Premium Winery with 7 Tastings and Castle from Alicante and Benidorm

If you’re looking to combine a love of good wine with a taste of Spain’s scenic countryside and historic sights, this Alicante-based tour offers quite a package. While not a self-guided adventure, it promises an enjoyable blend of wine tasting, regional gastronomy, and visits to iconic castles—all within about five and a half hours. It’s designed for travelers who want a hands-on experience without the rush, guided by local experts who know the area well.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the authentic wine experience—with 7 tastings paired with local tapas—and the chance to explore stunning castle ruins and picturesque villages that give you a real sense of the region’s history. That said, one consideration is that the castle visit can vary; in fact, reviews mention the castle may sometimes be closed without prior notice, which could be disappointing if your main focus is the castle.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy wine, food, and scenic history—and are comfortable with a moderate pace and group size of up to 8 travelers. If you treasure authentic experiences, good company, and a taste of local culture, this one could be a highlight of your Alicante trip.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines wine tasting, regional cuisine, and historic castle visits.
• Personalized format: Small group tour ensures relaxed, attentive guidance.
• High-quality tastings: 7 wines paired with tapas like cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil.
• Stunning scenery: Vineyards, mountain views, and picturesque villages.
• Flexible castle visits: Depending on availability, you might visit Guadalest or Villena’s castle.
• Value for the price: Includes guided tours, tastings, and transport in a 5.5-hour package.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Bodegas Enrique Mendoza

Our journey begins at the renowned Enrique Mendoza Winery, a name well-respected in Alicante’s wine scene. Here, the emphasis is on quality and authenticity. The guided tasting of seven carefully selected wines is a highlight; each sip is paired with local cheeses, cold cuts, bread, olive oil, and even chocolate—an indulgence that truly celebrates regional flavors.

What we loved about this stop is the chance to see where the wine is made. You’ll explore the vineyards, learn about the production and aging processes, and walk through the barrel room. The guide’s knowledge makes all the difference; they’re eager to share insights about the different varieties and regional specialties. As one reviewer put it, the “winery Finca Collado was very good with a great host”.

The Excursion to the Castle and Village

Next, we head to one of Alicante’s most iconic spots: either the Castillo de Guadalest or, if availability restricts, the Castillo de la Atalaya in Villena. The chosen site depends on the day, but both promise stunning views and a chance to step back in time.

The Castillo de Guadalest is perched on a rocky promontory, offering sweeping views of mountains and a reservoir. Wandering its cobblestone alleys, you’ll see whitewashed houses, quaint museums, and historic ruins. Visitors often comment on the beautiful scenery and the chance to explore old dungeons and defense towers.

One reviewer mentioned, “The village was surrounded by panoramic views of mountains and reservoir, perfect for photos or just soaking in the atmosphere.” However, it’s worth noting that the castle can sometimes be closed unexpectedly, as a previous guest encountered, which is something to keep in mind.

In case the Guadalest castle is unavailable, the tour visits Villena’s castle instead—an impressive monument full of history, built on a high point overlooking the town, with plenty of stories to tell.

The Personal Touch

What sets this tour apart is its private and personalized format. With small groups and flexible pacing, you get ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. From the scenic vineyard walk to the castle exploration, your guide aims to make sure you soak up the experience at your own pace.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of around $180 per person represents good value when you consider the inclusions. You get seven wine tastings, guided at the winery, paired with gourmet snacks—cheeses, sausages, bread, olive oil, and chocolate. Plus, bottled water is available, and transportation is arranged in a private car, which makes getting to each site smooth and stress-free.

However, extras like personal shopping or souvenirs are not included, and you should budget for any additional purchases you might want at the winery or local shops. The tour ends back at the starting point in Alicante, making logistics straightforward.

Real Traveler Feedback: Authentic Insights

While the majority of reviews are positive, some mention the unpredictability of the castle visit. For example, “The castle was not open, Gregir was unaware of this and was disappointed,” notes a reviewer. But they still enjoyed the winery experience greatly.

Another guest recounts, “We got picked up in the morning from our hotel, greeted with a smile and bottle of water, and the trip took us to some wonderful places. Grigor was a wonderful guide and great host,” highlighting the importance of knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics.

The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, especially for those who value small-group intimacy, authentic regional products, and scenic views.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Alicante winery and castle tour offers a well-balanced mix of wine tasting, regional gastronomy, and scenic history—perfect if you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic taste of the region. It’s especially well-suited for wine lovers eager to learn more about local varieties and travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized attention.

If castles and panoramic views are your thing, you’ll enjoy the visits, though it’s wise to be aware that castle openings can vary. The inclusion of 7 tastings paired with tapas makes this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to indulge in Alicante’s flavors and history simultaneously.

The experience provides great value for its price, especially when you consider the guided tour and multiple tastings. However, if your primary interest is visiting castles or villages alone, you might want to explore other options or adjust expectations accordingly.

In all, this tour is a fantastic way to combining wine, scenery, and culture in a single afternoon, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a taste of Alicante’s culinary and historical delights without the rush.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour provides transport in a private car, making it easy to move between vineyard and castle sites.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops.

What is the group size? The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What’s the price per person? The tour costs approximately $179.37 per person, which includes tastings, guided visits, and transport.

Are the castle visits guaranteed? Not always—castle access depends on availability, and sometimes the castle may be closed without notice, as noted in reviews.

What is included in the tasting? Seven high-quality wines are sampled, paired with local tapas such as cheese, cold cuts, bread, olive oil, and chocolate.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility.

In summary, this Alicante tour offers an engaging, authentic encounter with the region’s wines, scenic views, and historic sites. Great for small groups and lovers of regional flavors, it provides a balanced, enjoyable day out—perfect for those who want to savor the local culture at a relaxed pace.