Wine & Beer Day Trip in the City of Love: Altea!

Getting a taste of Altea through a combined wine and beer day trip offers more than just drinking; it’s a full immersion into local flavors, culture, and scenery. The experience is designed to showcase the best of the Valencian Community, with visits to a boutique brewery, a historic vineyard, and a cozy tapas bar. It’s a well-rounded day packed with tasting opportunities, cultural insights, and scenic views.

What I particularly appreciate about this tour is how it balances educational moments—like the tour of the Althaia Brewery—and relaxing tasting sessions with local cheeses, sausages, and wines. The guides, who speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Scandinavian tongues, are clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge. Plus, the visit to Bodega Pepe Mendoza, which dates back to Roman times, adds a touch of history to this liquid adventure.

A possible consideration is the cost — at $244 per person, this isn’t a budget experience, but the value lies in the quality of tastings, the scenic visits, and the authentic vibe. Some travelers might find the day a bit packed, especially if they prefer more leisure and less moving between stops. But if you’re eager to combine culinary curiosity with cultural exploration, this trip hits the right notes.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic tasting experience with craft beers, wines, and local cheeses.
• Insightful guides enhance understanding of brewing and winemaking traditions.
• Historic vineyard with Roman roots offers a unique glimpse into Spain’s wine heritage.
• Delicious homemade tapas provide a cozy, local flavor that amplifies the day.
• Balanced itinerary with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed.
• Transport included makes logistics simple, with pick-up and drop-off at the meeting point.

Exploring the Heart of Altea’s Liquid Offerings

This tour is a carefully curated day out that combines craft beer, wine, history, and food—a winning combo for those who enjoy tasting their way through a region. Starting at the Althaia Brewery, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, learning about the passion that goes into each batch. The brewery is a bit of a hidden gem, and the four beer types you’ll sample are described as created “with love and precision.” I love the idea of pairing these beers with local cheeses and sausages, which elevates the tasting experience beyond just gulping down drinks.

One reviewer praised the “insightful tour” at Althaia, mentioning that the guide made everything clear and engaging, especially about the brewing process. This makes the experience more meaningful, especially for those interested in how different types of beer are crafted.

Following the beers, you’ll head to the Tapas Gastro Bar, a family-run spot known for its homemade cuisine. Relishing three traditional tapas made with fresh local ingredients, along with two drinks of your choice, gives you a real sense of Spanish hospitality. The cozy atmosphere, as noted by many, makes this part of the day especially enjoyable, emphasizing authentic, home-cooked flavors.

Next up is the visit to Bodega Pepe Mendoza, a vineyard with roots that stretch back to Roman times. Here, you can stroll through picturesque vineyards that grow Giró and Moscatel de Alejandría grapes, some of which have been cultivated since the 1920s. The six wines you taste here, paired with cheeses and cured meats, offer a deep dive into Spanish wine tradition. Not only does this add a sense of history, but the wines are described as “exquisite” and a highlight of the trip by several guests.

The Practicalities and Logistics

The day is structured with organized transport, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics. The itinerary includes stops at each location with ample time to enjoy tastings—roughly two hours at the brewery, one and a half hours for lunch, and another two hours at the vineyard. This pace allows for relaxed exploration rather than rushing from place to place.

Cost-wise, $244 per person covers not just the tastings but also the guided transport, lunch, and entry to all sites. For those interested in experiencing the local beverages in a cultural setting, this offers good value, especially considering the quality of the guides and inclusions. The tour is perfect for groups seeking a comprehensive taste of Altea’s liquids and flavors, with a focus on authentic, small-scale producers.

One point to keep in mind is the limited availability—book at least three days in advance—and the fact that this experience is suitable only for those over 19, with restrictions on pets, smoking, and alcohol consumption in the vehicle. The tour runs in multiple languages, including English, which makes it accessible for international visitors.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for adventurous drinkers interested in craft beer and wine, as well as those who appreciate good food and cultural history. It’s a wonderful choice for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting to learn while tasting. If you’re someone who enjoys authentic, small-scale producers and values storytelling by guides, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

However, if you prefer more leisurely or less structured days or are traveling on a tight budget, you might find this day a bit busy or pricier than other local options. But for value and authenticity, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the Estación de Altea, a central and accessible spot. From there, a comfortable coach takes you on a 30-minute scenic drive to the Althaia Brewery. The transport is smooth, and the guides handle logistics seamlessly, taking the hassle out of the day so you can relax and focus on the tastings.

At Althaia Brewery: Beer Tasting & Tour

You’ll spend about two hours here, with a guided tour explaining how each beer is brewed. The four types you sample are chosen to showcase different styles and flavors, and the guide’s enthusiasm makes the process engaging. The pairing with local cheeses and sausages adds a culinary dimension, making each sip more memorable. Several reviews praise the staff for their knowledgeable and friendly approach.

Lunch at Tapas Gastro Bar

After the brewery, the bus takes you into Altea’s charming town center, where the family-run Tapas Gastro Bar awaits. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes you feel like a guest in someone’s home. The three tapas dishes—crafted with care—offer a true taste of Spanish home cooking, with the added bonus of two drinks. Many guests mention that the quality of the food and the hospitality exceeded expectations.

Vineyard Visit at Bodega Pepe Mendoza

The afternoon takes you to a vineyard with Roman roots, a highlight for many. The lush vineyards, mostly growing Giró and Moscatel de Alejandría grapes, have been producing wine since the 1920s. The guided walk through the vineyards reveals stories of tradition and resilience. After the tour, you’ll taste six wines, which many describe as “exquisite” and “a highlight of the day.” Paired with Spanish cheeses and cured meats, it’s a fitting end to the liquid journey.

Returning to Altea

The day concludes with a comfortable coach ride back to the starting point, allowing you to relax and reflect on your tastings. The entire experience lasts about six hours, making it a full but manageable day out.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys discovering local flavors with a touch of history and culture, this tour offers a solid package. It’s especially well-suited for food and drink enthusiasts who value quality over quantity, as well as those wanting to learn from passionate guides. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, and the inclusion of transport and meals makes it straightforward for visitors.

While the price might seem steep, the quality of tastings, the diversity of experiences, and the professional guides justify the cost. It’s a great way to spend a day tasting your way through Altea’s vibrant beverage scene while soaking up the town’s charm and scenic beauty.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes. The tour provides guided transport from and back to the meeting point, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the entire day? The experience lasts around six hours, with scheduled stops at each location for tasting and exploration.

What is the price? It costs $244 per person, which covers all tastings, meals, transport, and guided tours.

Are there any age restrictions? Yes, participants must be over 19 years old; younger travelers and babies under 1 year are not permitted.

What languages are available for guides? Guides speak English, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

Is this suitable for private groups? Absolutely. The experience is designed for private groups, providing a personalized feel.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve at least three days ahead due to limited availability.

This Wine & Beer Day Trip in Altea offers an engaging journey through top-notch local beverages, complemented by delicious food and cultural insights. It’s a perfect choice for those eager to learn about Spanish drink traditions while enjoying the scenic beauty and warm hospitality of Altea.