Requena: Wine and Heritage

Requena combines a wine tradition with a historic town centre and archaeological remains. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different highlights: tastings and winery tours offer a different focus from the architectural history of the Barrio de la Villa or the remains of a fortified settlement.

Wine and tastings

On guided tours of Bodegas Sierra Norte, experts explain the winemaking process step by step. The winery’s cellars in Requena are located in the Calderón area. Tastings pair wine with suitable local products, such as cured meats, cheese or chocolate. The experience ranges from insights into winemaking to pairings with regional flavours.

The “De la cepa a la copa” experience includes a visit to the vineyard, a tasting of five wines and extra virgin olive oil in the vineyard, and a guided tour of the winery. Advance booking is required for this experience.

The “Enoturismo Experience” has a different focus: it includes tastings of wine, cava and a selection of cured meats at two wineries in Requena. It also includes a meal at a restaurant, where you can choose from typical regional dishes or meat dishes. Confirm the current details of the experience before booking.

Fiesta and city history

The first Fiesta de la Vendimia de Requena was held in 1948; the fiesta received the honorary title “Fiesta de Interés Turístico” (Festival of Tourist Interest). The Museo de la Fiesta de la Vendimia is dedicated to the festival’s clothing, traditions and history. It opened on 26 August 2013 in a recently renovated building at Calle Santa María 41.

The Barrio de la Villa was built between the 8th and 13th centuries, during the Caliphate of Córdoba. Features of this neighbourhood dating from the Islamic period include defensive walls, towers, a castle, several gateways, stone arches and cobbled streets. In 1966, it was designated a site of cultural interest and a historic-artistic site.

The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari also reflects different phases of construction: it dates from the late 13th century and was extensively enlarged in the 18th century. Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements come together in the church.

Caves, archaeology and cultural programme

The visitor route through Las Cuevas de la Villa includes 22 caves covering an area of about 1,200 square metres. The caves were used as grain silos; some were used as ossuaries until the early 19th century. Their main use, however, was the production and storage of wine. On a tour of the cellar cave, you can see traditional winemaking equipment. This means the history of wine is central not only to tastings, but also to the underground spaces.

The Poblado Ibérico de la Muela de Arriba is an archaeological site on a hill. It offers views, and the remains of a fortified settlement have also been preserved. The “De Requena a Ayora” route starts in Requena and passes through Utiel, Caudete de las Fuentes, Villargordo del Cabriel, Venta del Moro, Cofrentes, Jalance, Jarafuel and Zarra.

The Iglesia de Santa María hosts concerts, sacred music series and major exhibitions. Check the current cultural programme before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Casas Del Río, Venta Del Moro, Cortes De Pallás, Campo Olivar, Benicolet, Monserrat, Bufali, Zarra.

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.