Valencia: Utiel-Requena Wine Tour & Tastings with Transfers

4.99

(123 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing about how I’d nearly missed the Empalme metro stop when our guide Marta waved us over—she had that easy Valencian warmth, you know? The drive out of Valencia was quiet, just fields and that soft golden light. I kept thinking the air smelled a bit like wild herbs and something earthy, maybe from the vines. It’s only about an hour to Utiel-Requena but it felt like we’d crossed into another country by the time we rolled up to the first bodega.

The owner, Paco, met us right outside. He shook everyone’s hand (firm grip—my fingers still remember) and started talking about his family’s wine like he was introducing old friends. I tried to repeat “Bobal” back to him—Li laughed when I butchered it in Spanish. The cellars were cool and a little damp, barrels lined up like soldiers. You could hear this faint drip somewhere, echoing off stone walls. We tasted three wines at the end; one was so peppery it made me pause mid-sip, but in a good way.

The second winery was smaller, almost hidden behind olive trees. Our guide switched easily between English and Spanish as she explained fermentation (I zoned out for a second watching sunlight catch dust motes in the air). The tasting here felt more relaxed—no rush, just us and the winemaker chatting about weather and grapes. I brought some bread from my bag because lunch isn’t included (they tell you that), which honestly made it feel even more like a picnic with friends than a formal tour.

I still think about that last glass of rosé on the patio—quiet except for distant birds and someone’s laughter drifting over from inside. The drive back to Valencia felt slower somehow, everyone a little quieter but smiling. If you’re looking for a day trip from Valencia that doesn’t feel staged, this wine tour is probably it.