Wines of Castelló & Peñiscola Templars 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 an Exclusive Private Full day visit to the interior of Castelló visiting two unique rural vineyards & the Templars Castle of Peñiscola ; tasting a range of interesting red & white wines reflecting terroir & local rare Spanish grapes. Pertaining to organically farmed & almost completely natural forms of winemaking they also have historic styles 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 10-11 wines & includes maridaje local cured charcouteria & cheese, olives & tomatoes of the property. Lunch is at a rustic masia nr the vineyard or at Peñiscola beach restaurant depending on season. Then we´re off 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 small city is like travelling back in time 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…Foto Gallery below
Views from the castle & higher elevations of the city are spectacular with mountain backdrop of Natural Parks Els Ports, Tinença de Benifassà & coast. The fishing port has a daily fish market supplying the local area with great seafood platters.
We also make a wine/beer/cafe refreshment afternoon stop overlooking the bay.
Prices
Exclusive Private tour
Euro 315 p/p based on 2 pers. inc. lunch
Euro 289 p/p based on 2 pers. exc. lunch
Euro 265 p/p based on 4 pers. inc. lunch
euro 240 p/p based on 4 pers. exc. lunch
Includes transport, guided vineyard visits, 10-12 wines tasted, lunch + wine, afternoon refreshment, Peñiscola castle & botanic garden fees, Maritime Museum .
Flexibility to Exclude the tour lunch & Choose the Luxury seafood & game dishes, dining at the Port or Rural Masia.
Private tour price variable with no. pers. attending. Discount for larger 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.