A winemaking tradition stretching back more than 2,700 years
The district of Utiel-Requena, less than an hour from Valencia, has a winemaking tradition dating back to the 7th century BC, one of the oldest in the world. It is no coincidence that it is held here, amongst late August and early September, the Grape Harvest Fair and Festival from Requena, declared as Tourist Attraction and one of Spain’s longest-running festivals: a parade of floats, the crowning of the festival queen, the blessing of the first must and, of course, the grape treading in the village square.
What does "stomping the grapes" mean? (and why is it still done?)
Until the century XIX, treading the grapes with bare feet was the usual method for break the skin and release the must without crushing the seeds, which would make the wine bitter. Today, most wineries use machinery, but some family-run wineries in the area keep the tradition alive as a wine tourism experience: a way of literally experiencing, wine between my toes before it becomes the drink you have in Valencia.
Our half-day excursion: winery tour, wine tasting and grape treading
At Valencia&Go We’ll take you on a tour of the region known as «Valencian Tuscany» for its rolling hills and golden vineyards, on a half-day excursion designed so you don’t miss a single morning of your trip: departure from Valencia at 9 am and return at around 3 pm. The first stop is the Murviedro Historic Winery, right in the heart of Requena’s old town, with a tasting of three wines and a visit to the mysterious caves of Requena.
We then moved on to Vera d'Estenas to continue the family history and tradition with a second wine tasting featuring food pairings with local cheeses and cured meats. During the season, the experience is rounded off with hands-on contact with the grapes: you can to taste it directly from the vine itself at August and September, and add to that grape treading at September and October, by literally stepping into the wine press to repeat a tradition that generations of winemaking families in this region have been carrying on.
- Pick-up and transfer from Valencia (departure at 9.00 am, return at approx. 3.00 pm)
- Official local guide
- A visit to the Murviedro and Vera de Estenas Historic Winery, including a tasting of three wines, cheeses and cured meats
- Grape tasting straight from the vine (August–September) and grape treading (September–October)
- Landscapes of golden vineyards, perfect for autumn photos
What if I come at a different time?
Outside the harvest window It’s also worth it: the visit to the cellar, the tour of the vineyards and the tasting they remain a complete experience in their own right during all year round.
Frequently asked questions:
- Until when can I take part in the grape-treading this year?
Grape treading takes place in September and October, whilst the grape harvest season is underway in the region. - Do you need any experience or special clothing?
No, it’s an activity suitable for everyone. That said, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. - How long does the excursion last?
It’s a half-day excursion: we set off from Valencia at 9 am and return at around 3 pm.
Book your place to experience the grape harvest as it used to be done before machines were invented.
Check availability on our Utiel-Requena Wineries Tour with a vineyard wine tasting.
Experience Valencia like a local!