Wine Tasting and Tapas in Bars in Javea Old Town With Lunch

Javea’s historic Old Town offers a delightful fusion of wine tasting and tapas, guiding visitors through a journey of local flavors. Led by the knowledgeable Cristian, guests savor a selection of regional wines paired with traditional Spanish delicacies, including the renowned jamón Ibérico and creamy manchego cheese. The experience unfolds in charming bar settings, where the rich culinary heritage of the area comes to life. But the highlight awaits as the group settles in for a leisurely lunch at a converted butcher shop, showcasing the authentic tastes that define Javea’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

Key Points

• Guided wine tasting journey showcasing local Valencian wines, including a multi-course meal paired with six regional wines.
• Exploration of traditional Spanish jamón and cheese at a family-owned wine shop, complemented by Muscat wine.
• Lunch at a quaint restaurant in a former butcher shop, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and warm hospitality.
• Comprehensive understanding of wine tasting and appreciation, including analysis of appearance, aroma, and taste.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and provides clear guidelines for participant eligibility, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Exploring Javea’s Historic Old Town

The walking tour through Javea’s charming Old Town introduces travelers to the historic heart of this Spanish coastal city.

Winding cobblestone streets are lined with ancient buildings, some dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can admire the classic Mediterranean architecture, with its whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs.

The iconic Plaza de la Constitución, surrounded by cafes and shops, serves as the central hub. Guests have the chance to explore the Mercado Municipal, the local municipal market, and learn about the community’s rich culinary traditions.

Throughout the Old Town, travelers discover the enduring charm and heritage that make Javea a beloved destination on the Costa Blanca.

A Guided Wine Tasting Journey

Travelers on this guided wine tasting journey through Javea’s Old Town enjoy the vibrant local wine culture.

Led by knowledgeable guide Cristian, the group visits a family-owned wine shop established in the 1970s for a Muscat wine tasting. They also stop at the Mercado Municipal de Javea, sampling tapas and locally made sparkling wine.

Throughout the experience, participants gain a basic understanding of wine tasting and appreciation, learning how to pair the regional wines with local delicacies like jamón and cheese.

The highlight is a lunch at a restaurant converted from a historic butcher shop, where the group savors a multi-course meal complemented by six Valencian wines.

Discovering Valencian Sparkling Wine

Travelers’ exploration of Valencian sparkling wine begins at the Mercado Municipal de Javea, where guide Cristian introduces them to a local version of this effervescent delight. Cristian explains the unique blend of grape varietals and traditional production methods that give this sparkling wine its distinct character. Participants eagerly sample the lively bubbles and crisp acidity, gaining a newfound appreciation for the region’s winemaking heritage.

Grape Varieties	Alcohol Content	Residual Sugar	Acidity
Macabeo	12%	Brut	6 g/L
Chardonnay	12.5%	Extra Dry	5.5 g/L
Moscatel	13%	Demi-Sec	7 g/L

The group’s enthusiasm continues as they visit a family-owned wine shop established in the 1970s, where they delve deeper into the unique character of Valencian sparkling wines.

Savoring Local Jamón and Cheese

After sampling the local sparkling wine, travelers are next introduced to the delightful flavors of traditional Spanish jamón and cheese.

The guide leads the group to a family-owned wine shop, where they’re served:

1. Paper-thin slices of jamón Ibérico, the prized dry-cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs.
2. Creamy, nutty manchego cheese, produced from the milk of Manchega sheep.
3. Savory queso curado, a hard, aged cheese with a complex, robust flavor.

Travelers savor these authentic Spanish delicacies, learning about the region’s artisanal food traditions and how they pair beautifully with the Muscat wine tasting that follows.

Lunch at a Converted Butcher Shop

The group then makes their way to a quaint restaurant housed in a former butcher shop, where they’re greeted by the owner’s warm hospitality.

They’re seated at a cozy table, surrounded by the charming ambiance of the converted space.

The lunch menu features locally-sourced ingredients, and the group eagerly anticipates the two-course meal.

The first course showcases the region’s traditional dishes, expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

For the main, they savor tender meats and fresh, vibrant vegetables that perfectly complement the rich, full-bodied wines they’ve tasted throughout the day.

As they linger over the final bites, the group feels a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage of Javea.

Understanding Wine Tasting and Appreciation

As the group savors the final bites of their hearty lunch, Cristian, the knowledgeable guide, begins to share his expertise on the art of wine tasting and appreciation.

He explains that to fully understand a wine, one must consider three key elements:

1. Appearance: Noting the color, clarity, and viscosity of the wine can provide insights into its grape variety, age, and even winemaking process.

2. Aroma: Swirling the wine and taking a deep breath allows one to detect a range of aromas, from fruit to floral to earthy notes, which reflect the wine’s character.

3. Taste: Sipping the wine and allowing it to coat the palate reveals the wine’s structure, including its acidity, tannins, and balance, ultimately shaping the overall drinking experience.

Accessibility and Participation Information

This tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation. The maximum number of participants is 10 travelers. This experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, but most travelers can participate.

Accessibility	Participation
Wheelchair accessible	Maximum 10 travelers
Near public transportation	Not recommended for pregnant or those with serious medical conditions
	Most travelers can participate

Booking and Experience Highlights

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this wine tasting and tapas experience in Javea Old Town.

Participants have the option to reserve now and pay later, and a lowest price guarantee is offered.

The experience highlights include:

1. A knowledgeable guide, Cristian, who shares local history and wine pairings.
2. Stops at the Mercado Municipal de Javea for tapas and locally made sparkling wine, and a family-owned wine shop established in the 1970s for Muscat wine tasting.
3. Enjoyment of local jamón and cheese, and a lunch at a restaurant converted from a butcher shop, where participants gain basic knowledge on wine tasting and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on This Tour?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Participants should notify the operator of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure the experience is tailored to their requirements.

Will the Guide Speak English Throughout the Experience?

The guide, Cristian, speaks English fluently throughout the experience and provides knowledgeable commentary on the local history, wine pairings, and tapas selection. Participants can expect a seamless, informative tour conducted in their preferred language.

Is Photography Permitted During the Wine Tastings?

Yes, participants are generally permitted to take photos during the wine tastings. The guide encourages guests to capture the experience, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the tasting or other participants.

Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Tour Price?

The price of the tour does not include a gratuity for the guide. Participants are expected to provide a tip for the guide at their discretion, based on the quality of the experience and their satisfaction with the service.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for rescheduling if needed. Participants can reserve now and pay later, too.

Recap

This immersive experience in Javea’s Old Town allows visitors to savor the region’s rich culinary heritage. Guided by the knowledgeable Cristian, participants explore local wines paired with traditional tapas in charming bar settings. The highlight is a leisurely lunch at a converted butcher shop, where locally-sourced ingredients enhance the authentic flavors of Javea’s gastronomic scene, offering a truly memorable fusion of wine tasting and regional delicacies.