Wines of Castelló & Peñiscola Castle
Historically during Roman times Castellon (Castelló) possessed much larger vineyard areas producing wines from varieties such as Moscatel de Alejandria & Mourvèdre, a viticulture which continued for centuries until the arrival of philoxera.
Later uprooting of hybrid vines combined with restrictive legislation favouring citrus agriculture further reduced viticulture. With a resurgence of winemaking in Castelló under the “Vino de la Tierra de Castellon”, older vineyards are being recovered and traditions brought back to life with both native Spanish & plantings of French varietals.
We propose a Full day visit to the interior of Castelló visiting two rural vineyards tasting a range of red & white wines reflecting terroir & local rare Spanish grapes. Pertaining to unique, organically farmed & almost completely natural forms of winemaking they have unique types of wine outside the IGP .
Wines have low & no suphites, minimalist approach without artificial adjustments. The landscape is rich with olive & almond trees with a sense of being wild and somewhat isolated from modern life. The vineyards also grow olives, almonds and make olive oil on an artisan basis. Some olive trees date back 800yrs.
Our vineyard experience tastes 9-10 wines & includes maridaje local cured charcouteria & cheese, olives plus quality lunch at a rustic masia nr the vineyard or at Peñiscola beach. Then to explore the Castle of Pope Luna & the walled historic city of Peñiscola.
The Templars castle (1294-1307), one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses of Castelló & former home of Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna). The “Knights Templar” built this Romanesque work on the remains of the Arab Citadel and is similiar in style to others in the Holy Land & Catalonia. The castle was used as the set for “Game of Thrones” 2015 & film “El Cid “ 1961 featuring Charlton Heston.
Walking the cobbled streets that weave the city is like travelling back in time and immersing oneself in the Middle Ages. Phoenicians, Greeks followed by Carthaginians, Romans & Arabs sailed the prosperous Mediterranean to this advantageous location… being an impregnable fortress with kind climate & provision of fresh water from springs under the citadel.
The monuments & historic artifacts are numerous to detail here & include Templars Castle, 3 Fortress entrances heraldic escudos, Artillery Depot (now botanic garden), Plaza de Armas, Virgin de la Ermitana church, parish church, Lighthouse ca. 1892, Martime Museum and more…
We also make a refreshment afternoon stop overlooking the bay.
Prices
Discount for large group or joining group
Itinerary
- Pick-up hotel Valencia city 0845hrs / Returning at Valencia approx. 1930hrs or earlier on request.
- Fully guided two Organic/Natural vineyard visits/tastings 9-10 wines + maridaje charcouteria & cheese.
- Lunch in Peñiscola or Masia Restaurante nr. Vineyard.
- Peñiscola historic city walkabout exploring, inc. entrance fees to Papa Luna Castle & Botanic gardens.
- Afternoon refreshment (cerveza/wine ) in Peñiscola.
- Maritime Museum optional if desired.
DURATION: 9-11hrs variable as you wish.
Please ask for availability and tour options/prices as can be tailor made for you.