The Alicante wine route: wineries, fondillón and wine tourism

Alicante does not usually feature on international wine maps — La Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat take the spotlight. But the province has a winemaking tradition spanning over 500 years, a recognised Denomination of Origin and an oenological treasure that exists nowhere else: fondillón. For anyone living on the Costa Blanca, discovering Alicante's wines is an accessible, affordable and surprisingly sophisticated pleasure.

D.O. Alicante: geography and grapes

The Denominación de Origen Alicante covers over 4 000 hectares of vineyard across two subzones with very different personalities:

Marina Alta (north)

The valleys of Jalón, Lliber, Gata and Parcent, between mountains and a few kilometres from the sea. Limestone soil, sea-breeze-moderated climate and the queen grape is Moscatel de Alejandría — an aromatic variety producing intense Mediterranean sweet and semi-sweet wines. Some of the province's oldest vines, with century-old stocks that survived phylloxera thanks to sandy soil.

Vinalopó (central-inland)

The highlands of Villena, Pinoso, Monóvar and Novelda, at 500-700 metres altitude. More continental climate: cold winters, warm summers, with a thermal range that concentrates flavour. The star is Monastrell (known as Mourvèdre in France) — a powerful, fruity, characterful red grape producing wines with body and intense colour. Also grown: Garnacha Tintorera, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The wines to know

Moscatel de Alicante

The northern zone's most emblematic wine. Can be dry (less common), semi-sweet or sweet. The natural sweet — made from sun-dried grapes (mistela) — is an aroma bomb: orange blossom, peach, honey, Mediterranean herbs. Perfect as an aperitif, with blue cheeses or desserts. Price at winery: €5-15/bottle.

Monastrell

The Vinalopó reds. Well-made Monastrell is deep-coloured, with aromas of dark fruit (blackberry, plum), sweet spices and a mineral touch from altitude and limestone. The best have oak ageing and compete in quality with French Monastrell (Bandol) at a fraction of the price. Price: €6-20.

Fondillón

Alicante's great secret. Fondillón is a rancio wine made exclusively from Monastrell, aged a minimum of 10 years (many exceed 20-30) using a criadera and solera system similar to sherry. The result is an amber-mahogany wine with aromas of nuts, caramel, tobacco, old wood and a complexity rivalling the world's great dessert wines.

Fondillón has history: the Catholic Monarchs drank it in the 15th century, it was exported to European courts, Shakespeare mentions it and Louis XIV appreciated it. It nearly disappeared in the 20th century but a handful of wineries rescued it and today it is experiencing a quiet renaissance.

It is only produced in Alicante — fondillón from nowhere else exists. Alongside sherry and port, it is one of the Iberian Peninsula's great historic wines. Price: €15-50/bottle (aged ones can exceed €100).

The wineries: where to go

Bodegas Mendoza (Alfaz del Pi)

One of the most accessible from the coast. 10 minutes from Benidorm. Guided tours with moscatel and fondillón tasting. Modern facilities, artisan spirit. The perfect gateway.

Bodegas Enrique Mendoza (Villena)

Heart of the Vinalopó, 60 km from Alicante. Altitude vineyards (700 m), modern winery. Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot reds with high international scores. Tour includes vineyard walk and 4-5 wine tasting. Booking recommended.

Bodegas Gutiérrez de la Vega (Parcent, Marina Alta)

The artisan moscatel reference. Their Casta Diva (late-harvest sweet moscatel) is one of Spain's finest dessert wines — repeatedly awarded internationally. Family-run, small, authentic. The visit is a conversation with the winemaker, not an industrial tour.

Primitivo Quiles (Monóvar)

One of the province's oldest wineries (founded 1780). Their aged fondillón connects with centuries of Alicante winemaking. Also produce moscatel, Monastrell red and artisan vermouth. The ageing cellar — with 50, 80 and 100+ year-old barrels — is a time-travel experience.

Bodegas Francisco Gómez (Villena)

Winery with hotel and restaurant. Organic vineyards, author wines and a complete wine-tourism experience including accommodation, pairing dinner and visit.

Bodegas Bocopa (Petrer)

Cooperative with over 3 500 hectares. Accessible wines (€4-12) with good value. Their Marina Alta moscatel and Laudum Monastrell are supermarket-friendly references.

Wine tourism: beyond the tasting

The Alicante Wine Route organises experiences beyond winery visits:

• Participatory harvest: in September-October, some wineries offer the experience of hand-picking grapes, treading them and participating in the process.
• Pairing tastings: dinner degustations with D.O. wines and local gastronomy (rice, cured meats, cheeses). Various wineries and restaurants, especially in autumn.
• Cycling or hiking routes: through Vinalopó or Marina Alta vineyards, with winery stop for tasting.
• Wine museums: in Villena and Monóvar, spaces dedicated to local winemaking history.

Where to buy

• At the winery: cheapest and most direct. Many sell at prices significantly below retail.
• Alicante wine shops: La Bodeguilla, Vinoselección and other specialist shops.
• Supermarkets: Mercadona and Consum stock D.O. Alicante. Prices €3-12.
• Online: winery websites and platforms like Uvinum or Bodeboca with home delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Is fondillón like sherry?

They share the ageing system (soleras and criaderas) but are different wines. Fondillón is a Monastrell rancio — naturally sweet, unfortified (no added alcohol). Sherry can be dry or sweet, made from Palomino or Pedro Ximénez and is fortified with brandy. Fondillón has a more intimate profile, less oxidative than many sherries, with natural sweetness from overripe grapes.

Are Alicante wines expensive?

No. One of Spain's best value wine regions. A good Monastrell costs €6-15. A quality sweet moscatel €8-15. A young fondillón €15-25. Only very aged fondillones (30+ years) exceed €50. Compared with equivalent-quality wines from Rioja, Priorat or Bordeaux, the price difference is enormous.

Can you do a wine route in a day?

Yes. A day trip from Alicante can include 2-3 Vinalopó wineries (Villena, Pinoso, Monóvar) with lunch locally. It is 60-80 km by comfortable road. Alternative: a Marina Alta morning (Jalón, Lliber, Parcent) with 1-2 moscatel wineries and a coastal rice lunch.

Do I need to book?

For most wineries, yes. Visits are generally by appointment, especially for small groups. Call or book online 2-3 days ahead.

Can you go without a car?

Difficult. Wineries are in rural areas without direct public transport. The car-free option: book an organised tour (several Alicante companies offer wine routes with transport, from €50-80/person) or use a taxi for the shorter Marina Alta route.

If wine is part of your Costa Blanca life idea, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.