras if they wish to buy wine or local products.

Most travelers find the timing well-paced; the entire experience is designed to be informative yet relaxed. The pickup service adds convenience, making it suitable for visitors staying in Alicante or Benidorm.

Setting the Tour Apart: Personalization and Local Expertise

What makes this tour stand out is its private and personalized approach. Unlike larger group excursions, the small group size allows guides to tailor the experience and engage more directly with participants. The guides are known for their knowledgeable explanations about wines, local history, and the significance of each site.

The inclusion of both wine tasting and castle visits offers a diverse day out that combines culinary delights with cultural exploration. The scenic castle visits in particular provide a visual and historical contrast to the wine experience, giving a well-rounded picture of Alicante’s interior richness.

However, the castle closures can sometimes affect the itinerary, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re planning your day tightly. Flexibility in the schedule helps minimize disappointment, and the guides’ adaptability ensures the overall experience remains engaging.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This wine, food, and castle tour is especially suited for adults interested in regional wines, history buffs, and those seeking a relaxed yet enriching day in Alicante. It’s a good choice for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for an intimate experience.

Travelers who appreciate guided explanations, local cuisine, and scenic views will find this tour rewarding. The duration and pace make it suitable for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable half-day adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Alicante Wine and Castle Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Alicante’s culture, from premium wines to historic castles. The seven tastings, paired with local tapas, deliver a flavorful journey into the region’s gastronomy, while the castle visits provide a captivating look at Alicante’s historic architecture.

While castle closures can occasionally be a limitation, the guided nature and personalized format help ensure the experience remains valuable. The small-group setting and private transport make it an intimate and comfortable way to explore inland Alicante.

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking a leisurely day filled with flavor and scenery. Its focus on quality, authenticity, and local insights makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting to explore Alicante’s interior treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transport via private car is included, ensuring a comfortable journey between the winery and castle sites.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Does the tour include any meals?
The tour features wine tastings with local tapas, but no full meals are included. Additional personal expenses are not covered.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suited for walking, especially at the castle sites. The tour provides bottled water and guidance.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The itinerary involves walking through cobblestone alleys and castle ruins, so those with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

What if the castle is closed?
The tour may visit an alternate site, such as Guadalest or Villena castles, depending on availability, ensuring the experience remains comprehensive.