Explore the rich dairy and winemaking heritage of Spain’s Utiel-Requena region on this guided tour from Valencia. Enjoy the artisanal craft of cheesemaking, crafting your own personalized wheel under the guidance of local experts. Then, venture to the acclaimed Vera de Estenas Winery for a tasting of award-winning vintages, expertly paired with regional sausages. This captivating experience offers a window into the culinary traditions that have shaped the flavors of this picturesque countryside. Uncover the stories behind each taste and discover why this region has become a destination for food and wine enthusiasts.
Key Points
- Guided 5-hour tour of Utiel-Requena region, 1 hour from Valencia, to discover vineyards, cheese factory, and rural winery.
- Hands-on cheese-making workshop at family-owned cheese factory in Pedrones, including a tasting of 8 cheeses paired with white wine.
- Exploration of the region’s rich dairy tradition and artisanal cheese production through a guided tour and workshop.
- Guided tasting of 3 award-winning wines from Vera de Estenas Winery, paired with local sausages, in a picturesque countryside setting.
- Pickup and drop-off service from multiple locations in Valencia for a seamless and convenient experience.
Tour Overview
This guided 5-hour tour explores the Utiel-Requena region, located just 1 hour from Valencia, offering visitors a chance to discover the area’s vineyards, an authentic cheese factory, and a picturesque rural winery.
Guests will have the opportunity to make their own cheese during a hands-on workshop at the family-owned cheese factory in Pedrones.
The tour also includes a visit to the Vera de Estenas Winery, where participants can stroll through the vineyards and enjoy a guided tasting of 3 wines paired with local sausages.
With pickup and drop-off service from multiple locations in Valencia, this tour provides a well-rounded experience to take in the region’s food and wine culture.
Loving the local insights? Here are more guided experiences we recommend in Valencia
Cheese Factory Experience
The tour moves on to the cheese factory in the town of Pedrones, where guests get an up-close look at the family-owned operation and its time-honored cheese-making techniques.
Visitors embark on a guided workshop, where they’ll have the opportunity to create their own cheese under the instruction of the factory’s artisans.
The tour also includes a visit to the cheese caves, where guests can observe the aging process and learn about the nuances of the manufacturing process.
The experience culminates in a tasting of eight different cheeses, each paired with unlimited white wine, allowing participants to fully enjoy the rich flavors of the local dairy tradition.
Guided Cheese-Making Workshop
Guided by the factory’s seasoned artisans, visitors explore the time-honored craft of cheese-making, learning hands-on techniques as they craft their very own wheels of cheese.
The interactive workshop takes participants through each step of the process – from curdling the milk to molding the curds and aging the final product.
Participants enthusiastically knead, press, and shape the fresh curds, infusing their cheeses with personalized flavors and designs.
As the cheese ages, visitors gain an appreciation for the patience and attention to detail required to produce exceptional, artisanal cheeses.
With the guidance of expert cheesemakers, this hands-on experience offers a unique glimpse into the art of traditional cheese production.
Cheese Tasting and Wine
After the interactive cheese-making workshop, visitors embark on a delightful cheese tasting complemented by a selection of regional wines. The family-owned cheese factory’s seasoned artisans guide participants through an exploration of eight distinct cheeses, each showcasing the nuanced flavors and textures that result from the time-honored production methods.
As participants savor the cheeses, they’ve the opportunity to enjoy unlimited pairings of crisp, refreshing white wine, further enhancing the sensory experience.
The cheese tasting offers a tantalizing journey through the region’s culinary heritage:
- Creamy, smooth goat cheese
- Sharp, tangy sheep’s milk cheese
- Rich, nutty manchego
Vera De Estenas Winery
Situated in a picturesque countryside setting, Vera de Estenas Winery beckons visitors to explore its vibrant vineyards and discover the artistry behind its award-winning wines.
Guests are treated to a guided tour that delves into the winery’s rich history and the meticulous wine production process. As they stroll through the vineyards, they’ll learn about the region’s unique terroir and the grape varieties that thrive here.
The highlight of the visit is the guided tasting, where visitors can sample three of the winery’s finest offerings, expertly paired with local sausages. With its charming ambiance and exceptional wines, Vera de Estenas Winery offers an authentic and unforgettable winery experience.
Taste buds happy? More delicious discoveries we love in Valencia
- Food Course at the Farmer’s Place in Valencia With Wine Tasting!
- The 10 Tastings of Valencia With Locals: Private Food Walking Tour
- Two Wineries Tour With Wine Tasting
- Valencas Greatest Food, History & Culture Tour
- Valencia: Local Tapas & Wine Tasting Experience
- Valencia: Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings With Locals
Vineyards and Wine Production
As visitors stroll through the picturesque vineyards of Vera de Estenas Winery, they’ll discover the meticulous attention to detail that goes into the region’s wine production. The winery’s experts guide guests through the process, sharing insights into the unique terroir and the carefully selected grape varieties that thrive in this idyllic countryside setting.
Guests can expect to learn:
-
How the winery’s sustainable farming practices nurture the vines and produce high-quality grapes.
-
The intricate steps involved in fermentation, aging, and blending that unlock the flavors and aromas of the wines.
-
The fascinating history and traditions that have shaped Utiel-Requena’s renowned status as a premier wine-producing region.
Wine Tasting With Sausages
Guests are treated to a guided tasting of three locally-produced wines, each expertly paired with delectable regional sausages to accentuate the complex flavors.
The first wine, a crisp white, is complemented by a savory chorizo sausage, the bold notes of the meat harmonizing beautifully with the wine’s bright acidity.
Next, a robust red wine is served alongside a smoky, paprika-infused sausage, the richness of the meat balancing the wine’s tannins.
Finally, a luscious dessert wine is paired with a creamy, artisanal blue cheese sausage, the sweetness of the wine cutting through the bold, pungent flavors of the cheese.
This pairing experience offers a delightful exploration of the region’s finest gastronomic delights.
Transportation and Inclusions
The tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off service from multiple locations throughout Valencia, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for participants.
Included in the tour are the official guide, who accompanies the group throughout the day, as well as all necessary tickets for entry to the cheese factory and winery.
Plus, free water is provided during the trip to keep guests hydrated.
The tour’s inclusions make it a well-rounded and hassle-free experience:
- Official guide for the duration of the tour
- Tickets to the cheese factory and winery
- Free water to stay refreshed
With these thoughtful details, guests can focus on seeing the cheese-making and wine-tasting activities without worrying about logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take the Cheese Home With Me?
Yes, visitors can take the cheese they make home with them. The tour includes a guided cheese-making workshop, allowing participants to create their own cheese to bring back as a souvenir of the experience.
Is There Vegetarian or Vegan Cheese-Making Available?
The tour offers a vegetarian cheese-making experience, but does not specifically accommodate vegan participants. Guests can create their own cheese during the guided workshop, but options are limited to traditional dairy-based varieties.
Can I Choose the Specific Cheeses to Taste?
Guests can sample a variety of 8 different cheeses during the tasting, but they cannot choose the specific cheeses. The cheeses are selected by the cheese factory to showcase their signature offerings and the region’s dairy products.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is generally geared towards adults, with a focus on cheese-making and wine tasting. However, children may be accommodated if accompanied by an adult, though the experience would be more suitable for older children interested in food and agriculture.
What Is the Refund Policy in Case of Cancellation?
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy. Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees or be non-refundable.
Recap
This guided tour from Valencia offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich dairy and winemaking traditions.
Visitors can create their own personalized cheese at a family-owned factory, then savor award-winning wines paired with local delicacies at the picturesque Vera de Estenas Winery.
It’s a captivating blend of hands-on experiences and picturesque countryside, showcasing the culinary treasures of the Utiel-Requena region.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Valencia
More Tours in Valencia
More Tour Reviews in Valencia
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Valencia we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In Valencia
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Valencia
- 17 Best Food Tours In Valencia
- 6 Best Full-Day Tours In Valencia
- 2 Best 4 Day Tours In Valencia
- 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Valencia
- 7 Best Dining Experiences In Valencia
- 7 Best Dinner Tours In Valencia
- 7 Best Jet-Ski Experiences In Valencia
- 1 Week Intensive Spanish Course (20 Lessons/Week)
- Biketour in Valencia With Locals
- One-way Valencia Airport To/From Benicàssim (FIB)