The Region of Murcia in Spain, known for its sunny climate, is a prominent producer of robust red wines primarily made from the Monastrell grape.
The region boasts three wines that are officially recognised for their exceptional quality as denominaciones de origen (DO): Jumilla, Bullas, and Yecla.
As September approaches, the harvest season begins in Murcia, and the regions of Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas come alive with a variety of activities celebrating this crucial time in the winemaking calendar.
Exciting Harvest Festivities
In Yecla, the harvest festivities include a National Folklore Festival, featuring the symbolic ‘grape tread’, where attendees extract the first must of the season and celebrate with a toast. Visitors can also hike the magical Mount Arabí at sunset and enjoy a wine tasting of Castaño wines at Bodegas Castaño.
Bodegas Luzón in Jumilla offers family-friendly activities where everyone can participate in making must, the grape juice for the next harvest. Adults can enjoy local wines while the entire family gets involved.
Other options include savouring wines while exploring the archaeological site of Coimbra del Barranco Ancho or enjoying a themed dinner, “Salt, Gastronomy and Wine”, at the Salinas De la Rosa in the Sierra del Carche Natural Park.
In Bullas, the Vinestesia celebration, Wine Night, and Harvest Day are in full swing, with local music accompanying the wine. At Bodega Monastrell, visitors can partake in harvest workshops and guided vineyard tours, followed by a lunch paired with local wines.
October in Jumilla features the national photography contest “Drinking with Your Eyes”, showcasing artistic works that capture the winemaking process. Visitors can enjoy these artworks and sample wines at El Zacatín de Bullas Market.
The Matavendimia Jumilla P.D.O. Wine Tourism Fair takes place during the last week of October, coinciding with the first grape picking of the season. This cultural celebration includes live music, tastings, and a fairground, offering workshops for children and a memorable experience for the entire family.
World Wine Tourism Day in November
On 12 November, Jumilla, Bullas, and Yecla celebrate World Wine Tourism Day with numerous activities immersing visitors in the local wine culture.
Bullas hosts the “Secret Wine Walk”, starting at the Wine Museum and proceeding through the century-old vineyards of the Acheniche Valley. The tour concludes with a visit to Bodegas Balcona, a family winery established in 1998.
Yecla celebrates Noche Tinta (Red Wine Night), where visitors can taste the first Monastrells of the year accompanied by live music. Additionally, the Maratón Enoturístico (Wine Tourism Walk) offers a gastronomic wine tour through the wineries of the Yecla Wine Route.
In Jumilla, local restaurants prepare special dishes each weekend to be paired with excellent P.D.O. wines. The local Wine Museum also hosts open houses and tours of the town’s historic centre.
Accommodation Options
For accommodation, several options are available across the region:
- Bullas: Hotel SG in the centre of Bullas offers a 3-night stay from £106 per person based on two adults sharing, available from 12 September.
- Jumilla: Hotel Monreal Jumilla, located in the wine region of Jumilla, provides a 3-night stay from £86 per person based on two adults sharing, available from 10 October.
- Yecla: Alojamientos Libertad, in the centre of Yecla, offers a 3-night stay from £83 per person based on two adults sharing, available from 11 November.
- Between Jumilla and Yecla: Casa Boquera hotel, situated in a vineyard, offers a 3-night stay from £102 per person based on two adults sharing, available from 28 August. The hotel features a private garden, a swimming pool, and guided tours of both Jumilla and Yecla.
Conclusion
The Region of Murcia in Spain, known for its sunny climate, is a prominent producer of robust red wines primarily made from the Monastrell grape. The region boasts three wines that are officially recognised for their exceptional quality as denominaciones de origen (DO): Jumilla, Bullas, and Yecla.
As September approaches, the harvest season begins in Murcia, and the regions of Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas come alive with a variety of activities celebrating this crucial time in the winemaking calendar.
In Yecla, the harvest festivities include a National Folklore Festival, featuring the symbolic ‘grape tread’, where attendees extract the first must of the season and celebrate with a toast.
Visitors can also hike the magical Mount Arabí at sunset and enjoy a wine tasting of Castaño wines at Bodegas Castaño.
