A Taste of the Mediterranean: Food and Wine Tours in Costa Blanca
A visit to Alicante offers a unique explosion of flavors that combines the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. This beautiful city is home to endless beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a variety of delicious food and drink that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Alicante’s gastronomy is based on two pillars: the sea and the land, where most of the ingredients come from the Valencia Region.
The traditional cuisine in Alicante uses salted fish, a staple ingredient in dishes like pericana, made with cod, dried peppers, garlic, and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish used to be a popular meal among farmers and ranchers who needed a quick dinner after a long day of work. Additionally, rice is the star ingredient in most dishes served in Alicante, earning it the nickname “The City of Rice.”
Borreta is another famous dish in Alicante, prepared with potatoes, flaked cod, dried peppers, spinach, salt, and olive oil, and finished with several eggs. The city’s gastronomy has been thriving for years in family kitchens, where traditional, local dishes made with ingredients from the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea keep the area’s essence intact.
Ferran Adrià, a renowned chef, acknowledges Alicante’s unique culinary offerings, saying that the city has an elf that takes over the ingredients and creates exceptional dishes with unique flavors. Alongside the food, the Denomination of Origin of Alicante wines perfectly complements the cuisine, making the city a top destination for food and wine tourism in Spain.
When it comes to food and wine experiences, Costa Blanca has no shortage of options. Whether you prefer leisurely lunches or guided tours, the region known for paella, tapas, and Rioja wine has something to offer. Explore the mountains and take in the stunning vineyard views, or stop by one of the charming rural villages for a true taste of Spain. The quality of produce is exceptional, and local experts are eager to teach you how to prepare traditional dishes to impress your loved ones at home.
One notable wine producer in the area is Celler la Muntanya in Muro d’Acoi. Their innovative approach involves sourcing grapes from smallholder growers. Vineyards are abundant throughout the region, and one unique experience is taking a flight over the area to witness the rows of impeccable vines set within three beautiful natural parks. Of course, a wine tasting session is a must, featuring their award-winning Crianza red wine, playfully named Paco el Chocolatero (Paco the Chocolatier).
Bodegas Faelo, Elche
Bodegas Faelo, located near Elche, is a charming family-owned winery in the heart of the countryside that has been producing wine for over a century. You can learn about the ancient art of winemaking on a personal tour with the owner, who will guide you through the traditional techniques used in the winery. Along with wine tastings of their finest boutique wines, visitors also get to enjoy the savoury delights of the region such as homemade breads, cheeses, dried sausages, and olive oil. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the authentic taste of the area while immersing yourself in the history of winemaking.
Valencia is renowned for its delicious rice dishes, including the iconic paella. If you’re visiting the city, don’t miss the chance to learn how to make your own authentic paella, arroz a banda, or arroz negro with A Taste of Spain. This cooking class offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in creating a sumptuous three-course meal using traditional techniques and fresh ingredients.
Led by two experienced chefs, you’ll start by selecting the best rice and seafood, then you’ll learn how to prepare and cook each ingredient to perfection. The chefs will guide you through every step of the process, providing insights into the cultural and historical significance of the dishes you’ll be making.
Once you’ve completed your culinary creations, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down and savor your meal. You’ll also receive recipe cards so you can recreate these dishes for your family and friends back home. This experience is not only a great way to learn about Spanish cuisine, but also a fun and memorable way to spend an afternoon in Valencia.
Alicante Smart Destination offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, and gastronomy in one exciting tour. Start your journey in the charming town of El Campello, where you’ll discover the fascinating 5,000-year-old archaeological site of La Illeta. Take a stroll through history and learn about the ancient civilization that once lived there.
After your historical excursion, it’s time to head to the bustling fish market. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the intricacies of the auctioning process and help you pick out the freshest seafood. Once you have your bounty, head to the Tourism and Culinary Training Centre of El Campello, where the talented chefs will create a sumptuous seafood feast for you to enjoy.
While your meal is being prepared, take the opportunity to indulge in a wine-tasting session. Learn about the different grape varietals and the winemaking process as you sample a selection of delicious local wines. The wine-tasting will be an excellent way to enhance your appreciation of the seafood meal that awaits you.
When your meal is ready, sit down and enjoy an authentic and lavish seafood feast. From the succulent grilled octopus to the mouthwatering grilled prawns and everything in between, every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection.
Overall, the Alicante Smart Destination tour is a fantastic way to experience the rich history and culture of the region, while also indulging in some of the finest seafood that Spain has to offer.
When visiting Alicante, be sure to explore the 200 kilometers of beaches, tranquil coves, and water sports available in the stunning Costa Blanca. Alicante’s unique blend of gastronomy, landscapes, and recreational activities is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.